West Coast National Park, Nature reserve and national park in Western Cape, South Africa
West Coast National Park is a nature reserve and national park along the Atlantic coast that combines marine areas, beaches, wetlands, and other habitats across roughly 27,000 hectares. The land supports over 250 bird species and a range of mammals and plants adapted to the coastal and semi-arid environment.
The park preserves fossils of ancient mammals, including sabre-toothed cats and four-tusked elephants, from millions of years ago. These discoveries reveal that the region once had a very different climate and wildlife than what exists there today.
Stone fish traps and shell heaps scattered across the land tell the story of Khoikhoi people who lived here and fished these waters for thousands of years. Visitors can see traces of how communities used the coastal resources in their daily lives.
The park is open daily and well-suited for walking, bird watching, and coastal exploration on foot. Multiple entry points and accommodation options ranging from camping to self-catering cottages allow visitors to plan visits that fit their preferences and schedule.
From August to September, the Postberg section turns into a vast display of wildflowers in different hues, creating natural gardens along the coastline. This seasonal transformation is a reminder that the park changes dramatically throughout the year.
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