Langebaan is infamous for being a windy West Coast town situated on a picturesque lagoon. But what it should be known for is its hidden gems that make the wind nothing more than a pleasant breeze, earning its nickname, ‘Jewel of the West Coast’.  

My partner and I recently ventured on an exciting, brave road trip to Langebaan from Johannesburg, stopping off at Kimberley to view the Kimberley Hole for the night and then onto Beaufort West for another night.  

Upon arriving in Langebaan, before heading to our accommodation, we decided to get to the essentials first and headed directly to the Black Eagle Craft Brewery – a festive pub offering scrumptious snacks and a delicious selection of craft beer. This is a pub to be visited on every visit to Langebaan – and often – which is exactly what we did, returning twice more before our stay was over. 

Langebaan features a wide range of restaurants and bistros where one can indulge in fresh seafood, pub fare and even dining on the beach.  

It is the ideal location to enjoy a few day trips out – Paternoster is just a 30 min drive away and a must-visit village with its delightful charm. Saldanha Bay is another great day out for whale spotting, and the West Coast National Park offers something for everyone.  

Full days can be spent kite- or wind-surfing as the wind promises magnificent surfing opportunities. It’s great for family holidays as Langebaan is set on a lagoon, an ideal spot for safe swimming. 

We spent long, lazy days strolling along the beach, enjoying the colourful sight of kites in the air, our feet in the sand and a glass of wine in hand. We relished fare from the different beach restaurants while playing backgammon for hours, had afternoon naps and scenic drives out. All in all, it was a wonderful holiday spent outdoors under the African sun, breathing in the salty sea air. 

Browse our fantastic West Coast holiday packages.