The Langebaan Lagoon is home to the West Coast National Park, and is a wetland of international importance. The Lagoon was shaped by the rise and fall of sea levels during prehistoric times (this is quite unlike typical lagoons, which form where fresh water rivers enter the sea). The result is a purely saltwater lagoon.

The basis of the Langebaan Lagoon ecosystem originates from the depths of the ocean with the ocean currents, wind and sun, all working together. The cold Benguela current that flows up the West Coast brings nutrient rich water from the Antarctic. A combination of the ocean current and prevailing south-easterly winds, results in a phenomenon known as ‘upwelling’. This upwelling forces nutrients (consisting of decomposed matter from the seabed) to be brought up to the surface along the shoreline. The daily change in the tides brings this nutrient rich water into the Lagoon.

In the Lagoon, the filter feeders like mussels, mud prawns and bloodworms, rely on these nutrients from the decomposition cycle. In turn, these organisms then provide a food source for fish and birds. The thousands of resident and migrant birds feed off the nutrients generated from the salt marshes as well as the sea creatures that live off these nutrients. The guano from these birds is returned to the lagoon and thus provides vital nutrients back to the salt marshes. Since this ecosystem is like a chain, if any of the links are removed, the entire system may stop functioning. No matter how small or insignificant, every little piece of the ecosystem is in place for a reason and is critical to its existence.

The scrubland surrounding Langebaan and its beautiful Lagoon is a prime example of Strandveld Fynbos (Coastal Fynbos) and forms part of the Cape Fynbos Floral Kingdom. The visitor can enjoy an all year round spectacular display of our floral splendour. TheStrandveld also provides a home for various Fauna species that are even active in built up areas. Birds form an integral part of the ecology in the region providing a paradise to birding enthusiasts.