Follow the rugged coastline of Cape Town north and you’ll soon reach the holiday haven of Langebaan. Known as one of the world’s best kitesurfing destinations, thanks to its expansive protected lagoon, flat water, consistent wind and sunny climate, Langebaan is a tiny town with loads to offer.
But it’s not just great kitesurfing that draws us to the area, the surroundings are a nature lover’s paradise with secret coves of white sands, islands filled-to-the-brim with birds, whales frolicking off the shoreline, a spring season that finds the area abloom with wildflowers and a variety of wilderness areas just waiting to be explored.
Travel just a few kilometres from the sandy beaches of the lagoon, and you can even go on safari for the day!
Thali Thali Game Lodge is located within easy reach of the town centre and is perfect for a day visit on one of those rare no-wind days. Ideal for first-time safari-goers, the reserve offers the choice of two game drives a day as well as a number of safe walking trails. On an adventure into the 1,460-hectare reserve we were delighted with sightings of zebra, springbok, wildebeest, bontebok, ostrich, and even some rare sable antelope bulls.
But is was the giraffe that really captured our attention. The magnificent couple came striding up to the vehicles to enjoy a feed of lucerne with their two young ones following diligently behind. Without a care in the world, they happily munched on the hay, allowing us ample photographic opportunities!
After our little taste of the safari experience, we enjoyed a delicious meal at Thali Thali’s restaurant which serves up some spectacular traditional African fare. With a gin and tonic in hand, we watched with delight as some emus strolled past our table.
As a cool breeze blew we knew the wind was picking up and it was time to return to our kitesurfing but for those who do want to stay a little bit longer there is overnight accommodation in self-catering chalets or glamping-style safari tents.
Who knew that you could combine your sand, sea and sun getaway in South Africa with a touch of safari on the side?
