West Coast National Park

Educational Programmes

These Educational Programmes were designed to meet the demands of the curriculum.We strive to address the Learning Outcomes of the various learning areas.

Kids learning about the rocky and sandy shores

Orientation

Slideshow presentation on history of the park. The group gets an opportunity to view different slides of images of the park where a facilitator elaborates on the images, e.g what the park looked like before it was proclaimed; the history of the West Coast National Park, the Khoisan huts, tourist attractions like the flowers, birds, hiking trails, cycle routes and accommodation.

Botanical Route

This excursion entails a dune walk (700m) on the Dawid Bester (master tracker) hiking trail. Identifying of different plant species, plant adaptations and its medicinal value. Learn the importance of the dunes, how they were formed and what is being done to conserve it.

Birds and saltmarshes

Learn about Saltmarsh ecology, the Langebaan lagoon and it’s Ramsar status as well as a discussion of migratory birds. Understanding about how the vegetation is the saltmarshes survive and how marine pollution can be detrimental to our marine creatures.

Game Drive

Game drive into Postberg Nature Reserve, game viewing and a discussion on the importance of balance in eco-systems. Environmental issues that are discussed include the overpopulation of game in the Postberg Nature Reserve - how we manage game, the processes that we carry out such as culling and game capturing.

Rocky and sandy shore ecology

Hands-on activity and various forms of life and rocks are explored. Learn about what causes the tides, facts about red tide as well as search for living organisms under rocks and kelp.

Adopt-a–beach project

This involves a beach clean-up, analysing of garbage and a discussion on marine pollution.

Kayaking

Subject to weather conditions.

Educational Hike

People and Conservation officer oversees the hike and is specifically for school groups who are staying in the Stables accommodation. Route of the hike.