Most people have never heard of Churchhaven or Church Haven as it is sometimes written. It is located someplace on the West Coast, as some people will tell you, and they are correct. But few are aware that it is tucked away in the Postberg Flower Reserve neighbourhood of the West Coast National Park. Despite being close to Kraalbaai, it isn’t even shown on the typical map.
Churchhaven, though, is a charming little fishing community. Small but boasting beautiful instances of white-washed fishermen’s homes that have been repaired, with more recent and contemporary versions adopting a similar style. Churchhaven, a tiny fishing community, also enjoys a good location.
One of the best spots in the nation to see Namaqualand spring flowers is Postberg, a region of the Western Cape Nature Reserve that only opens during specific months of the year (August and September). The Postberg two-day hiking trail, which explores an exquisite coastline of beaches, is accessible through the reserve.
Around an hour’s drive from Cape Town, up the R27, are Postberg and Churchhaven. In the middle of the distance between Yzerfontein and Langebaan is the West Coast National Park. Those who concur that Langebaan and Club Mykonos have overdeveloped flee to Kraalbaai, just south of Postberg. In a way, it and Churchhaven are both sanctuaries and offer a lovely retreat while being close to Cape Town.
The larger Langebaan Lagoon includes Kraal Baai or Kraalbaai. Ostriches and seabirds call this area home; it is still barren and stunning. But given that one is permitted to picnic, braai, and fish here, it can get very busy during the week and on weekends. You are more likely to find it lonely and stunning if you visit during the week or at dusk. Keep an eye out for the Preekstoel, a prominent rock.
Things To Do In The Churchhaven
Eve’s Trail
Eve’s Trail is a wilderness hike that begins on the white sands of the seashore south of West Coast National Park. It is one of five slackpacking trails that run across the Cape West Coast Biosphere. As the name of the route suggests, its focus is on following in Eve’s footsteps, who is thought to be the originator of all human existence. One may imagine what it must have been like to live in a world where only the sun, stars, and tides controlled the environment due to the breathtaking beauty and lack of human activity. The goal is to live at the same speed as nature over the next 2.5 days in order to refuel your spirit.
Your first day includes a sunset walk with your guide to the dunes overlooking Langebaan Lagoon. Your two nights are spent in lodging in the West Coast National Park. Day two begins with a swim in the chilly Atlantic Ocean at the southernmost point of the park before moving north along the unending 16 Mile beach (if you can bear it).
Best Accommodation In Churchhaven
Lavender Cottage Langebaan
Lavender Cottage, one of two cottages at 6 Meeu Close, provides lodging for four people in Langebaan. All of the stores and restaurants in the town centre are nearby.
One of Langebaan’s oldest cottages, Lavender Self Catering Cottage has been tastefully renovated to offer a cosy cottage with a cosy vacation vibe. A queen-size bed is in the master bedroom, and there are two single beds in the second bedroom. There is a toilet, sink, and shower in the common bathroom. The well-stocked kitchen has a refrigerator, a microwave, a stovetop, an oven that is at eye level, and other gadgets.
A 4-seat dining table and a TV with a few DStv channels are in the open-concept living room. There is free WiFi available throughout the cottage. On-site parking is available for vehicles. In close proximity to the lagoon, Lavender Cottage is located about 5 kilometres from Langebaan Country Estate and 8 km from Mykonos Casino.
Aant Dorpseind
In the town of Vanrhynsdorp, Aant Dorpseind provides self-catering on the Cape West Coast. The lodging is a perfect location for a quiet getaway because it is close to the renowned Quiver tree and succulent nursery.
Aant Dorpseind has cottages that sleep two people and three people. The flats offer open-plan kitchens that are fully furnished for self-catering and en-suite bathrooms with showers only. A terrace with grilling options exists. Electric blankets, warmth and cooling, a hairdryer, and a TV with a few satellite channels are additional conveniences.
A wall surrounds the property, which also has an automatic gate and covered parking. The front of the property offers stunning views of the Gifberg, and guests can use the well-maintained splash pool.
Seagull Self Catering
The Seagull Self Catering apartments are on the first floor of a safe building in Langebaan. During your visit, you will be at a prime location near the casino, the beach, restaurants, shopping, cafes, and a broad variety of fun activities and attractions.
The first-floor Seagull Self Catering vacation apartment features a bedroom with a Queen-size bed and accommodates two people and one child. The lounge room also has a sleeper couch. There is only a shower in the en suite bathroom.
The comfortable living room has TV with Hotel Package DSTV. You can eat at the breakfast bar, and the kitchenette is well-equipped with a hot plate, a fridge/freezer, a toaster, a kettle, dishes, and utensils.