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Life in Gansbaai is very much associated with the sea
and the fishing industry. The cove that once provided safe landing spot
for the small fishing vessels of yesteryear, was deepened, adequate
moorings were built and today
Gansbaai boats a mordern harbour where many fishing trawlers come and
go daily. To argument the fishing industry, a modern canning and fishmeal
factory was built at the harbour site.
Along with the fishing industry, Gansbaai has grown into a charming
village and holiday resort with its own municipality. It has primary
school, churches of various denominations and shops to provide for every
need. Fishmongers are stocked with fresh catches daily.
A village and holiday resort well worth visiting, as many a weary city
dweller, finding respite in its tranquil surroundings, has discovered.
Whether you pass through or stay over, take a stroll down to the harbour,
walk along the old harbour wall and watch the trawlers leave for the
open sea, or see them bedding themselves down at dusk in the safety
of its moorings.
DE KELDERS (3 km from Gansbaai)
De Kelders lies spread out above a rough coasatline, varying from rocky
beaches to awesome cliffs, and flattens out onto the sandy stretches
of the Plaat, a fisherman 's paradise.
The area, well-known for shore angling has scenic wonders such as the
Duiwelsgat hiking trail and recently excavaterd caves. Excavations at
Klipgat revealed archaeological deposits left by Middle Stone Age people
about 85 000 million years ago, and by the Khoisan ( Later Stone Age
) using it about 2 000 years ago.
The tall, rockey cliffs of De Kelders provide some of the best vantage
points in this area from which to observe the Southern Right whales
as they come to Walker Bay between June and November each year.
STANFORDS BAY (2 Km from Gansbaai)
This marvellous little cove, once used by Captain Robert Stanford for
exporting his farm produce, has developed into a beautiful, tranquil
pleasure resort.
Old milkwood trees cluster in a semicircle round the bay where swimming
is perfectly safe and picnicking a must. Fig trees dating back to approximately
150 years ago can be seen here, not far from the freshwater springs
at Flentergat.
KLEINBAAI (4 km from Gansbaai)
Kleinbaai is a picturesque little village nestling amongst milkwood
trees, summer daisies and glorious heather.
It also boats a tidal pool, golf course with a sea view and a sports
centre. During peak season the harbour becomes a beehive of activity
as boats and rubberducks come and go.
Fishing is a major sport and many try for the elusive big ones amoungst
the galjoen at the Plaat.
FRANSKRAAL & UILENKRAALSMOND (7 Km from Gansbaai)
Franskraal is a modern village and a botanist 's dream. Most of the
flora is seasonal, flowering in spring. An ancient milkwood forest one
of the last left in the world - cluster upon cluster of gnarled trunks,
is one of the splendid wonders of creation at Franskraal.
Uilenkraalmond is situated at the mouth of the Uilenkraai River and
is a popular holiday resort with a big, modern caravan park, supertube,
putt - putt course and trampoline. Its tranquil lagoon, safe for swimming,
is also the homing ground for estuarine birds such as waders and gulls.
PEARLY BEACH (21 Km from Gansbaai)
Pearly Beach village lazes partly obscured between heather covered dunes
which undulate for kilometers above a magnificent shoreline. Its carvan
park, shaded by ancient milkwood trees, is completely sheltered.
Vast sandy stretches offer good angling sports. In season perlemoen
and crayfish diving is a popular sport. Swimming in the aquamarine sea
or lazing on the dazzing, pearly beach is so enjoyable that visitors
return year after year.
DYERS ISLAND
Dryers Island is a breeding colony for jackass penguins. Not far from
Dryers Island is Geyser Island, a breeding ground for seals.
As the area around these Islands teems with an abundance of sea life,
it has become a notorious feeding ground for the Great White shark which
frequents its waters in large numbers.
DANGER POINT (9 Km from Gansbaai)
Between Gansbaai and Franskraal, the flat rocky peninsula of Danger
Point extends for about 8 kilometers into the sea. The many reefs and
sunken rocks along its shoreline make it one of the most dangerous places
in the world for ships coming too close inshore.
To make things worse, a hidden rock lurks just below the surface off
the Point. It was on this rock that the legendary HMS Birkenhead met
her doom on the fateful night of 26 February 1852, with the loss of
443 lives. After further losses of more than 20 ships, a lighthouse
came into operation in 1895.
The notorios Birkenhead Rock can be seen at low tide, just a few kilometers
off Danger Point. Tours to the lighthouse and the Birkenhead Memorial
can be arranged at request.
STANFORD (25Km from Gansbaai)
This is a peaceful country village on the banks of the Klein River just
before it meets the sea in a coastal lagoon. Visit the charming English
Church, Standford House and the pottery factory. Popular for walking
trails and bird watching.
BAARDSKEERDERSBOS
Old fashioned little hamlet 20 km from Gansbaai. The old Dutch Reformed
Church is recently restored. The area is well known for its wild flowers.
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