Gansbaai is open for visitors – explore its eco-luxury!

 

We can expect the rest of the year to be filled with road trips in a rush to nature. People can’t wait to travel and will feel the safest travelling in their own cars, share accommodation and transport space to minimize contact with other people and continue to practice social distancing. We can thus expect a surge in road trips.

The whole world is currently experiencing a boom for local experiences and staycations, accelerated by the desire for people in major cities to travel, but not too far from home.

Staycations and local “travel” are booming now that stay-in-place measures has partially been lifted. As people are looking for places to reconnect with their families they are likely to see people return to places that hold special meaning to them and appreciate much more what’s in their own ”backyard” embarking on nature experiences in places that are less stressful, crowded, and expensive.

GANSBAAI IS OPEN AND WELCOME ITS VISITORS!

Only two hours’ drive from Cape Town, wedged between the ocean and fynbos cladded mountains, lies Gansbaai, a small coastal village voted as the Best Responsible Tourism Destination in the World.

This town has adopted a tourism strategy that safeguards its attractions for the long-term: deliberately developing attractions in tune with nature and focusing on attracting responsible travellers.

We love this approach, as it fosters sustainability whilst being the ‘natural adventure destination.

We have put together a plethora of safe and COVID ready activities you can experience when visiting this village in the heart of the Cape Whale Coast.

WHALE WATCHING

De Kelders is best known for its whales, whales and whales! Recognised as the best land-based whale watching in the world this coastline is a prime whale breeding and calving ground and every year between July and December when Southern Right Whales favours these waters. It is a sight to behold especially when whales come within 30 metres of the shore!

Coffee On the Rocks 

A petite restaurant with delicious food and stunning views over Walker Bay

The only noise will come from the whales!

Open for breakfast or lunch... Friday-Sunday 

Dyer Island Cruises 

All aboard for a 5-star boat-based whale watching adventure!

The crew is eager to share Marine Big 5 adventures around the famous Dyer Island ecosystem, showcasing a variety of marine wildlife at their doorstep.

Sightings may include various whale, dolphin and shark species as well as 60 000 Cape fur seals and the endangered African Penguin.

They currently offer a 40% discounted rate and can also accommodate large family groups, *Please note the R25 p/p conservation fee, that is charged in support of Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

Kleinbaai Harbour.

 DIE PLAAT

Gansbaai’s BEST KEPT SECRET is De Plaat beach. It is a long white sand beach in the marine reserve. Which makes it a beautiful beach for picnic and sandcastles, but NOT SAFE for swimming as it has a sudden dip and a strong backwash.

There are a small entrance fee and a bit of a descent to the beach, but it is never crowded (even over December holidays) and it is always a pleasure to be there.

FATBIKE TOURS - DIE PLAAT

Fatbike tours are new to Gansbaai and South Africa!

JoinDave Caravias on an amazing De Kelders’ Sand Dunes from 185 meters down to the cliffs. This activity is suitable for all levels of riders -from ages 8-80- and a bundle of fun in the Great Outdoors with breath-taking views! This adventure tour offers a variety of routes for all levels and especially spectacular is the Sunset Dunes Tour. Learn to ski on a bike down the dunes, ride down vertical dunes or meander between them. This is a must-do activity when visiting Gabsaai.

Packages on offer are stunning Fatbike tours including and shark cage diving and accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai, South Africa, only two and a half hours drive from Cape Town.

The Fatbike tour is a must-do outdoor activity for the whole family or the adrenaline junkie when next time in Gansbaai.
Dave is super proud to share his passion for nature with others

OVERLANDY ADVENTURE TOURS – DIE PLAAT

Jump on a guided tour with Lloyd Koppel in his 4x4 Land Rover Defender.-- all year, all weather!

Overlandy Tours are for the adventurous spirits who want to see places few other do!

Explore off the beaten track. Bushy, Sandy and Rocky Terrain. Caves, Fynbos, Sand Dunes, Cliffs and Beaches.

This adventure is tailor-made for people who love nature, spectacular scenery and birding.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Unique 4x4 adventure surrounded by spectacular, untouched natural beauty.

Explore the sand dunes, limestone cliffs, stunning rock formations and beautiful beaches of Die Plaat in De Kelders.

Spot whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins, seals and a myriad of marine wildlife whilst identifying dozens of different bird species. - photographers dream!

Exclusive Film & Scouting Tours

Sunset Tours

Morning Off-Road Adventures

2- 3 Hours of off-road Fun.

Join Lloyd for a fun-filled off-road outdoor excursion in Walker Bay Nature Reserve in Gansbaai.

DUIWELSGAT HIKING TRAIL

Gansbaai harbour - Klipgat caves, De Kelders

Duration: 7 km, around 4 hours

Fitness: easy, children can do this hike

Our tip: this is a one-way trail, so you will need to arrange another car on the De Kelders end

This wonderful hike from Gansbaai to De Kelders takes one along some of the most incredible coastlines on the whale coast. Tidal pools, coves, beaches safe for swimming, milkwood trees and limestone cliffs infused with fynbos, give way to sheltered bays that offer the chance to see the southern right whales that use this bay as their annual nursery.

The hike is named after a sea-level cavern found amongst the myriad caves that penetrate deep into the rock under the houses of De Kelders, accessible only at low tide and known as Duiwelsgat. Created over thousands of years by the cracking and folding of thick layers of sedimented rock and weathering by saltwater, the cave is large and dark.

Its name is said to originate from 'Duiwegat', or 'dove hole' – a name given by the locals to the cave for the many rock pigeons that nest in the cave. But the association of the cave with the 'devil' is not unrelated. For above the cave is a sinkhole that early settlers filled over in a bid to prevent their sheep and cattle from falling through. Today the hole is open, although there is a stone wall around it for safety

KLIPGAT CAVES

If you’re in Gansbaai, the Klipgat Caves are a must-see, not only for their historical relevance but because they provide breathtakingly beautiful views as well as display the repose of nature.

Once home to ancient mankind, this archaeological site has great historical relevance as well as cultural importance as it is the location in which the 80 000-year-old Middle Stone Aged people existed.

There is an interpretation centre with signage and artefact displays, compounding the experience and knowledge gained during a visit to the important historical site The Caves are accessed through the Walker Bay Nature Reserve entrance (small cash fee payable) and are open to the public.

GROENEWEIDE, FRANSKRAAL

Relax and reconnect with family and friends enjoying breathtaking views of mountains and sea.

Restaurant: They have a restaurant menu that boasts of rustic farm food.

Petting Zoo: Authentic farm environment where the sheep, ostriches, goats, chickens, cows and other animals keep the children endlessly entertained.

Nursery: Famed for their beautiful nursery specializing in coastal plants, the expert team will advise you on a wide selection of resilient wind-resistant plants that can thrive in highly alkaline soil.

Hiking trails: Visitors can experience nature on the ParkRun hikes and walks. Enjoy wonders of the Fynbos flora and the fascinating connections between insects, birds, mammals and flowering plants of this diverse ecosystem.

 AFRICAN PENGUIN AND SEABIRD SANCTUARY 

In keeping with all things coastal and oceanic, whilst in Gansbaai, you should undoubtedly visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. They are open and eager to welcome you back and hope to see you soon🐧🐧🐧

The Sanctuary and gift /coffee shop are currently open Friday - Sunday.

Enjoy scrumptious delights and the best cappuccino in town!

The African Penguin is endangered, and the species is declining in numbers dramatically. The Sanctuary’s main purpose is for the rehabilitation of marine birds; however, it also consists of an Auditorium equipped with a large screen TV that displays what is happening in the rehabilitation area – comprising of the bird hospital and the clinic.

Visitors are educated this way and can also watch during feeding time which happens at three o’clock.

GANSBAAI & PEARLY BEACH HORSE TRAILS

Horseback adventures in Pearly Beach, Gansbaai

An excursion on horseback with Sarah Coronaios and hubbie, Kos, is undoubtedly the most pleasurable way to explore this secluded and pristine stretch of the Cape Whale Coast.

Their team of good-natured horses and ponies love the feel of the soft pearly hued beach sand under their hooves, the spray of surf in their manes and the sweet smell of indigenous Fynbos, making these trails a truly unique bonding experience between horse and human.

They have a full range of speciality trails awaiting you -

Mountain Fynbos Trail

Sundowner Trail

Exclusive Champagne Trail

Sunset & Full Moon Trail

Tasting Trails

Overnight Trails

“Just Wonderful! My kids and the whole family enjoyed the sundowner with Sarah and her team. Sarah was so nice, and the beach belonged to us. And as another highlight, we’ve got a movie and pictures from the ride. Just perfect to share our memories with the loved ones at home and for us to remember for a long time. Thanks a lot!"

 BEACHES

Escape the crowds with our pick of three of the best beaches with contrasting but equally stunning waterscapes.

Back to nature at Die Plaat 

Located in a protected Nature Reserve between De Kelders and Hermanus, approximately 18 km of pure beauty – surf & sand & solitude!

Die Plaat is one of those untouched, almost unheard of beaches. Always quiet and clean golden sands. Which makes it a beautiful beach for picnic and sandcastles, but NOT SAFE for swimming as it has a sudden dip and a strong backwash.  My favourite beach to go to for a getaway holiday.”

Stanfords’ Cove 

Follow the road down to the tiny, shingle beach, flanked by a huge natural rock wall and beautiful rock pools which stretch far along the coastline at low tide. Here you can sit in blissful peace while the kids play in the safe, sparkling ocean. Stanford’s Cove is sheltered when the Cape Doctor is blowing

Uilkraalsmond 

A quiet and clean pristine beach and beautiful lagoon where the river mouth opens in the ocean, a lovely, safe place for kids to play.

GANSBAAI FARMERS / CRAFT MARKET

A Farmer's / Craft Market with everything locally sourced.

Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm

Behind the Municipality

Farm fresh produce - oven fresh bakes & pastries- artisan bread - fresh free-range eggs – Homemade preserves- fruit and vegetables - handmade soaps –crafts - samoosas - pancakes- indigenous plants and herbs – craft beer - local wines….

Gansbaai tourism values the environment - use wood, paper, glass, earthenware to display. NB: no plastic or polystyrene packaging or imported products

FYNBOS DECK RESTAURANT 

Fynbos Deck Restaurant with its cosy, intimate atmosphere has seating inside and outside, all with a sweeping uninterrupted view of the coral sunsets which quite literally cause lengthy pauses in conversation as they occur.

What can one expect? An offering of five tapas-style dishes which one can eat as lunch as a snack or as a starter varying regularly. Five main blackboard dishes proudly grace the centrepiece of your dining experience. And throughout the day we offer three different platters.

The selection of home-made desserts will transport you to ecstasy. Cheesecake… have the daily baked cheesecake...... twice patrons have come back in a single day for another slice!

Now open as Deli Shop from Tuesday - Sunday 09.00-17.00 (Sun till 15.00).

Daily open for lunch from 12.00-14.00 (daily changing blackboard menu) and on Sat & Sunday also for breakfast from 09.00-11.00.

Location: 11 The Esplanade St, Pearly Beach

Saturday mornings on the Gansbaai Farmers Market

THE GREAT WHITE HOUSE 

Enjoy the best coffee in the Western Cape under the world's largest privately-owned Southern right whale skeleton, Suzie!! Rare shipwreck collection of The Birkenhead on display.

Offering wonderful hospitality, the guests can enjoy breakfast and lunch and dinner inside in the restaurant inside or outside.

The acclaimed chef specializes in seafood (permitted abalone available) but also caters for vegetarians/vegans as well as meat lovers.

 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai

GANSBAAI COFFEE COMPANY 

They roast coffee and then got into the top ten nationwide, came 9th in the finals and their espresso blend came overall third. Sellers of their award-winning roasted coffee en a local meeting place in the heart of the town.

Open Monday - Friday 6h30 till 15h00 

Weekends 6h30 till 13h00 

Closed 25 December & 1 January. 

Coffee @R20 is a bargain, every day!

Gansbaai offers an abundance of nature experiences and large open spaces that lend itself well to country getaways and nature travel which will definitely be the new post-lockdown luxury as people turn to nature to find a sense of peace.

With the clear message that travellers seek out less crowded places and local destinations that were previously undiscovered, Gansbaai Is Open to Welcome its Visitors.