Gansbaai

Gansbaai should have been the location for the movie “Jaws”, because great white sharks have found the easy life here. With the plentiful supply of over 50´000 Cape fur seals on Dyer Island, a few km south of Gansbaai, the large population of the great white have given these waters the name of Shark Alley.

You can view these top line predators from a boat by taking a cruise to Dyer island where you will see whales, dolphins, penguins, sea birds and a colony of 50 000 Cape Fur seals. Else, you can face your fear for a once in a lifetime experience of diving with the sharks – in a safe cage of course!

Kayak trails near De Kelders is another way to get close to the whales and a very popular pastime, and no,  the sharks do not attack you.

Commercial fishing, which began around 1881, is still a mainstay of the Gansbaai economy. There is a canning factory in the harbour, and trawlers and boats come and go, ensuring that fresh fish is always on hand for the restaurants. Visit the little fish shops at the harbour.

Recreational fishing is also popular, whether from the rocks or the many beaches. An angler can reach some excellent spots on the beach by the 4×4 fishing trail in the Walker Bay Reserve. The reserve has 17km of pristine beach ideal for kite surfing, walks and picnics. If you prefer, take a boat-based fishing charter to tap into the wealth of fish and then have your catch prepared for dinner.

If you are determined not to set out to sea, there are a number of land-based attractions to keep you busy – beautiful quad bike trails; beach and mountain horse rides or horse trails; experience the Platbos indigenous forest walk or a township tour that introduces you to local culture.

This area is well known for shipwrecks and the Dangerpoint Lighthouse was erected after the British troopship H.M. “Birkenhead” carrying troops and their families to Port Elizabeth was wrecked on a reef off Danger Point on 26 February 1852. Climb the many steps to the top of the lighthouse for a marvellous 360 degree view over the ocean and the interior of the peninsula. Open Monday – Saturday, 10H00-12H00 and 15H00-17H00.

The quaint Strandveld Museum, housed in the original home of one of the headman that used to work on Dyer Island, has the largest collection of relics of the HMT Birkenhead and several other historical items. The owners are local historians and marvellous storytellers who will gladly take you on a trip through time.

The Uilkraals and the Boesmans rivers flow down from the valleys of Uilkraals and Baardskeerdersbos, joining at the beginning of the Uilkraals estuary, 5km from Gansbaai at Franskraal. Access to the estuary is via the Franskraal Beach, off the R43, where the estuary finds its outlet. The Uilkraals estuary is a famous birding hotspot, a safe swimming area, both on the beach or in the tidal pool, and a good fishing spot. Also in Franskraal, the Groot Melkbos Trail offers a one hour, 2km trail, under the canopy of ancient milkwood trees.

The village has all the necessary amenities and is close to many other attractions in the area, like De Kelders.