What to do in Gansbaai

Gansbaai: A popular fishing village only 170km from Cape Town in the Overberg region is known for its sought-after Shark Cage diving.

The main road to Gansbaai is bustling with many tourists coming in for a relaxing holiday. With a small fishing town like this comes the security of totally switching off.

Fishing plays a huge role in the town so a trial of the ocean breeze and fishy odour will follow you.

If you take a drive to Kleinbaai, you will discover a few fishermen catching the last bit of sun, and trying to rail in some fish.

Make sure to take a stroll down the beach and watch the abundance of birdlife; sitting on the rocks in the far distance in the ocean.

Did you know that Dyer Island (the place where the extreme shark adventures happen) has a large marine bird population including Jackass Penguins, Bank Cormorants, Kelp gulls, rare African Black Oystercatchers, and various other marine birds? It’s a bird watchers paradise.

Even with marine life being the center of the town’s activities, 8km outside the town is a wine estate called Lomond. The drive still shows signs of the fire that happened in January 2019 where it destroyed hectares of vegetation yet it’s beginning to show indications of new life.

Since opening its doors back in 2005, Lomond produces high quality of wines such as the Cat’s Tail Syrah 2015, Candelabra Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot Rosé 2017 and, so much more. They have two types of tastings; The Classic Range and Premium Range. Their specialty is the Sweet Pairing consisting of 5 different wines paired with truffles, nougat, and Turkish delight for R130.00. Enjoy the view of the mountain backdrop and the lavish vineyards. It’s a beautiful setting for any occasion.

Times: Monday – Sunday from 10:00am to 16:00pm | Contact: 028-3880095 or (082) 908 0099

Still, have some time left to explore?

Visit Danger Point Lighthouse, built-in 1895. Wondering why it’s named Danger Point? Due to the treacherous peninsula on the southern point of Walker Bay, it has a rather bad reputation for it being the final resting place with nearly 7 shipwrecks under its belt. The 8,3 m tall octagonal lighthouse can be reached via a tarred road, on foot, or even with a bicycle.

Times: Monday – Friday from 10:00am to 15:00pm | Contact: 021 449-2400

One of the little treasures in Gansbaai is the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary; a place to treat endangered African Penguins with a drastic species decline of 90%. They face possible existence in the next few years so every kind of donation helps.

Visit the sanctuary for more information at no cost. You can see a few penguins in rehabilitation whilst you grab a cup of coffee at their café and purchase a penguin souvenir.

Times: Monday – Sunday from 09:00am to 16:00pm | Contact: 072 598 7117

Finding an eatery to dine at is no hassle at all. There’s nearly a restaurant on every street corner. Try the best Italian cuisine at Giuseppe’s Trattoria and Cocktail Bar that serves good food in a casual setting. Indulge in one of their pizzas; thick in the crust and oozing with local ingredients.

Times: Monday – Saturday from 07:00am to 22:00pm | Contact: 071 657 9732

Don’t miss the chance to visit the following places:

• The Strandveld Museum in Franskraal
• Shark Cage diving with Extreme Scene
• Eat at BBLonds Restaurant
• Explore Klipgat Caves
• Do the Fynbos Trail

Where to stay?

Search for Gansbaai accommodations and you’ll find a number of options from B&Bs to self-catering as well as some camping sites.

I found an affordable self-catering place at Tourist Lodge consisting of seven self-catering units. It has a small patio with a braai facility and it’s within walking distance of restaurants, the beach and various shops. It’s an open space lodge with a bed, toilet, kitchenette, seating, and dining area with WIFI and, a television.

WATCH ME WANDER THROUGH THE TOWN OF GANSBAAI.

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Till the next small town.

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