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Gansbaai

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Accommodation in Baardskeerdersbos

Looking for something completely out of the ordinary? If you find urban life is becoming a bit of a drag then how about staying in a place where cows will be the only source of traffic, donkey-carts are as common as sports cars in the city, and the locals only know Apple as the juicy thing you bite into. If a jolt is what you need then staying in Baardskeerdesbos, a small village outside of Gansbaai, is somewhere that could be just what you need.

The name Baardskeerdesbos literally translates to "Beard Shaver's Forest", which referred to the spiders found in this area. This specific type of arachnid would cut the hair of human or animal to build its nest. This name must have been dubbed in the 1600s by the first five settlers sleeping under the stars in this lush part of the Overberg Valley. Over the years, however, the term has digressed into the simpler B'Bos as people avoid the mouthful of a name.

The accommodation in and around this tranquil village will ease all tension with the beautiful landscape as a backdrop. There are not copious amounts of accommodation but that is half the allure. There are still options available and guests can choose between 19th-century architecture or chic and modern. Some may like the sharp edges and rim-flow swimming pools juxtaposed against the natural expanse of the Overberg valley, where others may prefer the historical allure of original Dutch design. Whatever the case may be, the rooms are comfortable, the owners beyond hospitable and the setting superb.

B'Bos has only recently become a spot for Capetonians to journey for a short break, before then it was almost completely off the map. Most people have only heard the name Baardskeerdesbos from the famous Afrikaans band 'Baardskeerdesbos Boereorkes'. Slowly people are beginning to hear about and appreciate this humble town that is still essentially rural and void of all pretences.

This area also has many quaint restaurants to choose from. There is the popular Strandveld pub that is held in an old school building where a beer and burger serve for good appetisers as you socialise with the locals.

The locals and their unique way of living have attracted twelve artists. These artists host a B'Bos Art Route three times a year that is one of the most famous events for arts and crafts in the Overberg area. People get the opportunity to meander through the houses and lives of these twelve artists as they gaze at their artwork and chat about their prime inspiration, the rustic life lead by the locals. There are several festivals held in B'Bos throughout the year, always proving to be an interesting festivity.

A quick but scenic journey just outside of B'Bos can open up many new doors as well. A short drive can offer views of cattle farms, horse-steads, lush vineyards, rolling mountains, interweaving streams and flower farms. A quick twenty minutes east through this wonderland and you will find yourself in picturesque Elim. Elim produces local wine with some exquisite flavours that mimic the environmental wildness; a meander through their well-known wine route is a delightful way to spend the day. Twenty minutes west from B'Bos and you find yourself in the small fishing town known as Gansbaai. This Big 2 Town is renowned for its waters and the exquisite animals it hosts. The "Big 2" refers to the infamous Great White Sharks and Southern Right Whales that habitat this area. The activities on offer here are endless as it hosts some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, all year shark cage diving, horse riding, scenic flights, quad biking, kayaking and more.

There are few places left so unspoiled that offer such a magnificent setting. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this peaceful yet quirky area, come to B'Bos for a holiday to remember.