Nestled between the Overberg mountains and big blue sea, we find the town of Gansbaai. Barely 2 hours away from Cape Town, Gansbaai is synonym to wide open spaces, tranquillity and natural landscapes. Unrushed by the fast pace of city life, it is not uncommon to find a horse or cow trotting next to the road. Welcoming you with open arms, this off-the-beaten-track village should definitely be on your list of places in South Africa to visit. Here’s 5 reasons to love Gansbaai:
1. Views & Beaches
The uncluttered skyline allows you to throw your head back and follow the path of the sun from horizon to horizon and then some. The perfect spot to watch the sun set is undoubtedly De Kelders with its panoramic views across Walker Bay. So, whether you’re watching the late June arriving Southern Right Whales or just the winking lights of Hermanus, it will let you forget the world for just a moment. And though the better way to enjoy the view and the sunshine might be while digging your toes into the sand, it should not be where you draw your line in the sand. Popular among the locals is either Die Plaat near De Kelders or the beach hugging Uilenkraalsmond, to let the dogs run free and let your mind wander free as your feet lead the way along one of the seemingly endless beaches.
2. Top Rated Accommodation
Deciding on the right accommodation is always a tricky business, especially choosing from the wide variety of B&B’s, Guest Houses and Self Catering lodgings in Gansbaai. But no matter where you decide to lay your head, you can be sure you’re getting to enjoy some of the best accommodation in the country. 3 of the B&B’s in De Kelders were voted in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Bed & Breakfast’s in the Western Cape in 2013. So whenever or wherever you’re staying in Gansbaai you can rest assured you will be taken care of.
3. The Elim Wine Route
Just a stone-throw away from Gansbaai you can head into wine country. The six wineries that form the Elim Wine Route is sure to entice your taste buds and wash a premium selection of local flavours over your pallet. Grown in the unlikeliest of environmental conditions, the result of the two colliding ocean currents will bewitch your senses.
4. Adventure Abound
The first thing most travellers think when they hear Gansbaai (if they’ve even heard of it) is Great White Sharks. But in fact, there is a great deal more outdoor activities to dig your heels into. A maze of different hiking and walking trails lead you along the coast, into the indigenous Milkwood forests and up the sloping hills around Gansbaai. Those who prefer to rough it can jump on a quad bike, 4x4 or even horseback and make your way through fields of fynbos and sloping hills of vineyards. Alternatively, you can also opt for discovering the coastline by kayak and venture into the historic De Kelders caves along the way.
5. The Marine Big 5
Gansbaai is quickly becoming recognized for the congregation spot of some of the most loved and admired marine animals of the oceans. From the gentle giants of the deep to the eloquently dressed penguins of Dyer Island, the members of the Marine Big 5 will not disappoint. Visible from land or a quick boat ride away, these spectacular marine animals keep thousands of travellers coming back for more. Dolphins, whales, penguins, seals and Great White Sharks all stop by for a visit, so why don’t you?
