Leather Repairs and Custom Leatherwork Gansba...
Meet Mike Kemp, a skilled leather craftsman based in De Kelders, Gansbaai.
Something special is brewing in Betty’s Bay, and it's not just the coffee. A group of passionate residents is creating a 400-page coffee table book celebrating this beloved coastal town’s heart, history, and natural beauty.
The beautifully curated book will feature stunning photographs, hand-drawn botanical illustrations, historical maps, and breathtaking aerial views. It will explore everything from the unique geography and rich biodiversity to the stories of early families who helped shape the community.
Expect chapters on the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, the old whaling station, and the many shipwrecks along the shoreline. The penguin colony, the Marine Protected Area, and Betty’s Bay Art Route will be highlighted too. The book will also take readers along scenic walking routes and through local nature reserves, offering a full picture of what makes this part of the Overberg so remarkable.
The book’s editorial team said the project would not have been possible without the community’s help. Residents were invited to contribute their stories, photos, and memories - snapshots of daily life and history that capture the soul of Betty’s Bay, and the response was tremendous.
In this spirit of community, a segment called “Voices from Across Town” will be included, reflecting the diverse and vibrant spirit of the people who call Betty’s Bay home.
This is more than a book, it is a keepsake. Aside from being an essential addition to your collection, it is the perfect gift for anyone who holds Betty’s Bay close to their heart.
Think of friends who have moved away, family members who visit often, nature lovers, art and photography fans, business associates or anyone who enjoys local history. The book is also a great addition to guesthouses and holiday homes, something special for visitors to flip through and fall in love with the area.
Betty’s Bay’s coffee table book is a collector’s item in the making, so pre-order yours before they disappear.
Editorial Team
Tim Attwell (attwells@mweb.co.za / 082 343 2501)
Carol Clark (bettysbayconservancy@gmail.com / 079 753 0166)
Glenda Irvine (gjirvine@iafrica.com / 071 383 1690)
Lisel Krige (lisel@solidstuff.co.za / 082 572 2711)
Karon Scholefield (karon.s@everitt.co.za / 082 322 6722)
Skip Krige (skipkrig@mweb.co.za / 082 411 3414)
Xplorio is a marketing company that has created a digital platform to help local communities in the Overberg accurately represent themselves online. The user-friendly Xplorio platform allows towns and businesses to create an online presence that is accurate and true to life. This representation help...
View ProfileMeet Mike Kemp, a skilled leather craftsman based in De Kelders, Gansbaai.
We spotted this photo of Pearly Beach Shop, dated 1985, and knew we had to share it!
A big congratulations to Julia Barlow and Riaan Mostert, who took part in the Rhodes Half Marathon on 1 May 2026 in Wellington.
Meet Jeff Batt, a talented artist from De Kelders, Gansbaai.
Here’s a blast from Gansbaai’s past! Take a look at this hilarious vintage photo sent to us by Arend de Waal.
We found this vintage photo of summer in full swing, taken at Stanford’s Cove on 31 December 1990.