Gansbaai

Nestling at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains is Gansbaai, an unpretentious village situated between the towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach on the most magnificent coastline of the Western Cape.

Named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese alleged to have settled at the freshwater fountain near the harbour, Gansbaai offers natural, rugged and unspoilt beauty. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches of Pearly Beach, you will find one of the most unique and astonishing land-based whale watching spots in the world.

Dyer Island, just off the coast of Gansbaai, is the breeding ground of the Jackass Penguin and home to a wide variety of marine bird life. It's close neighbour, Geyser Island is home to some 60 000 Cape Fur Seals! It is no wonder that the passage between these two island forms the infamous 'Shark Alley' and creates an obvious feeding ground for the endangered Great White Shark!

Most famous for it's variety of shark life, this stunning coastline has many more secrets to share:

Accommodation

• Anlo Guest House
• Air del Mar Guest House
• Cliff Lodge

• The Round House
• Saxon Lodge
• Umnenge Lodge
• Whale Waters Guest Lodge
• Whale Sanctuary Lodge
• Franskraal B & B

Adventure

• Horse Riding
• Quad Biking
• 4x4 Mountain Trails
• Gansbaai Caves
• Kayaking Trips in Gansbaai

Places to See

• Danger Point Lighthouse
• Birkenhead Breweries
• Whale Watching (In Season)
• Township Tours

Other Activities

• Fishing Charters
• Golfing in Gansbaai

 

Accommodation

Anlo Guest House

Anlo is situated in the quaint village of De Kelders, 5 min drive away from Gansbaai .This warm and friendly guest house offers 3 individually decorated ocean view double rooms/all en-suite and with underfloor heating. Glass sliding doors opening onto the pooldeck with large rimflow pool. Our luxury suite upstairs offer stunning ocean & mountains views, air conditioning, heated bathroom, private lounge with DSTV, DVD player and much more. Our family suite consists of 2 bedrooms/both en-suite/underfloor heating and all guest amenities as the others. An interleading door ensures privacy if needed. Relax on the large patio with a drink/book while listening to the relaxing sound of the water fountain and singing birds in the trees. We have a lovely thatched roof lapa where guests are entertained with true South African braais (barbeques) - the lapa is super for filmcrews, lectures and small conference groups. We offer our guests a warm & friendly stay in a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere. We serve an excellent breakfast and dinners on request. We offer delicious traditional SA food and braais (barbeque) in the Lapa. Anlo has a fully lisenced bar, convivial guestlounge with logfire, ocean view reading room with lots of books/magazines/games and separate DSTV lounge. Internet/Fax facilities - indoor national qualified tourist guide - Afrikaans, English and French spoken.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Aire del Mar Guest House

At Aire del Mar Guest House, your friendly hosts Roelof and Zelna will offer you outstanding friendly personal service. Add this to quality accommodation in spacious double rooms, and you will enjoy a wonderful stay in the quiet seaside resort of Kleinbaai. Aire del Mar Guest House offers luxury Bed and Breakfast as well as Self Catering accommodation:

• 5 Spacious luxury rooms, all with en suite bath rooms and balconies from which you have a spectacular unspoilt panoramic view over the bay of Dyer Island [world famous for its shark alley!] - from Danger Point all the way around to the light house of Quion Point in a distance.
• 3 Self-catering studios - with seaview and en-suite bathrooms.
• 1 self-catering family flat which can also accommodate four to five backpackers

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Cliff Lodge

Set on the cliffs, right above the sea with breathtaking views across Walker Bay, Cliff Lodge is 25 minutes from Hermanus in the tranquil village of De Kelders. Luxurious, individually decorated bedrooms have sea views and open onto outside patios. This stylish Bed & Breakfast is situated 5km from Gansbaai in the quiet village of De Kelders. Guests have the use of a comfortable guest lounge and a spacious balcony overlooking the sea. The luxurious, individually decorated rooms have en-suite bathrooms, sea views and outside patios. Cliff Lodge is relaxed and informal with personal service. There is a sea front plunge pool, and various massage therapies are available. This is the perfect place to unwind and relax!

Booking is essential.

The Round House

The establishment is situated in de Kelders, which is the prime land based whale watching area in the world for Southern Right Whales. The Roundhouse is a three storey high round building with a thatched roof. The house has a very modern African feel to it and every care has been taken to assure your complete relaxation and comfort rated 4star but with many 5star finishes. The house has unique features such as a big projector screen television in the bar area and wireless hotspot internet connectivity throughout the house. This is excellent for anyone from conferences to movie buffs! The suites, which consist of a bedroom, living room and bathroom, have all the little extras such as microwave, toaster, coffee/tea facilities, bar fridge, television, DVD player, stereo, hairdryer, sewing kit, first aid kit, toiletries and more. Our breakfast menu includes delicious meals such as a full English breakfast, pancakes, health breakfast and the ever popular continental. We offer room service every day and laundry services if wished. For families, we offer a beautiful 6 sleeper self catering cottage just opposite The Roundhouse.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Umnenge Lodge

Umnenge Lodge is our newly built African guesthouse, offering luxury accommodation in Gansbaai. This African style lodge is situated on the rugged cliffs of De Kelders near Gansbaai in South Africa. Umnenge offers family and child friendly accommodation. 'Umnenge' is a Xhosa expression meaning 'whale in the bay' and refers to the Southern Right Whale which can be seen clearly from Umnenge Lodge frolicking in the waters of Walker Bay from July to December each year. The guest house features a lounge, bar, two rooms each capable of accommadating adults and children when required. All rooms have a sea veiw, balconies off the rooms, en-suite bahtrooms including both baths and showers. The rooms and bathrooms also have underfloor heating and DSTV. You can expect to see from your bed and balcony the whales frolicking in season as well as other wildlife as we are situated only 100m from the Walker Bay Nature Reserve.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Whale Waters Guest Lodge

A Warm welcome awaits you at Whale Waters' Guest Lodge situated on the De Kelders cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, well-known for its world renowned whale watching. A short walk (100m) through the Duiwelsgat Nature Reserve will lead you to the secluded Stanford Beach suitable for swimming and kyaking. De Kelders is nestled on the coast just before the fishing village of Gansbaai, which became famous for its Great White Sharks, on the Danger Point peninsula in the Overberg region only 2 hours and 160km from Cape Town. This magnificent Guest Lodge has 6 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room has breathtaking sea views and private balconies ideal to do whale watching from and to enjoy sun downer cocktails. Whale Waters' Guest Lodge has an unobstructed view of the ocean and coastline stretching from the white sand dunes of 'Die Plaat', Hermanus, and on a clear day Cape Point is visible.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Whale Sanctuary Lodge

At the Whale Sanctuary Lodge, European chic meets African elegance. The clean sophistication of exquisite marble and granite finishes blends seamlessly with the deep browns and blacks of rich leather furnishings and earthy tones of traditional African decor, to create a haven of luxury and serenity. Each room at the Whale Sanctuary Lodge is a unique experience in style and serenity, the perfect place to escape the world and rediscover the art of relaxation. Every sun-drenched, sea facing room at the Whale Sanctuary Lodge boasts:

• A sumptuous king sized bed
• An exquisite and private en-suite bathroom
• A flat-screen television with all DSTV channels
• Floor to ceiling wardrobes with more than enough storage space, even for the longest stay
• An elegant wine fridge to keep your drinks or snacks chilled to perfection

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Franskraal B & B

The B&B is situated on the beach-front at Franskraal, just 5 kilometres from Gansbaai and two hours scenic drive from Cape Town International Airport. Rooms are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, plug for electric shaver, fridge and TV/DSTV. The spacious bathrooms are en-suite and have a shower and bath. There is a third room available for disabled people. The bath, shower, toilet and fittings have been designed for disabled people. Franskraal B&B has been personally evaluated by an Occupational Therapist with 22 years experience. The B&B is the only disabled-friendly accommodation facility in Gansbaai.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Adventure

Horse-riding

After all the excitement of the sharks, or if you have decided to wait for your diving party, try exploring some of the area on horseback. Trails meander through the Walker Bay Whale Conservancy, an ambitious project that aims to conserve vast tracts of pristine mountain and coastal reserves while also developing sustainable nature-based tourism. Ride through a private nature reserve along the Klein River and up into the Kleinriviersberg mountains. Rides of 1 to 4 hours duration, track through riverscapes and mountain fynbos and are tailored to suit riders of all abilities.

Details: Walshacres Farm is situated on the R43. It is 15 minutes from Hermanus on the way to Stanford. We will make your booking and arrange transport to and from the farm.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Quad-biking

The quad-biking trail is on the historical Robert Stanford Wine Estate just outside Stanford. It starts with a short stretch along vineyards before entering thick bush. You may think the bush is impenetrable, but there's a trail just wide enough for quads! In places you need to push the growth back to see where you're going. Enjoy the sense of achievement when you reach the other side! Take a short breather in more open terrain, then head back to the bush. The bush path ends in a short but steep drop. Riders take this one-by-one, with close assistance from the trail guide.

Now the next challenge awaits, a steep climb to the top of a dam wall followed by a 45 degree drop and ... wow!, you made it (again)! No time to relax because you're navigating your way to the other side of the dam before setting off for the bluegum bush. Head up a waterway (dry in summer), riding at impressively sharp angles. By now, your trail guide has taught you how to counter-balance. The tough gradient means you need to concentrate on throttle control combined with counter-balancing to keep yourself 'wheels-down'. Exciting stuff! A stretch alongside vineyards takes you to the heights of the estate. From here you have incredible views of Stanford and the surrounding area. The farm tracks aren't smooth, so keep up the concentration as you wind your way back to base camp. This is a brand new trail and the response to it has been very positive.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

4x4 Mountain Trails

• Tour Price - R300
• Duration - 2 1/2 hours
• Included - Drinks and snacks on the mountain
• Bring - Hat, sunscreen, warm top, sunglasses

This tour is a must for all. Just jump into the Game Viewer and enjoy the never ending views up the mountains above Gansbaai. See Dyer Island and watching the shark boats working around the Island. We have excellent views of the area and can clearly see the Chum slicks that the boats create to attract the sharks. The Views stretch endlessly along the Coastline to Quinn Point which is very close to the most southern Tip of Africa to Cape of Good Hope on the other side.

Learn about the local Fynbos and enjoy the stunning views over Gansbaai, De Kelders and Walker Bay, Franskraal and Pearly Beach. On a clear day you can also see all of the way to Cape Point and in the summer months enjoy the sunset washed down with a glass of Champagne!

During Whale season you can search for some of the hundreds of Whales in the bay around De Kelders and across the bay to Hermanus. It is possible to view the Whales from such a height and it is a fantastic vantage point for quality Whale watching seeing them play and breach right across the bay.

There are also two lakes at the top of the mountain and this is the perfect place to escape reality and explore nature far away from civilisation. The top of the mountain is very flay and when on top you will never guess that you are sitting on the top of the mountain way above Gansbaai.

The Wildlife ranges from various bird life including birds of Prey to Baboons and various Buck. If we are very lucky we may even see the illusive mountain Leopard.

The trip is fun for all and kids love it too!

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Gansbaai Caves

• Tour Price - R80
• Duration - 1 hour
• Included - Hard hats, lights and glow sticks
• Bring - Swimming costume and camera

The coast here has one of the most unusual and distinctive geological features in the form of a series of underground caves beneath the cliffs. Known formerly as Die Drup Kelder (the drip cellar), the town is today simply called De Kelders (Dutch for the cellars). These natural caves, there are a number of them, both large and small, contain stalactites and stalagmites and crystal clear pools with cool water perfect for swimming. This cave we will visit, known as the Freshwater cave, is famous for its spring water pools, but only accessible to the tour and not open to the general public in a bid to conserve its original beauty.

We are the only ones permitted to access the caves. The group will put on helmets with head lamps and the guide will take the clients through the caves and explain the history and archeology of the caves. The caves are also a unique as they have 2 different spieces of bats. The common and the Horshoe Bat. Do not worry though ladies as they do not do anything when we enter the cave and they are totally harmless. Following the tour the clients will have the opportunity to swim in the pool in the caves and enjoy the highest quality natural mineral water that anyone can experience. The waters in the cave are famous for their healing qualities and were visited by many from far from as long as 150 years ago. The water flows continuously into the caves at a rate of approximately 1 million litres per day. The water then flows through the pools in the caves and into the ocean.

As the caves were open to the public however they were mis-used and neglected and the decision was made 10 years ago to lock the caves to the public. Fortunately we have the opportunity to now take people on an exclusive tour of the caves and enjoy the oldest caves in South Africa.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Kayaking Trips in Gansbaai

• Tour Price - R350
• Duration - 3 1/2 hours
• Included - Drinks and snacks, all gear (Towel, warm surfing skin, life jacket)
• Bring - Hat, sunscreen, board shorts/swimming costume, sunglasses

We launch from Stanford's cove which is a very safe entry point protected by reef and Kelp. The group will launch from the beach and then paddle out and along the De Kelders rocky coastline. The nature trail will take clients past a permanent seal colony and in Whale season the clients will most likely see many Whales on any given day whilst on the nature trail. The wildlife is amazing and the experience memorable. The paddle is a very simple one and non-strenuous.

The route is only 1.5km long from Stanford's cove to the Dip Kelders Caves. There we will land on the beach and do a tour of the famous Drip Kelders caves. We will spend approximately 45 minutes touring the caves and swimming in the 'miracle' mineral water that filters through the caves. Following the cave tour and rest we will then paddle back along the coastline to Stanford's cove stopping where we wish to view the stunning coastline that we are blessed with.

All guides are qualified professional sea Kayak Guides.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Places To See

Danger Point Lighthouse

In 1852 the famous HMT Birkenhead was wrecked off Danger Point with a loss of 443 lives. A few decades later, in 1895, a lighthouse was erected. Operational to this day, Danger Point Lighthouse hugs the tip of the peninsula. From the lighthouse, you can see the rock that the Birkenhead struck.

Climb the many steps to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the 360° view over the ocean and hinterland.

Guided tours of the lighthouse are available. Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Birkenhead Breweries

The first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, this growing micro-brewery has much to offer, and not only to the beer enthusiast. Visit this unique brewing estate in the beautiful countryside of Stanford where it lies in the shadow of the Klein Rivier mountains.

Here you can find out about their exceptional beer and brewery, and enjoy the restaurant and pub where you can savour delicious food and freshly brewed beer.

For a beer tour, book at enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Whale Watching (in season)

Anyone who has had the joy of meeting a mighty whale face-to-face will tell you just how magical it is. Huge, gentle, mysterious, curious. Can you imagine a giant friend, like none other ? As captivated by you as you are by him. A whale longer and wider than the boat in which you sit. An old acquaintance to us, a new discovery for you. A whale of 40 tonnes launching clear of the sparkling blue sea. A majestic tail of 5 metres, saluting you against the backdrop of the rugged hills. An old enchanter, who may live to 200 years, who has had spellbinding adventures at sea which will be his secrets forever.

We live by our motto, 'Discover and Protect'.
Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Township Tours

Thobeka takes you on a guided walking tour of Masakhane Township in Gansbaai. Masakhane means 'stand together' and as Thobeka leads you through the township you can witness how this small community works together to improve and showcase their township.

On this tour Thobeka shows you the spirit of the African culture as you are entertained by a Sangoma (witch doctor) who speaks to his ancestors and brings a message from them.

You will see the crafters - beadwork and sewing craft - you can watch them work and purchase a souvenir! Visit the Spaza (shops) and local hairdresser. Thobeka takes you to the local pre-school where the children perform their special song and dance routine for the honoured visitors.

The history of Masakhane is relayed in an interesting matter and from Spy-hill you have a great view of the whole area. To top of this interesting tour you can taste African beer and African food.

You will not be disappointed as the tour can be tailor made to suit your needs!

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Other Activities

Fishing Charters

The Umnenge Charters boat has everything you need for fishing. The skipper knows where all the good fishing spots are and his aim is to make this a memorable fishing trip, with the biggest possible fish caught.

The Gansbaai area offers excellent bottom and reef fish. Red roman, hottentots, jaco peaver, carpenter, steenbras, stumpnose and crayfish (in season). Also game fish such as geelbek, yellowtail, snoek etc. The Umnenge Charters boat is a commercially licensed 18ft craft invader with 2x independant yamaha 70hp engines. Our boat has 68% positive flotation and all the required safety equipment to ensure a trouble free cruise.

Fitted with state of the art navigation and sonar equipment including VHF and 28meg radios. And, not forgetting, for your pleasure, a CD player and hi-fi.

We supply snack biscuits, chips and colddrinks. You must supply other beverages yourself or make prior arrangements with us. Bring suitable clothing and a warm jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za

Golfing in Gansbaai

Gansbaai Golf Club is a 9-hole course situated in Perlemoen Str, Kleinbaai. You can play golf here while watching the ships, fishing boats sailing to/from Cape Town, as well as keeping an eye out for our annual visitors, the whales. Our club is visitor-friendly and, we enjoy welcoming players from all the corners of the globe. Many of these players then become members and friends, visiting regularly to enjoy golf in beautiful surroundings, from Japan to Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Wales, the UK, in fact all over Europe. Many of these members have even acquired beautiful homes in the vicinity of the golf course!

We have three competition days: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays but visitors who do not want to enter, may play before or after the competition. Friday is our social evening and, we also have a member lotto on Fridays with regular sheep braais. Every competition day is sponsored, with lots of prizes. Our breakfast on Saturdays is something to look forward to, provided by the Golden Oldies of our local Home for Seniors.

Booking is essential: enquiries@whitesharkprojects.co.za