Gansbaai map | Cape Town map | All Gansbaai accommodation
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Located in the Overberg in the Western Cape of South Africa, Gansbaai is a hour and a half drive from Cape Town or 180 kms away. "Gansbaai" means "Goose Bay' in Afrikaans - the origin of the name comes from the many geese that were found in the area in these early days. Gansbaai was established around the fishing industry, life in Gansbaai is still very much associated with the sea through the fishing industry and marine eco tourism: renowned for good fishing, fine boat-based and land based whale watching, but over recent years it has really established itself as the great white shark capital of the world. In 1990, South Africa was the first country in the world to protect the great white shark.
From early June through to December, Gansbaai becomes home to the Southern Right Whale. This coastline becomes the breeding area for these giants. About four nautical miles from the Kleinbaai harbour, you'll find the pristine Dyer Island, primarily a bird sanctuary with penguins, cormorants and many other marine birds.
Next to Dyer Island lies Geyser Island / Rock that hosts a colony of more than 35 000 Cape Fur seals. Between these islands lies 'Shark Alley', where this awesome, mysterious and graceful predator the Great White Shark like to hunt. See 43 things to do).
You can hike through magnificent fynbos and milkwood forests or explore the caves where archaeological digs have been made or relax at a harbour restaurant while enjoying magnificent seafood. Lots to offer for those seeking adventure.
| Ama Krokka | Anlo Guest House | Whale Waters Guest Lodge | On The Rocks Gansbaai | The Oystercatcher | Saxon Lodge |
from 350 |
P.O.A |
from 400 |
P.O.A |
P.O.A |
from 295 |
| Whalesong Lodge | Roundhouse Guesthouse | Cliff Lodge | GrootBos Nature Reserve | Farm 215 | La Provence 5 |
from 475 |
from 280 |
from 550 |
from 2750 |
from 475 |
from 450 |