DE KELDERS
3 km from Gansbaai

De Kelders lies spread out above a rough coasatline, varying from rocky beaches to awesome cliffs, and flattens out onto the sandy stretches of the Plaat, a fisherman 's paradise.

The area, well - known for shore angling has scenic wonders such as the Duiwelsgat hiking trail and recently excavaterd caves. Excavations at Klipgat revealed archaeological deposits left by Middle Stone Age people about 85 000 million years ago, and by the Khoisan ( Later Stone Age ) using it about 2 000 years ago. One of these caves houses a natural freshwater swimming pool used by Lady Anne Barnard during a visit in 1798. This Drup Kelder, from which De Kelders took its name, is probably the oldest known cavern with drip stones in South Africa. It was mentioned in an account of a visit here by Hendrik Swellengrebel in 1776, four years before the Cango Caves were discovered.

The tall, rockey cliffs of De Kelders provide some of the best vantage points in this area from which to observe the Southern Right whales as they come to Walker Bay between June and November each year. These magnificent, gentle creatures come from the Arctic to these sheltered waters to calve. As the sea here is very deep, they come close inshore where they can be seen breaching and rolling, or simply lazing side by side.

STANFORDS BAY
2 Km from Gansbaai

Closely hugged between Gansbaai and De Kelders, Stanford Bay offers respite from the hectic rush of the city. This marvellous little cove, once used by Captain Robert Stanford for exporting his farm produce, has developed into a beautiful, tranquil pleasure resort. Old milkwood trees cluster in a semicircle round the bay where swimming is perfectly safe and picnicking a must. Fig trees dating back to approximately 150 years ago can be seen here, not far from the freshwater springs at Flentergat.

KLEINBAAI
4 km from Gansbaai

Kleinbaai is a picturesque little village nestling amongst milkwood trees, summer daisies and glorious heather.

It also boats a tidal pool, golf course with a sea view and a sports centre. During peak season the harbour becomes a beehive of activity as boats and rubberducks come and go. Fishing is a major sport and many try for the elusive big ones amoungst the galjoen at the Plaat.

FRANSKRAAL & UILENKRAALSMOND :
7 Km from Gansbaai

Franskraal is a modern village and a botanist 's dream. Most of the flora is seasonal, flowering in spring. An ancient milkwood forest one of the last left in the world - cluster upon cluster of gnarled trunks, is one of the splendid wonders of creation at Franskraal.Franskraal is also popular for its shore angling, especially from well - known sport such as Haaiklip and Blousloep.

Uilenkraalmond is situated at the mouth of the Uilenkraai River and is a popular holiday resort with a big, modern caravan park, supertube, putt - putt course and trampoline. Its tranquil lagoon, safe for swimming, is also the homing ground for estuarine birds such as waders and gulls.

PEARLY BEACH :
21 Km from Gansbaai

Pearly Beach village lazes partly obscured between heather covered dunes which undulate for kilometers above a magnificent shoreline. Its carvan park, shaded by ancient milkwood trees, is completely sheltered.

Vast sandy stretches offer good angling sports. In season perlemoen and crayfish diving is a popular sport. Swimming in the aquamarine sea or lazing on the dazzing, pearly beach is so enjoyable that visitors return year after year.

DYERS ISLAND :

Dyers Island is a breeding colony for jackass penguins. Not far from Dryers Island is Geyser Island, a breeding ground for seals. As the area around these Islands teems with an abundance of sea life, it has become a notorious feeding ground for the Great White shark which frequents its waters in large numbers. Dryers Island is named after Samson Dryer, an American nergro who came to the Cape in 1806, and who lived on Dryers Island where he collected guano.

DANGER POINT :
9 Km from Gansbaai.

Between gansbaai and Franskraal, the flat rocky peninsula of Danger Point extends for about 8 kilometers into the sea. The many reefs and sunken rocks along its shoreline make it one of the most dangerous places in the world for ships coming too close inshore. To make things worse, a hidden rock lurks just below the surface off the Point. It was on this rock that the legendary HMS Birkenhead met her doom on the fateful night of 26 February 1852, with the loss of 443 lives. After further losses of more than 20 ships, a lighthouse came into operation in 1895.

The notorios Birkenhead Rock can be seen at low tide, just a few kilometers off Danger Point. Tours to the lighthouse and the Birkenhead Memorial can be arranged at request.

STANFORD:
km from Gansbaai

This is a peaceful country village on the banks of the Klein River just before it meets the sea in a coastal lagoon. Visit the charming English Church, Standford House and the pottery factory. Popular for walking trails and bird watching.

BAARDSKEERDERSBOS:
km from Gansbaai

Old fashioned little hamlet 20 km from Gansbaai. The old Dutch Reformed Church is recently restored. The area is well known for its wild flowers.

HERMANUS:
km from Gansbaai

Famous for whale watching, arts and crafs market, restaurants and interesting shops for browsing around

Caledon:
km from Gansbaai

The Museum portays a typical Victorian household. Visit the Nature Reserve and Wild Flower Garden which features 56 hectares of indigenous trees and plants. The hot springs and the Calendon Malt factory are also worth a visit.

BREDASDORP / ELIM / NAPIER:
km from Gansbaai

Take a picturesque drive to Bredasdorp through fynbos via Elim or Napier. Visit the Shipwreck Museum and the L' Agulhas Lighthouse Museum at L'Agulhas.