65 on Cliff Blog - 65onCliff

Whats so Great about Summer?

2021-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

Spring has nearly sprung its last sprinkling of blooms and blossoms as we head into the summer months and the holiday season. At 65onCliff, our accommodation in De Kelders is a hot spot for holiday goers looking to soak up the warm weather and enjoy incomparable views of the cool azure waters just a stone’s throw away.

What’s so great about summer?

The Beach, Oceans and Dams

Nothing beats cooling off on a hot day like plunging into a cool body of water, whether it’s the blow-up pool in your backyard, a lake, a dam or the ocean, there’s a moment (it’s a ‘ah summer is finally here’ moment) that feeling of weightlessness as the water carries you along slowly, lapping against your body and the sun warms the parts of you that aren’t submerged.

Outdoor Activities

This may seem redundant because you can still do outdoor activities during the other seasons (you just need to pick a good day) but in summer, you generally could pick any day and you’ll be guaranteed fabulous weather. Have a giant picnic or visit the multitude of incredible festivals happening in and around the Overberg these coming months and enjoy the facets of summer that sometimes get overlooked like little umbrella’s in drinks, walking barefoot on lush green grass and tasting this season’s fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Days are Longer

Now this might not sound like a whole lot of fun for those of us still working but when you’re on holiday, you want time to stand still so that you can be in the moment as long as possible. Summer days give you those extra couple of hours to plan some awesome activities for your special romantic getaway or a trip with family and friends.

At 65onCliff, our team are dedicated to making sure you have a wonderfully memorable stay for one night or as many nights as you like, book now to stay at this premier Overberg accommodation and enjoy a summer holiday filled with a lifetime of memories.

From Caves to Cliffs in Gansbaai

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Gansbaai truly has unsurpassed natural beauty along its stretches of white sandy beaches and energetic sea life that crash through the waves in to the cobalt waters of the coast. These are scenic experiences that you can enjoy just from the balcony of one of our rooms at 65onCliff. But if you want to go in search of the caverns and hidden passageways carved into the rocky landscape, take a look at these top caves and cliffs in Gansbaai.

Gideon’s Cave

If you are after an exhilarating experience (and aren’t claustrophobic) then crawling along the narrow passage to the breathtaking cave ahead is well worth the short shuffle on your hands and knees. The cave is only accessible during low tide, so be careful.

Pillar Cave

This is known as a ‘dry cave’ that highlights to great effect the stretch of cemented cobblestone that is found at a uniform height along the coast. Feel the winds that blow through the cave and listen to the crashing waves beyond. The view from within the cave is awe-inspiring.

While exploring, notice the evidence s of the prehistoric cave people that called these caves home over a millennia ago. The caves are a great way to discover the great historical importance of the region as well as experience the majestic bird life, seals, dolphins, whales and other amazing wild life that has made the Overberg its home. If you like the sound of these caves and would like to know more, read our article dedicated to three more De Kelders’ caves, and do make sure that the caves you visit are open for exploring.

Choose 65onCliff to be your home away from home this holiday season. We are a dedicated team, passionate about making sure our guests have a wonderfully memorable stay.

From the Cape to De Kelders: Markets in the Cape

2021-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

Making your Way through the Markets in the Cape
The Western Cape (and especially the Overberg) is jam packed with incredible markets that vary from traditional crafts to musical instruments. In some markets you’ll find a hidden gem trapped under a heap of old magazines or that door handle you’ve been looking for but no one makes it anymore. From Cape Town to De Kelders, there are ample opportunities to haggle, rummage and relax as you walk along the paths of a market, never knowing what you might find.

Cape Town Green Market Square
This market may traditionally cater for the souvenir and tourist market, but you will often find uniquely South African crafts along the cobbled stone square. You will hear the music vibrating against the Art Deco buildings and the elaborately decorated facade of the Market House.

Somerset West Country Craft Market
If you want a fun day out and looking for exquisite hand-crafted accessories, clothing, beadwork, woodwork (and so much more), then head to the Country Craft Market in Somerset West on your way to De Kelders. They have activities for the kids, a myriad of stalls dedicated to all types of hand-crafted goods. There is no doubt that you will find something to fall in love with and not be able to live without.

Elgin Valley Market
As you head through the Overberg, closer to your accommodation in De Kelders, you should stop off at the Peregrine Farm Stall where there is a weekly market. The market showcases art, food products, curios and fresh fare. The food court is especially fantastic as it houses deli products, a variety of wines, desserts, light meals and loads more.

Hermanuspietersfontein Market
You may be a hop and a skip away from 65onCliff as you head through Hermanus but make sure to stop off at the market held every Saturday at the Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellars. They hold a weekly food and wine market where tastings are free and the food is unforgettable.

We’ve given you the tip of the iceberg, there are heaps more markets to experience and we will always be your home away from home as your accommodation in De Kelders. Our team (but it’s more like a family) are passionate about their work and making sure our guests have a wonderfully memorable stay.

So, how can we help you plan the perfect holiday?

Fun & Flora at the Hermanus Flower Festival

2021-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

The Western Cape is home to the most diverse selection of flora and fauna, and Table Mountain takes the crown for being a World Heritage Site as well as having the smallest yet most diverse floral kingdom.

Table Mountain isn’t the only spot to “smell the roses” and while away the hours amongst the wilderness, veld and the daisies. Many towns are celebrating the first month of spring and the beginnings of summer with their own festivals of flora.

The Hermanus Botanical Society’s Flower Festival begins this week and runs until this Sunday the 28th September at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. We know what the landscape looks like as it is today, but what if you could experience what the explorers saw when first travelling through the area? Or marvel at how technology and techniques have changed when discovering, chronicling and documenting new species never before seen until today. This year The Hermanus Flower Festival theme is “Plant Explorers: Then & Now” – which means you too can experience the landscape as it once was when the explorers first stepped foot here.

If time-travelling isn’t your forte, then the many mini-garden exhibitions will feed your inspiration with ingenious ideas for cultivating your own garden or veggie patch no matter the size. Find everything you need to start your garden or continue growing it by visiting the many stalls dedicated to tools, accessories, seeds, organic materials and absolutely anything you’d need to tend your garden.

The Hermanus Botanical Society’s Flower Festival is only a few kilometres from our accommodation in De Kelders. The Festival will also feature some of the most delicious organic and artisanal foods from the many stalls along the way. Make sure to get your family and friends tickets to this year’s Hermanus Botanical Society’s Flower Festival and book your stay with 65onCliff to make this weekend a getaway to remember.

Have your Next Holiday in De Kelders

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De Kelders is a popular destination close to Gansbaai and the area is known for its freshwater rock pools. Gansbaai is a coastal town that is a well-known for its fishing and is ideal for locals and visiting tourists from other parts of the country, and overseas. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, De Kelders is a great choice for any traveller looking for a relaxing and luxurious environment to enjoy.

But great fishing spots are not the only attractions of this popular destination. Choosing to have your holiday in De Kelders allows you to enjoy whale watching; this is a magnificent pastime and a great way to enjoy the ocean views. De Kelders name means ‘rock pools’ and it is certainly descriptive of the area. It’s your home away from home, ideal for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts where you can enjoy different flower farms, botanical gardens and many indigenous forests.

When it comes to accommodation, 65onCliff has everything you need to make your stay all the more enjoyable. Not only can you enjoy magnificent sea views but you can also enjoy luxurious rooms with queen sized beds, satellite television, tea and coffee stations and more. It’s ideal for single travellers, or couples looking for a romantic getaway. There is a good variety of local restaurants and with the various outdoor activities you can enjoy a truly magnificent holiday.

65onCliff offers you great accommodation in De Kelders and it’s the perfect location for a relaxing holiday. Whether you are looking for a short weekend stay or an extended holiday during any season, contact our friendly team to find out more about what our establishment can offer you.

Looking Forward to a Summer in Gansbaai

2021-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

With spring in the air and summer on the horizon, Gansbaai should be your destination of choice. Whether it is a weekend break or a good week’s holiday, this interesting coastal town has something to offer everyone.

Summer in Gansbaai is an experience not to be missed. From great accommodation to authentic restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere, spending time here will provide you with lots of memories.

The upcoming Funky Fynbos Festival on the 12th to the 14th of September heralds the start of the festivities for the warmer months. Gansbaai will be action-packed and raring to go in celebration of all things energetic and exciting.

If there is one thing that most people enjoy about summer it is being outdoors. This area offers so much to see and do; the list is endless. Not all holidays are about keeping busy every second of the day and Gansbaai offers a happy medium between great adrenalin activities and clean white beaches to relax on.

There is no shortage of places to stay in Gansbaai and the Overberg region, it is overflowing with Bed and Breakfasts, Guest Houses and Self-catering units. Each one is unique in its own way and offers excellent facilities to their guests.

Summer provides awe and splendour watching the southern right whales; they arrive to calf and mate in June and usually leave in late December. Whale watching can be done from the land or by boat; the whales can get so close that either can provide you with great views.

If it is not the accommodation, beaches, whales or the beautiful surrounds of Gansbaai that will attract you, perhaps it would be getting up close and personal with a Great White Shark that would be the draw-card.

The waters around Gansbaai are teeming with these magnificent beasts all year round and visitors may go cage diving, offered by a number of excellent companies. This epic adventure is not for the faint-hearted.

All-in-all Gansbaai has a lot to offer tourists and summer is the perfect time to experience it all.

Planning the Perfect Holiday at the Coast

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If you are planning your holiday, choosing a destination close to the coast is always exciting. This is why Hermanus and the surrounding area is so popular; enjoying sea views and spending time on the beach makes any holiday worthwhile. This is why it is so important to make sure that you plan your holiday at the coast to the last detail, including finding the perfect guest house in the Hermanus area.

When you plan your holiday accommodation, always make sure that you get a room or unit that will be comfortable. You may want additional features like DSTV, air-conditioning and internet connectivity, which you can confirm before you make your booking. Make sure that you will have secure parking and perhaps enquire about dinner and breakfast options. Most guest houses along the coast will offer you magnificent sea views too, so that’s an added bonus to appreciate. The more comfortable you can make your stay, the more you will enjoy the time away from home.

The beauty of Hermanus is well known, with a wide variety of beautiful nature trails and outdoor activities to enjoy. This is the perfect coastal getaway location. If you are a nature lover you will definitely appreciate the outdoors and the history of this region. You should consider guest houses near Hermanus when you plan your holiday.

65onCliff, in De Kelders is undoubtedly one of the best of among Hermanus guest houses. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, you will enjoy our luxurious rooms and many different amenities. Contact us today to find out how we can offer you a magnificent holiday experience.

The Perfect Guest House near Hermanus

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As a traveller you might be looking for a popular spot to enjoy your vacation in South Africa. Gansbaai is the ideal location as it is not only has beautiful surroundings to enjoy but great facilities as well. Guest houses in Gansbaai are very popular, especially for tourists wishing to see the Great White Sharks and the Southern Right Whales, and they offer a variety of accommodation options for any traveller or local to enjoy.

65onCliff is a very popular guest house near Hermanus. Not only do we offer magnificent views of Walker Bay but we also offer luxury accommodation options for you to enjoy. We have four different and stylish rooms to choose and we have everything you need to enjoy your stay in Gansbaai. All rooms are stylishly decorated to ensure that you have a great accommodation experience while visiting the Whale Coast.

Our rooms offer DSTV, coffee and tea making facilities, magnificent sea views and a private balcony to enjoy our wonderful surroundings. There is also secure off-street parking available and we serve breakfast every morning. Mudge Point offers you a queen sized bed, air conditioning, and panoramic views. Our Otterbaai room also offers a full en-suite shower with a bath in the bedroom for you to enjoy. You can also book our Langbaai room, or our Sopiesklip room which has an additional outside shower to enjoy. Our gorgeous rooms are all fitted out with your comfort in mind.

With a variety of rooms to choose from and breath-taking sea views, 65onCliff is definitely a great destination for locals and tourists alike. Contact us today to find out more about our property or to make a booking for your next trip.

The Best Wine Farms Near Gansbaai

2021-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

If you are planning on exploring the Overberg region this winter or are staying in our luxury Gansbaai accommodation nestled in De Kelders, then a day of wine tasting, at some of the best wine farms near Gansbaai, on a chilly day is just the ticket.

Wake up in 65onCliff to a stunning view of Walker Bay, enjoy a delicious hot breakfast then head out for a day of exploring the Overberg Winelands.

Make your first stop at Farm 215 a private nature reserve where you can overlook the beautiful vineyards of Lomond. Farm 215 offers tastings of the stunning Lomond Wines where you can savour the notes of wood spice and berries in the syrah and the smokey, plummy flavours of the Merlot. They also produce Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Semillon, Nouvelle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and a Viognier.

Then take a leisurely drive to Stanford Hills Estate, just outside of Stanford and only 22 km’s from our sea view accommodation in Gansbaai. This boutique wine estate produces an award winning Pinotage that has an earthy cherry and lavender flavour, and also produce a wonderful Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. And while there you can enjoy the stunning array of proteas, the two rose gardens and the 15 year old olive groves.

Image: Courtesy of Stanford Hills Estate

The Top 3 Things To Do In Gansbaai In Winter

2021-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

When looking for things to do in Gansbaai there are many choices but the finest are linked with the natural world, a beautiful coastline, wild flora, stunning mountains and wonderful marine life. Nature lovers will be in heaven!

If you are looking for a thrill Gansbaai offers one of the greatest of all – shark cage diving. So first on your list of things to do in Gansbaai in the Western Cape should be shark cage diving.

1. Shark Cage Diving

Gansbaai is the world’s Great White Shark capital and is the ultimate memorable activity to do in this Whale Coast town. With clearer waters in winter, this is the best time to go and Dyer Island, just a few kilometers off shore from Gansbaai, with its a large population of Cape Fur seals, entices many sharks making for an incredible experience.

2. Whale Watching

This part of the east coast between Hermanus and Pearly Beach is an incredible whale watching destination. Whales can be spotted all year but are in abundance from late June to December when the Southern Right whales arrive to give birth and mate. De Kelders, on the coast of Walker Bay is regarded by many as the best land based whale watching area in Africa, if not the world. You can also take a boat trip to get even closer!

3. Visit the Caves

The caves in De Kelders are a must when visiting Gansbaai and when you stay at our guesthouse, 65onCliff, the caves are only a short walk away. There are three main caves, Drupkelder Cave, Klipgat Cave and Duiwelsgat Cave, collectively known as the De Kelders Caves. You can take a guided tour to view these incredible natural phenomena.

The natural beauty of this Overberg coastline has so much to offer that even in winter it is a wonderful place to explore.

Beautiful Hiking Trails in Gansbaai

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What better way to explore the incredibly beautiful landscapes around Gansbaai than to do so on foot. Come visit some of Gansbaai’s gorgeous hiking trails.

Gansbaai is well known for it’s exceptional and rugged landscapes. The fynbos wildernesses, rolling mountains, milkwood forests, expansive beaches and exquisite cliff and cave systems all make it the ideal area to take a hiking holiday. The diversity of the environments also provides a wide range of terrains that suit any fitness level, from relaxed to challenging. So whether you want long, easy walks or intensive full day hikes, the bountiful reserves and conservancies in and around Gansbaai make for fantastic hiking.

And of course with all the amazing biodiversity comes an abundance of wildlife, birds and animals that can only be truly seen and appreciated on foot. Even whale watching can be done on foot in these beautiful surroundings!

You can take organised hikes or professionally guided trails through some of the beautiful reserves and conservancies, which provides unique and interesting insights into the amazing floral, animal and bird species which abound, as well as spectacular views and vistas. These guided hiking trails can also be chosen based on whether you want a leisurely and scenic trip or an invigorating and challenging day out.

For the more avid hikers there is also the option of hiking on ones own, and there are a myriad different trails and routes from which to choose.

Here are just some of the trails, reserves and conservancies where you will find some of Gansbaais most diverse and beautiful hiking trails:

De Uijlenes
Farm 215 nature retreat & fynbos reserve
Flower Valley
Grootbos Nature Reserve
Grootmelkhoutbos trail
Heidehof Medicinal Walks
Klipgat or Duiwelsgat trail
Milkwood Hiking Trail
Perlemoen Trail
Platbos – Africa’s Southernmost Forest
Sandberg Fynbos Reserve
The Fynbos Trail
Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy

The Fynbos Road Meander

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For all you fynbos fanatics out there the Gansbaai area offers a completely unique botanical experience: The Fynbos Road Meander

The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the richest and most unique botanical regions on earth. With hundreds of particular plant-species that are specific only to the Cape peninsula it is a botanists dream destination. The fynbos Road meander is an initiative of the Agulhas Biodiversity Project (“ABI”). It winds through a unique botanical area of about 100kms, with more than 9 fynbos- vegetation types and over 5 non-fynbos-vegetation types to be found in it. Many of the thousands of plant species are endemic to the area and some of the plant species are so localised that a single mountain is the only place in the world where they can be found.

Stretching from Stanford to the Agulhas National Park, the fynbos road meander is also destined to become the future home of all the animal species that roamed the Agulhas Plains until a little over 100 years ago, a future “Serengeti of the Western Cape” if you will, which is still currently under construction. The idea is to eventually repopulate it with some of the existing original species such as Black Rhino, Hippopotamus, Hartebees, Zebra and Cape Lion along with many others.

The road, which also acts as the entrance to the Agulhas National Park, wends it’s way through the very peaceful rural vicinities of the Gansbaai area and Overberg providing access from it’s route to over 10 large conservancies and reserves which are open to the public for hiking, horse riding or 4×4 driving. The 5 distinct and diverse ecologies offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the amazing flora and fauna that belong to the fynbos kingdom, not to mention the incredible birdlife, which makes the fynbos road meander a fantastic birding route too!

What’s Happening in May in Gansbaai

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While Gansbaai may not be a bustling metropolis like Cape Town or Johannesburg, we certainly still manage to keep ourselves occupied! There is always something to go and see or do in our beautiful part of the world and even though we are heading into the winter months now, May is no exception.

Here’s a brief run down of some of the what’s happening in May in Gansbaai for you to look forward to.

Of course the main event for May in Gansbaai is that with the onset of winter, come the whales! Yes, whale watching season starts soon and we can’t WAIT to have them back in our bays. While whale season does only officially start in June/July, it doesn’t mean we can’t start getting excited! Walker Bay and De Kelders are some of the most perfect places from which to view these majestic creature while they are here, so we recommend booking your stay with us soon!

Everybody loves a good market right? What’s not to love? You can wander around buying delicious treats and baked goods, get a boerie roll, partake of the local produce and maybe even pick up a nick-nack or two for home. Well we have loads of Markets in May in Gansbaai. You could check out the weekly Friday market at Pretorius Hall, or pop into the pearly beach market which happens the 1st Saturday of every month. The we have our annual Gansbaai Church Bazaar on the 3rd May as well as the VG Church Bazaar in Blompark on the 24th May too.

And for something a little different, why not come spend a week end with us and participate in the monthly Bread making workshops that are held at acclaimed artist Niel Jonkers home on the last Thursday and Friday of every month. learning how to bake home made bread with a famous artist, in his kitchen! why not!

May also marks the month in which Gansbaai hosts the Greenpop Platbos Reforest Family Festival and the Greenpop Platbos Reforest Friends Festivals. These awesome festival involve, you guessed it, planting trees! But there are lots of other fun activities too, so you get to have fun and feel good about doing something special to help the environment too!

Playing Golf in Gansbaai – Local Golf Courses

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Golfers need not panic at the prospect of a holiday in the Gansbaai area without their beloved golf bags, they are well catered for here!

The Gansbaai and Overberg areas boast a decent number of great golf courses and estates to visit so you definitely don’t need to leave your clubs at home when you come to us for a visit.

Here are just a few of the golf clubs and estates worth visiting while you are in the Gansbaai area.

Gansbaai Golf Club

Gansbaai golf club is arguably one of the most scenic 18 hole courses in the country. Surrounded by seascapes and fynbos, this fantastic course is located in the Kleinbaai, home to many of the shark diving tours in the area. At Gansbaai Golf club, you could play a round of golf with the local fauna and then catch a boat out to meet a great whit shark, all in the same day! The course itself is a thing of beauty, luring many international and national players to it’s greens with regularity, and offers many novel obstacles as well as the normal ones, like wild Southeasters and angry Kiewiets.

Hermanus Golf Club

Hermanus Golf Club offers a whopping 27 hole course. This 18 hole country classic course was upgraded with 9 more modern classic holes in 2006, making it both challenging and beautiful to play on. The Hermanus Golf Club makes use of both the gentle coastal and mountain landscapes to present a golf course that is both scenic and stimulating.

Arabella Estate Golf Course

Currently ranked as South Africa’s 4th best golf course, the 18 hole Arabella Golf Course is nestled within the award winning Arabella Estate along the banks of the Bot River. This beautiful but tricky course has drawn holiday makers, celebrities and international players alike and boasts South Africas top finishing hole to boot!

Kleinmond Golf Club

The Kleinmond Golf Club is nestled into the beautiful surrounding of the Kogelberg biosphere and offers players a spectacular day amongst the fynbos. This is one of the few courses around where, from July to October you can play your round of Golf and watch the whales in the bay at the same time! now that is an experience worth having!

Gansbaai 4×4 Trail Holidays

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While it may be known first and foremost as the number one shark cage diving and whale watching location in the world, the entire Gansbaai area has a great deal more to offer than just whales and sharks and sea. The entire area is a cornucopia of beautiful scenery and wild environments, and for the 4×4 driving enthusiast it offers more than beautiful trail to consider visiting on a 4×4 holiday.

The Western Cape offers some truly exceptional 4×4 driving opportunities, with a diverse range of routes to be enjoyed whether you want a challenging trip or a leisurely one, and Gansbaai is no exception. With the incredible land based nature and fynbos ecology, there is plenty to see on a 4×4 holiday here whether you are doing a self drive holiday or want to take a guided tour. For those who want a guided tour, this can often incorporate a walking tour of the area too, where guides can show you rare plants and provide useful information about the local fauna and flora.

Here are just a few of the farms and trails available that are worth taking a look at in the Gansbaai area.

Walker Bay Fishermans 4×4 Trail

Situated about 12kms outside of Stanford, the Walker Bay Fisherman’s trail takes you through the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. This is a scenic trail rather than an adventure trail and can easily be self-driven . The trail gives you access to pristine birding, hiking, fishing and picnicking areas within the reserve.

Flower Valley Farm 4×4 Trail

This fantastic farm, situated in De Kelders is only 13.5 km’s from Gansbaai itself. The farm offers 2 different 4×4 trails, which both have beautiful view stops along the way and a day full of fun for 4×4 enthusiasts. There is also ample space to have a picnic after your driving activities with the whole family.

Glen Oaks 4×4 Trail

Situated about 60 kms out of Gansbaai, in the beautiful town of Greyton, The Glen Oaks 4×4 Trail runs through a working fruit and livestock farm. This course is quite tricky and is often used as an obstacle course, so definitely geared more for the adventurer and not the leisure driver!

Groot Toren Eco Experience 4×4 Trail

This trail is the furtherest out of the Gansbaai area, located 88 kms away in the town of McGregor. This trail is an unchallenging 25km route with spectacular viewpoints, but still requires low range and high clearance vehicles to participate.

The Baardskeerdersbos Art Route

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One of the highlights of the Overberg Arts and Crafts Calender is the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route, and for any art lovers out there this is the very best time to visit Gansbaai!

Started in 2008 the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route, otherwise known to the locals as the B’bos Art Route, allows people a behind the scenes look into the lives and processes of 12 fabulous local artists, and has single handedly put the tiny hamlet of Baardskeerdersbos on the map, so to speak!

The Art route, which is held 3 time a year, takes you on a circular meander around the beautiful little town of Baardskeerdersbos and behind the scenes of the various acclaimed artists who live there. Guests get to view the artists, who use a variety of techniques and mediums to create artworks that adorn homes and galleries around the world, in their homes and work spaces. Whether you enjoy painting, printmaking, sculpture or ceramic works, you will find artists who are prolific in many of these mediums during your day out!

Each artist puts on a solo exhibition, but without the formality of the usual gallery spaces. Guests can sit and chat with the artists while often enjoying a sampling of home made food and drink, which could range from moerkoffie or wine to snacks and home made bread.

Main Artists include:

Kali van der Merwe – photography, film and graphic media
Joshua Miles – Oil painting and reduction woodcut printmaking
Niel Jonker – Oil painting and Bronze Sculpture
Amanda Jephson – Oil, Acrylic and Graphic media Paintings and drawing
Lizzie van der Berg – Oil Painting and Gyotaku Printing
Philip John – Sculpture and drawing
Ivan Trollop – Oil and acrylic painting
Jan Vingerhoets – Found object Furniture

Guest Artists

Gareth Williams
Braam Van Zyl – Painting and drawing
Kevin de Klerk – 2 dimensional Mixed Media
Juria Le Roux – Oil painting

The Baardskeerdersbos Art route promises to be a fantastic experience this year with it’s varied collection of artists. And if April is short notice, fret not, because they will be doing it all again in October. If you would like to look at the route map or just find out more about each artist you can go to the Baardskeerdersbos Art Route official site here.

De Kelders Caves – A Funhouse for Spelunking!

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For the avid spelunkers or cavers out there, our little corner of Gansbaai, De Kelders will prove to be a fantastic week end out for you! The area is riddled with limestone caverns for you to explore which are collectively referred to as De Kelders Caves.

De Kelders literally means “the Cellars” in Dutch. This vast collection of caverns was discovered by some of the earliest Dutch colonists to the Gansbaai area and there are far to many to mention them all, but for eager cavers, there are 3 that are of particular importance and can be visited while staying in the De Kelders or the general Gansbaai area.

Drupkelder Cave

Drupkelder cave, otherwise known as De Kelder Cave, is particularly impressive because it is the only freshwater cave on the South African Coast. Known as one of the natural wonders of the old colony, Drupkelders was even visited in 1798 by Lady Anne Barnard. Drupkelder cave is boasts incredible stalactites and stalagmites and deep freshwater rock pools of mineral rich water which are all filled by a strongly flowing underground river.

Klipgat Cave

Equally as impressive as Drupkelder cave, and best known of all the De Kelders Caves is Klipgat cave. Klipgat Cave is an World heritage site as it is home to some of the oldest human remains and artifacts in South Africa. Excavations in 1969 revealed substantial evidence that Klipgat had been used as a home and shelter by indigenous peoples for many thousands of years. Further excavation of the deeper parts of Klipgat cave in 1992 unearthed artifacts and remains as old as 7000 years in age, which are amongst the oldest home sapien remains in the world.

Duiwelsgat Cave

Duiwelsgat, or Devils hole cave, was in fact originally named Duiwegat which means Dove hole becuase of all of the rock pigeons that used to roost inside the cave. It is marked by a very clear circular stone wall around a hole in the ground. This wall was built when people first inhabited the area to prevent livestock from falling through the hole, which is in fact the collapsed ceiling of the cave. Below is a cavern filled with seaweed and other marine life, that is subject to the tides. If you are prepared to forgo your vertigo and look down you will see the water rolling in and out. For the more adventurous one can scramble down the cliff face to the low tide entrance to look into the cave from below.

The Gansbaai Marine Big 5

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Anyone who comes to Africa knows about the Big 5. Africa is famous for it’s amazing variety of large and unusual land mammals, and of course South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see the Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard that make up the African big 5 in one place.

There is however another big 5 that is equally as amazing, the Marine Big 5, and just like the Land Big 5, one of the only places you will ever see the Marine Big 5 is in South Africa. And one of the only places you will see them all in one place is Gansbaai! The Marine big 5 consists of the Great White Shark, Southern Right Whale, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin, Cape Fur Seal, and African Penguin.

As far as Whales are concerned, Gansbaai’s waters are frequented by both the majestic Southern Right Whale and the shy Humpback Whale species, which spend a considerable amount of time breeding and raising their babies there every year. Gansbaai is also known as a Mecca for shark cage diving and Great White Shark spotting, because of the prolific number of seals that live in the area, which are the Great Whites’ main food source.

When it comes to seals, there is an abundant Cape Fur Seal population that breed and live on Geyser Rock, providing a constant stream of entertainment for entertainers, and a permanent feeding ground for the Great white Shark population. While the Bottlenose Dolphin is the one to look out for if you are specifically searching out the Marine big 5, there are a number of other species that visit and play along side the bottlenose dolphin species through out the year around Gansbaai too.

And of course, if it is penguins you love, there is an entire island sanctuary’s worth of breeding African penguins on Dyer island to go and enjoy!

Marine Big 5 safaris are available through many charter companies in and around Gansbaai so all you need do is ask your hosts to book a trip for you and you will bea ble to head out onto the waters to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring and often entertaining animals.

Visit a Pretty Gansbaai Beach

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For all the sun lovers and beach enthusiasts out there, Gansbaai is an absolute haven of beautiful, non-commercial and virtually untouched beaches.

The entire Gansbaai coast line is decorated with beautiful beaches. Known as the “coast of contrasts” there are beaches to fulfil just about any requirement you might have of a beach day! While just about every Gansbaai beach comes complete with stunning white sands and ideal swimming conditions, some are better suited than others to your needs.

If you are looking for a secluded Gansbaai beach on which to tan and relax in privacy then you should consider make a plan to visit the beautiful Buffelsjagsbaai beach, or one of the many private coves along Die Plaat’s 17km stretch.

Stanford’s Bay, situated closest to De Kelders is the ideal space for a family picnic with it’s rolling lawn and swimming friendly waters. Families will also enjoy the busy and popular expanses of Pearly beach for swimming, playing and picnicking too.

For the activites and adventure seekers, Die Plaat is the perfect Gansbaai beach for kite-flying and sand-boarding while Uilkraal is the idea spot for rowing and watersports.

Avid hikers will love the dunes and long walking trails that wind through beaches like Die Plaat, Walker bay and Pearly beach,or the more secluded and hard to get to pathways around Kleinbaai and Ulkraal. But all of these Gansbaai beaches are also ideal even if it is only a long quiet walk you are after.

And then for the avid anglers and bird watchers amongst you, or those who want to explore the rocky outcrops and pools for signs of the abundant sealife, Franskraal, Uilkraal and the lovely Pearly beaches are where you will find the best rock and beach fishing, an abundance of nesting birdlife and exciting tidal pools and rock formations.

Horse Riding in Gansbaai

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One of the most wonderful ways in which to explore the areas in and around Gansbaai and De Kelders is on horseback. Imagine sitting on the back of a beautiful animal, enjoying the sun on your skin, the breeze on your face, the salty smell of beach and the sweetness of fynbos. Listen to the birds singing and drink in all the beauty of the wild fynbos and beach surroundings.

Horse riding is a wonderful way to get back in touch with nature and take in the landscape and sites. And the Gansbaai area has a lot of sights to see. There are horse riding trails that run all around the area covering many different types of terrain. You can ride on mony of the beautiful beaches, across obliging farms and even in some of the local nature reserves.

As far as outdoor activities go it horse riding is especially enjoyable because it is both invigorating and restful. And you don’t even need to be an expert on a horse to go on one of the many horse riding trails available! The horse riding companies in and around the Gansbaai area offer a variety of options that cater to both experience and inexperienced riders. You can take a gentle amble through the white sandy dunes if you prefer, or, for the more adventurous, you could go for something more challenging like a canter and climb through the more mountainous fynbos territories.

Whether you are an experienced horse person or a first timer, you will absolutely love exploring the beauty of Gansbaai from the back of a well trained horse.

If you are nervous or lack confidence to go straight on a riding tour, you can also visit one of the many horse riding schools in the area to take a lesson or two first.

Shark Cage Diving: Facing Your Fears

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Gansbaai is not only famous for the incredible number of whales that visit its coasts every year. It’s also world renowned for being one of the few places you can go to get up close and personal with a Great White Shark by going shark cage diving.

Along with Southern Right Whales, Gansbaai is also home to a large number of Great White Sharks. Because of the amazingly rich sea life and the vast colonies of Cape Fur Seals, Gansbaai provides the perfect living anf feeding environment for these beautiful and largely misunderstood creatures.

A specific channel between Geyser Rock and Dyer Island, also a well known bird sanctuary, provides the prefect feeding grounds for the Great Whites and has been aptly named “Shark Alley”.

For the daring, Gansbaai offers some fo the best shark cage diving in the world, allowing visitors to view these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, and for the not so brave there are also excellent boat and land tours that offer viewing of the Marine big 5.

The Wonders of Whale Watching

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Hermanus and Gansbaai are world renowned for being two of the very best places on the globe for whale watching! Frequented 6 months out of the year by impressive numbers of Southern Right Whales, visitors to Gansbaai are guaranteed quite a show. The whales descend upon the Gansbaai area from June until as late as March each year, although official whale season ends in December. They arrive just in time for their birthing and mating season, so not only will you see whales, but there is the distinct possibility of catching a glimpse of whale babies too!

The whales are not shy either. There is no need to go looking for them, they are everywhere. Many surfers and swimmers find themselves inadvertently becoming the swimming companions of these majestic giants, while their songs and grunts can be heard in the evenings as far as 2km away.

For the land lubbers there are many whale watching points and stations along the coastline around Gansbaai, but for those who want to get a little closer to the action there are also many whale watching boat cruises available too.

So if Whales are your thing, and you have always wanted to see a few up close and personal, Gansbaai is definitely the place for you.

Vacation with a View: The Beaches

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If you are a beach lover then Gansbaai is the place for you! One of the top 10 attractions in Gansbaai are its beautiful beaches and tidal and rock pools. Ideal for safe swimming,

Gansbaai has an incredible range of pristine beaches for it’s guests to visit. Whether you want to lie in the sun, go for a long walk, enjoy a sunset picnic or take a refreshing dip, Gansbaais many beaches allow for it all.

For fishing, hiking, swimming, watersports and beach activities Die Plaat, situated between Hermanus and De Kelders is the ideal place to be. This 17km stretch of beach is made up of white sand and rocky outcrops attachd to the Walker Bay Nature Reserve which also make for excellent hiking. The only thing to be aware of is the strong under-currents in the water which are higher risk when there are no lifeguards around.

Stanford Bay is the perfect place to take your family for a picnic or safe swimming. Nestled in a protected cove it offers white sand, a lush green lawn and hiking trails that lead to a beautiful big tidal pool near the harbour.

Kleinbaai, just east of Danger Point, offer a tidal pool and rock pools that make both swimming and rock angling a pleasure. There is also a stretch of white sandy beach and dunes to enjoy between Franskrall and Pearly beach.