There’s plenty to discover in Gansbaai: the spectacular coastline, the green hinterland with its fynbos, and the shops and restaurants in the village. Stanford, Hermanus, and even Cape Town aren’t too far for a day trip. We’ve put together a few tips for you here:
Nature:
You can walk along the cliff path all the way along the coast. It starts behind the harbor in Gansbaai and goes to Walker Bay Nature Reserve, then in the other direction to Hermanus. In Gansbaai it starts at the Gansbaai Photo Spot.
The Klipgat Caves are located within the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. It is believed that this is where human life first originated, and it also offers an incredible view!
Gansbaai has its own lighthouse, built in 1895. Please note the irregular opening hours!
It is not too far to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the African continent. Nestled in a national park that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, this is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
We have a small beach in Gansbaai at Stanford’s cove. Here you can lie in the sun and go for a quick swim. You will find a larger beach with restaurants at Hermanus‘ Grotto Beach, or in Franskraal.
Activities:
Whalewatching, this provider starts directly at our harbor.
Fernkloof Hiking Trail, with amazing nature and views!
Stanford Weekend Market, Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00, small and cozy.
Hermanus Country Market, Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00, bigger and beautiful.
African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, help the birds.
Grootbos, Nursery and Fynbos Safari (make appointment!)
Gansbaai Golf Club, play golf in the most southernly located golf course in Africa. It is a 9 hole course, buggies are available to hire.
On the way to or from Cape Town, you can see penguins in Betty’s Bay and drive along one of the most beautiful coastal roads, Clarence Drive along False Bay, which offers breathtaking views and a picturesque alternative to the N2.
Restaurants:
Schneiders Cape Floral Kitchen, above all, our friends, sensational fine dining, and great wines.
Blue Goose, great food, just a short walk away.
Rock on Main Gansbaai, opening soon, offshoot of its big brother in Hermanus.
Great White House Restaurant, delicious food in the neighboring town Kleinbaai, just a seven minutes drive away. Spectacular ceiling decorations and a large terrace.
La Trattoria Stanford, real little italy in the neighboring village Stanford, which is a 15 minutes drive to go.
Stanford Kitchen, small, pleasant restaurant and wine bar.
Gansbaai Bakhuis, great bakery around the corner, fantastic bread and rolls, don’t miss the scones. They also serve lunch and wine, including takeaway.
Gansbaai Coffee Company, with its own roastery, great coffee, good breakfast, and a fantastic view of the harbor from the outdoor terrace.
Fynbos Coffee Shoppee, nice little café with outdoor terrace, breakfast, cakes, and lunch.
Coffee on the Rocks, small day-café with spectacular views of the Walker Bay. The whales swim right past as you enjoy light snacks, delicious cake, and a Rock Shandy. You might even walk there along the coast! Check Opening hours.
Ou Meul Stanford, Bakery with delicious baked goods to enjoy on site or take away. You can also buy small gifts or local wines in the shop here.
Ficks Pool in Hermanus, pinchos and wine, restaurant on the cliffs right by the sea, reservations recommended. Worth seeing!
Winerys:
Lomond Wine Estate, very close by, tasting room which overlooks the 100ha Lomond Dam. Various wine tasting options are available. Food platters are available that offer local cheese from Stonehouse in Stanford, cured meats from Richard Bosman and trout products farmed by B’Bos Trout in the Lomond Dam.
Hemel en Aarde Wine Valley, from Hermanus the picturesque R320 leads into this valley. There are around 20 wineries here, all of which are known for their exceptional wine quality. We particularly recommend the fantastic wines from Creation Wines and Ataraxia Wines.
Wine Village Hermanus, for those who are unable to visit the Hemel en Aarde Valley, you can find everything in one place here. Not only wines from there, but also from other regions. A large selection and friendly service, tastings available.
