Gansbaai

Gansbaai is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa and offers some of the finest boat-based and land-based whale watching in the world. This quaint fishing village provides loads of amenities, some excellent schools and a family-friendly appeal within beautiful surroundings. The breathtaking views of the ocean and the clean and safe environment of Gansbaai make it a desirable place to live whether you are part of a family, a couple or looking to invest.

A brief history of the area

Gansbaai was founded, according to local storytellers, in 1881 after 18-year-old fisherman Johannes Cornelis Wessels walked there across the dunes from Stanford and discovered excellent fishing in the area. He settled there, and soon after other families followed suit.

The settlers called it "Gansbaai" meaning "Goose Bay" after the colony of Egyptian geese that gathered at the freshwater fountain in the present-day Gansbaai Harbor. Up until the 20th century, however, it was little more than a simple fishing village due to its isolation and lack of communication with the outside world.

Distance from key points

The distance from Gansbaai to Cape Town International Airport is 149,2 km (one hour and 57 minutes away) via the N2 and residents can reach Cape Town central within two hours and 10 minutes (163,0 km) via the N2. 

Climate

Gansbaai has a Mediterranean climate. The summers are warm and dry, and the temperature is cold in the winter. The highest average temperature in Gansbaai is 23 °C in January and the lowest is 16 °C in July. The area sees about 221 mm of rain in a year.

Schools in the area

Gansbaai hosts some excellent schools worth looking into for your children. Here are the top schools you should consider.  

De Kleine Gansies Speelskool, Laerskool Gansbaai, Gansbaai Primer Blompark and Gansbaai Academia.  

Healthcare in the area

Mediclinic Hermanus Hospital is the closest hospital to the area and provides exceptional service and care.

If it is just a check-up or some medication you're after, you could visit Gansbaai Clinic or Family Health Centre.

For veterinary services, you can visit Hermanus Animal Hospital or Bergview Veterinary Hospital situated in Hermanus, a mere 35-minute drive.

Shopping centres

For all your retail therapy needs, you could pop into Great White Junction which will have you covered whether you're looking for groceries, clothing, electronics, home decor or jewellery.

Restaurants

When it comes to eateries, some of the best establishments in the area worth a visit include Blue Goose Restaurant, The Boathouse Restaurant and Pub, Rosemary's Country Kitchen, The Fish Lady, The Bistro, Die Wielhuis Restaurant, B Blondes Restaurant, The Beer Garden and Giuseppe's Trattoria and Cocktail Bar.

Special attractions

Gansbaai is home to a wide variety of attractions for all weather types that you and your family will want to explore. 

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary is an absolute must-see! You get to view and interact with some amazing animals all the while assisting a good cause.

Ivanhoe Sea Safari's is another experience you won't want to miss out on! Who wouldn't want to get up close to some whales?

If you are in Gansbaai, you will want to explore the Klipgat Caves which is a historical landmark and extremely fascinating.

Make Gansbaai your home. Let it be your story.

Gansbaai offers residents a clean, safe, and family-orientated environment with elegant homes in picturesque settings. Seeff has a wide variety of properties in Gansbaai for you to choose from whether you're looking to purchase a property or rent a home, so contact one of our property practitioners today.