You may believe that there is little to keep you occupied in Franskraal, think again. The seaside resort offers birders an abundance of birdlife, hiking trails, local artists, neighbouring Kleinbaai offers daily White Shark cage diving boat trips and much more.

 

 

4 x 4 TRIPS AND ROUTES

You can drive out to Die Plaat between Stanford & Gansbaai. Cape Nature Conservation allows vehicles on parts of this conservation area and it is a lovely picnic and fishing spot.

• Glen Oakes 4x4 Trail Caledon
  Tel: 028 212 2050 / 028 212 2710

A

Abalone

Take an interesting conducted tour of the Atlantic Fishing Co where you will see firsthand how Abalone is farmed for the culinary export market.

Gansbaai Harbour
Tel +27 28 384 1162

Arts and Crafts

The Overberg has always attracted a large number of artistically talented people. Here you will find painters, sculptors, poets, ceramicists, jewellery designers, glass designers, quilters and photographers. There are many talented artists living and working in the Overberg, bringing the area international recognition.

There are also excellent African curio type works brought in from further north but the quilts, ceramics, precious stone jewellery and most fabric paintings are all by local artists.

Galleries abound throughout the Overberg. Some of these galleries are listed here. Wander and explore.

ONRUS

• Gallery Gregoire
  Tel: 028 316 2694
• The Mission House Gallery (Onrus)
  Tel: 028 316 2269
• The Atelier d’art
  Tel: 028 316 3238

HEMEL-EN-AARDE VALLEY

• Hornbill House
  Tel: 028 316 2696
• Erna Dry Ceramics
  Tel: 028 316 2696
• Southern Art Ceramics
  Tel: 028 316 3296
• Village Gallery & Gallery 64
  Tel: 028 316 4587

CENTRAL HERMANUS

• Art Thirst
  Tel:072 682 6590
• The Fisherman’s Gallery
  Tel:028 312 2509
• Hubbard’s Cupboard
  Tel:028 312 1909
• The Arthaus
  Tel:028 313 0030
• Philip Harper Gallery
  Tel:028 312 4836
• Abalone Art Gallery
  Tel:084 7811864
• Village Gallery
  Tel:028 316 4587
• Here Be Treasure
  Tel:028 313 0986
• Walker Bay Art Gallery
  171 Main Road
  Tel:028 312 2928
• Bellini Gallery
  Tel:028 312 498
  Local contemporary Art Gallery showing paintings
  and sculptures, Annette Barnard, Shelley Adams,
  Maeve Dewar, Charlene Langguth, Karel Beenen.

Antiques and Collectables

Traverse the alleyways and you will come across all kinds of little shops. Probably the most well known is TUTAMEN, in High Street, which specialises in investment pieces.

B

Banks

You will find most of the major South African banks in Gansbaai.

Banking hours: Weekdays 09h00 till 15h30. Saturdays 09h00 till 11h00.

Beaches

Gansbaai Beaches

Beaches in and around Gansbaai vary from endless pristine white stretches of sandy beach to rocky outcrops dotted with rockpools, towering cliffs and caves.

• Stanford's Bay
  A protected cove in the middle of De Kelders offers ideal swimming conditions.
• Kleinbaai
  Several rockpools and a beautiful hike in addition to a tidal pool.
• Franskraal
  Situated 4 kms from central Gansbaai this endless sandy beach runs towards the Uilkraals estuary, well known as a birding hotspot.
• Uilkraal
  Ideal for long walks, swimming, family picnics and bird watching.
• Die Plaat
  Protected as part of the Walker Bay reserve, ideal for swimming. Excellent fishing.
• Pearly Beach
  Beautiful stretch of powder white sand beach. Ideal for long walks, ideal fishing and whale watching haven.
• Buffeljagsbaai
  Remote, this spot will impress with its soaring solidified dunes which tower over Jessie se Baai.

Hermanus Beaches

The beaches in Hermanus are a sun worshipper’s dream with soft powdery sand. A number of choices are offered – from cozy rock protected coves to long expanses of beach, perfect for walking and finding your own, private spot to relax.

• VOËLKLIP BEACH
  Voëlklip Beach is smaller with a lovely grass slope to sit on, should you not enjoy the sand. There are also ablution blocks but there are no hiring facilities. There are many small beaches all the way along the cliff path so grab a towel BUT – please don’t forget your sun block and hat. The African sun is unforgiving and a small breeze will give you the impression that you are not burning, but by the evening you will be sorely regretting having left the sun block behind.
• KAMMABAAI
  also known as Nanny’s Beach and Lover’s Cove, just alongside Voëlklip, is particularly popular with surfers. There are braai and picnic facilities under the milk wood trees.
• LANGBAAI
  is a secluded beach tucked away at the foot of the cliffs just off 6th Avenue. A well – camouflaged toilet is tucked away in the bushes behind the beach – the only facility here.
• GROTTO
  Just down the road towards Voëlklip is the Blue Flag beach at Grotto. South Africa was the first country outside Europe to win Blue Flag accreditation for some of its beaches. A section of Grotto Beach offers bathers and sun worshippers standard international facilities that include lifesavers, security guards, spotless cloakrooms and a coffee shop called Dutchies. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available for hire.
• DIE PLAAT
  From Grotto you can walk to the mouth of the lagoon. The lagoon mouth is usually closed in summer as the water levels drop (this being a winter rainfall area). At this time, very long walks along the stretch of coast known as Die Plaat (the Plateaux or Board) are possible. After winter, the lagoon will breach its berm and break through into the sea. The mouth then becomes impassable.
• SCHULPHOEK
  At the Schulphoek camping and caravan park, there is a new tidal pool with change rooms. Fresh seawater is pumped into it daily and the pool is safe for children.
• SANDBAAI
  On the western side of Hermanus is the Sandbaai Beach with several little coves that are particularly popular at low tide, when swimming is safe. The beach is dotted with delightful rock pools full of marine creatures. It is also popular for snorkeling. There are change rooms and showers.
• ONRUS BEACH
  is the choice of body surfers and surfers. Facilities at this beach have been vastly upgraded and a restaurant provides takeaways and meals. The lagoon, which is a delight for the children, opens to the sea at this beach.
• BRÊKVIS BAY – Vermont
  In Vermont lie the dunes and beach called Brêkvis Bay on the boundary of the Vermont Nature Reserve. A perfect spot for picnicking and paddling. Right next door is another pretty beach called Twistbaai.
• FISHERHAVEN
  Not strictly a beach, but the shores of the Bot River Lagoon provide numerous spots to picnic and swim. The lagoon is a favourite with windsurfers, fishermen and waterskiers.
• TIDAL POOLS
  provide safe bathing and are particularly popular with children. The Marine Tidal Pool or Bientang se Baaigat, just below the Marine Hotel, is a great place to swim or snorkel as it teems with sea life and fairly large fish.
  
  Flick’s Pool on Westcliff Road is a smaller pool with a sandy bottom and is well sheltered in a cove. The Schulphoek Tidal Pool at the Schulphoek Camp Site provides a vast pool and play area for both campers and day visitors. At the Onrus River camp there is a tidal pool for both campers and the public.

Beauty

We are able to advise you on beauty salons offering outstanding treatments and services in Gansbaai and Hermanus.

Birding

Franskraal is a birders paradise and Franskraal Bed and Breakfast is no exception. Just a walk away from the beach and the estuary, you'll enjoy early mornings out catching a glimpse of the more than 250 bird species in the area.

C

CHEESE FARM

At Kleinrivier, a little way up the R326 which starts at Stanford, you will see the
cheese farm. The shop stocks their award winning cheeses and they do great
picnics.

D

DIVING

A permit, and a copy of the regulations, is needed if you plan to collect marine
delicacies. This is available from the local Post Office. The price is R75.

SCUBA DIVING

Call Scuba Africa on 083 731 8235 or 028 316 2362.

DYER ISLAND

Dyer Island is a 20ha Nature Reserve, situated 12 km from Kleinbaai harbour. This is one of the seabird islands. Some of the birds breeding on the island include the vulnerable African Penguins and endangered Bank Cormorant and Roseate Tern. Other breeding species include the Cape Whitebreasted and Crowned Cormorants; Leach’s Storm Petrel; African Black Oystercatchers; Kelp and Hartlaub’s Gulls. It is also the home to a colony of the Cape Fur Seal.

F

Fernkloof Nature Reserve

Fernkloof Nature Reserve was established in 1957 and forms the splendid mountain backdrop to Hermanus. Over 1100 different plant species have been collected and identified within the reserve which is only 15 square kilometres. This compares well with the UK’s 1500 species! At the traffic circle in Voëlklip, turn up the road towards the mountain.

FESTIVALS

Fees Van Die Ganse is an annual event taking place in the heart of Winter. Usually in early July and takes the form of family entertainment, food stalls, live bands, pony rides, art exhibitions and much more. Enormous fun for everyone.

FISHING

There are many fishing spots in and around Franskraal/Gansbaai. Helmie will gladly advise you on some of the fishing hotspots in the area for those intent on bringing in the big one!

G

GOLF

Where else can you play nine holes of golf with such a magnificent sea view surrounded by indigenous fynbos. The charming golf course is situated in Kleinbaai and is a must for golf enthusiasts.

H

HIKING AND WALKING TRAILS

As a major conservation area, there are several hiking trails in the area. Maps are available from the local tourism office in Gansbaai with information on the various hiking trails available.

• De Uijlenes
  Tel: 028 - 388 0551
• Farm 215 Fynbos Reserve
  Tel: 028 - 388 0920
• Flower Valley
  Tel: 028 388 0713
• Grootbos Nature Reserve
  Tel: 028 384 0381
• Heidehof Medicinal Walks
  Tel: 028 388 0073
• Klipgat Trail
  Tel: 028 3841439
• Milkwood Hiking Trail
  Tel: 028 388 0099
• Platbos Hiking Trail
  Tel: 082 411 0448
• Sandberg Fynbos Reserve
  Tel: 028 482 1616
• Strandveld Hiking Club
  Tel: 028 384 2848

HORSE RIDING

• Baardskeerdersbos Horse Trails
  Tel: 028 381 9636 / 072 273 6505
• Cape Nature Conservation
  off 7th Street (the main road through Voëlklip) up 17th Avenue
  Tel: 082 729 7776
• Arabella, Equestrian Horse Centre
  Kleinmond, Ysterklip Farm
  Contact Matt or Sarah
  Tel: 083 362 1046
• Horse Trail Safaries
  Tel: 082 729 7776
• African Horse Company (Stanford)
  Tel: 082 667 9232

K

Kayaking/Canoeing

• The Beach to Cave Nature Trail begins from Stanford's Cove. The trail is very easy and passes along the coastline of De Kelders. You are likely to spot seals. In season you will see Southern Right and Humpback Whales which come close inshore to calve.
  Tel 028 384 3846

M

MUSEUMS

Strandveld Museum situated in Franskraal

S

SHARK CAGE DIVING

• Shark Lady Adventures – Gansbaai
  Experience this magnificent predator in its natural environment with the SHARK LADY, the only commercial handson woman in the industry.
  Shark Lady Adventures is led by Kim Maclean. Kim holds all the relevant qualifications and is well trained in working with Great White sharks.
  Bookings are essential. They take only exclusive groups for your comfort and more cage diving.
  Visit them at 61 Marine Drive, Hermanus or call
  Tel: 028 312 3287 or 083 746 8985or 083 725 3186
• Great White Shark Tours – Gansbaai
  Join Brian McFarlane's team for a trip!! Very educational, and LOTS of fun! Contact Brian McFarlane (Bookings are essential)
  Tel: 083 300 2138
  Our day normally starts off with a light continental breakfast, after which we take payment, do a short briefing, and then head out to sea! Lunch, drinks and snacks are served on the boat, and after everyone has had a chance to get into the cage, we return back to land for some coffee, tea, hot chocolate and biscuits.
  
  We provide all the necessary gear, wetsuits, towels, etc.
  
  You do not need any diving experience or qualifications!

Shopping

• Gansbaai offers an abundance of interesting little speciality shops in addition to the supermakets. Coffee shops, eateries and pubs line the bustling town and coastal routes.

T

Transfer/Shuttle Service

• Taxi Corp Shuttles
  24 Shuttle service over the entire Overberg and Western Cape.
  Tel: 082 3538069 / 079 7821660

W

WHALE WATCHING (Boat Based)

Only licensed operators are allowed to take visitors on boatbased whale watching trips. They are allowed within 50 metres of the mammals and have to adhere to strict rules and participate in research on the whales.

From June to the end of November there is a whale sanctuary in Walker Bay. Unlicensed boats are not permitted in the sanctuary and, outside of the sanctuary, nobody is allowed within 300 metres of the whales. The whales don’t know about this law and are often well within 300 meters of the cliff paths.

• Dyer Island Cruises Gansbaai
  Cruises: ±2½ hours
  Tel: 028 384 0406 or 082 801 8014
• Hermanus Whale Cruises
  Experience the unforgettable interaction with whales. Departure from Hermanus New Harbour. Bookings are essential.
  Tel: 028 313 2722 or 082 369 8931
• Ivanhoe Sea Safaris Gansbaai
  For the most amazing whale watching experience
  Tel: 028 384 0556
• Southern Right Charters
  • Sea Cruises
    They offer sea cruises and are based at the Hermanus New Harbour at the infamous Whale Shack. They offer a Bay Cruise where they usually encounter seals, penguins, marine birds and often the beautiful dolphins and Brydes whales.
  • Sunset Cruises
    The 18h00 sunset cruise is the perfect way in which to unwind after a stressful day or you can set the mood for your evening out.
    For bookings and enquiries
    Tel: 082 353 0550

Wine Farms

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Tucked into the folds of the Glen Vauloch Mountains on the outskirts of Hermanus, lies the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It is here that wine lovers can treat themselves to a unique wine tour among some of the southernmost vineyards in Africa, with only the Cape Agulhas vineyards being further south.

• Bouchard Finlayson estate is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 6km from the Sandbaai intersection of the R43 and R320 roads.
  Other wine farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley:
• Hamilton Russell
• La Vierge
• Newton Johnson / Cape Bay (incorporates Heaven Restaurant)
• Sumaridge (Lunch available Rhotalia Restaurant)
• Babylon Wines (Lunch available)
• Hemelzicht
• Beaumont Bot Rivier
• Wildekrans Bot Rivier
• Erica Farm (Raka) Near Stanford on the R326

Hemel-en-Aarde Village (At intersection of the R43 and the R320)

The Hemel-en-Aarde Village is situated at the Main Road and Sandbaai intersection. Restaurants in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village complex, our very own Village Restaurant, B's Steakhouse and Incredible Fish, will supply sumptuous meals.

You can also explore the myriad of shops in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village. Hornbill House, Southern Art Ceramics, The Village Farm Stall, Ralph Walton Jewellery Design, Walkerbay Nursery and Sylvia Smith's Gallery.

Whalehaven is situated only 150 metres from the intersection on the Caledon road.

Hermanuspietersfontein Cellars are located very close to Whalehaven. Do pop in to their tasteroom. Experience 16 of the best of South Africa’s Sauvignon Blancs. Avail yourself of the opportunity to taste and compare see for yourself the differences between regions and wine making styles. They are open to cellar tours.