Expect the unexpected in Gansbaai

Writer: Raphael da Silva.

Since the early 1990s, the reputation of the coastal village town of Gansbaai has been inextricably linked to cage diving with great white sharks. This has led to the town, dubbed “The Great White Shark Capital of the World”, being viewed either as a convenient stop-over for a quick snack and cool drink or simply a place to drive through on the way to Kleinbaai, where the shark cage boats are moored, or to quirky tourist towns such as Baardskeerdersbos or Elim, further down the road.

In other words, a nice quiet, if somewhat boring town, with not a lot happening. The reality, though, could not be more different.

“Gansbaai has always been the ‘poor country cousin’ when compared to Hermanus. However, we have better whale-viewing, sharks, penguins and a host of other outdoor activities available. The tarred road between Bredasdorp and Gansbaai has also made a huge difference. Travellers now come to Gansbaai as part of the journey to or from the Garden Route,” says Dave Sawtelle, who, along with partner Caron Lee, owns Saxon Lodge, a guesthouse overlooking the harbour, that prides itself in offering downto-earth, home-away-from-home accommodation,

The rugged unspoilt natural beauty and limitless views are drawcards for new residents and visitors.

A number of trends are re-shaping the town, adds Caron. “Gansbaai has become super busy in the last three years. More people, including foreigners, are retiring or ‘semi-grating’ here; more progressive business minds have invested here. Initially, visitors came for sharks. Now they come more for the peace and quiet, and the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

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