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Gansbaai is an unpretentious village in the Western Cape’s Overberg region that takes its name from a flock of wild Eqyptian geese that reputedly congregated around a freshwater fountain near the harbour. This South African gem has a big reputation as a result of the Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks that frequent the waters off the Danger Point Peninsula. The majestic marine creatures attract thousands of tourists and holidaymakers throughout the year, which does wonders for the local economy.
Situated between the Overberg towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies in the Walker Bay area at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains. The coastline is rich in indigenous fynbos vegetation and the ocean views are spectacular. Dyer Island, which is found just off the coast, is the breeding ground of the famous Jackass Penguin, cormorants and a variety of other sea birds. Geyser Island is another attraction nearby that houses thousands of Cape fur seals. It is the passage between the two islands that forms an excellent breeding ground and is often referred to as ‘shark alley’.
Shark cage diving has become a popular pastime along the Cape's Overberg coastline, particularly from Kleinbaai harbour. The area around Dyer Island just off the Gansbaai coast has been declared a nature reserve, which means that only boats with permits are allowed access. The entire Walker Bay region is a whale sanctuary and the gentle giants can be sighted offshore during the calving season when the Southern Right Whale mothers make their way to warmer waters and sheltered bays.
South Africa has a reputation as having some of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world, many of which are located along the Overberg’s coastline. There are footpaths that provide ample opportunity to venture out and watch these magnificent creatures at close range. Gansbaai is also found in the heart of the fynbos biome, which houses thousands of indigenous plant species, some of which are the most rare on earth. Consequently, there are a number of conservancies and reserves in the area that protect these species and organized hikes provide residents and visitors with the opportunity to explore this plant kingdom.
On the first weekend of July each year, the Festival of the Geese is hosted in Gansbaai and attracts more than 10 000 visitors to the area. The festival is a celebration of the village’s origins and in remembrance of the wild geese that used to flock to the freshwater spring in the harbour. With so much natural beauty to inspire the soul and plenty of activity to keep you busy, it really is no wonder that property in Gansbaai is so popular with investors both local and foreign.
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