Gansbaai
not just a visit ... but an adventure
GANSBAAI TOURISM :: WESTERN CAPE :: SOUTH AFRICA
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BAARDSKEERDERSBOS DESTINATIONS TO VISIT
Baardskeerdersbos is first mentioned in writing dating back to 1660: an expedition-team of five men sent by the founder of the Cape Colony, Jan van Riebeeck, reported on the valley and its Khoikhoi-residents. No doubt the little expedition will have spent the night in the open air and will have encountered the small spider-like creatures called "Baardscheerders" ("Beard shavers") famous for cutting human hair for nest-making purposes. Hence the mouthful that is the name of this village: Baardscheerdersbos ("Beard Shavers Forest") Today the village is known as Baardskeerdersbos (or more intimately "B'bos") The fertile Baardskeerdersbos Valley in the heart of the Overberg is one of the most undisturbed and original areas of this region. It is a rural drive of 25 km from Gansbaai en-route to the most southern point of the African continent, Cape Agulhas. Meandering past streams and through a hilly and constantly changing landscape, the drive to B'bos is in itself a treat. Apart from the traditional cattle farms and horse-steads, bright-green vineyards and multicoloured flower-farms mark the landscape of the Baardskeerdersbos Valley. B'bos is also home to several pristine and rare fynbos habitats of the original "Cape Floral Kingdom".  The church in B'bos was built in 1921 and is an example of beauty by simplicity. Some of the original mud-stone cottages can still be seen in the town. Undoubtedly in time B'bos will grow but it will always stay a small village of unpretentious people surrounded by awesome nature. In terms of shops B'bos is not a Mecca, but the village has a general trader on Main road, providing all basic necessities. Salon Serenity, a health and skin-care clinic is located here, attracting people from a large area. P.D. Coetzer manufactures traditional furniture, while Joshua Miles and Hennie Roux are the local artists. Flowers, vegetables and your preferred cut of beef can be bought on the outskirts of the village.   The Strandveld pub, housed in an old school building and the Baardskeerdersbos Boereorkes (farmer's orchestra) of Manie Groenewald is widely known in the world of Afrikaanse music. Many people first hear of B'bos after they listen to Manie and his men. The Baardskeerdersbos Valley is a haven of tranquillity .The access to B'bos is by gravel road suitable for all normal cars. Between 2005 and 2008 the road to B'bos and beyond will be tarred from the exit of the R43 at the estuary of Uilenkraalsmond. Tar will change B'bos, but we, the locals of this valley pledge that the change will be positive. Tar or sand road, you are always very welcome in our unique hamlet. |
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