Gansbaai
not just a visit ... but an adventure
GANSBAAI TOURISM :: WESTERN CAPE :: SOUTH AFRICA
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THE HISTORY OF GANSBAAI
As a settlement, Gansbaai came into being in the early 1880's. Nomadic fishermen, of whom a gentleman with the name of Cornelis Wessels is claimed to be the first, settled on this coastal stretch of the farm "Strandfontein" (Fountain on the beach). The center point was the freshwater fountain next to the present harbor which provided the small but successful community with drinking water. This fountain was home to wild geese and soon the place was known as "Gansgat" (goose-hole), later changed into the more respectable Gansbaai (Goose bay). The name Wessels and those of other early settlers are still the common names in Gansbaai. The fountain has recently been restored into its former glory and a plate next to it tells the story of the founding of Gansbaai. Only the geese have not returned (yet). The "gansgat-community" was not the first of its kind in the immediate area. Already in the early 1800's the first permanent fishing cottages had been built by Khoi-descendants under ancient Milkwoods in Stanfordsbaai, a secluded cove in De Kelders. Human population was not a new thing for the area. Archeological excavations have shown that Klipgat Cave in neighboring De Kelders was inhabited by early modern man 80'000 years ago at a time when Neanderthal man was still the only representative of the genus "homo" in Europe.    Klipgat Cave as well as the more inland Bijnekrans Cave have also shown evidence of a thriving Khoikhoi community of about 2000 years ago. During the ages many people must have walked along the coast from the fresh water fountain in "Gansgat" to Klipgat Cave. Today, the hike from Gansbaai harbour to Klipgat Cave, the "Klipgat Trail", is not only a stunning nature walk along small and larger caves, rocky outcrops and the very special coastal limestone vegetation, but also a walk in time. Maps and information on the Klipgat trail can be obtained from the Tourism Bureau. Where the coast from Gansbaai to De Kelders is dominated by caves, coves and limestone rock formations towering above the ocean, the coast in an easterly direction is less dramatic and is typified by the rockpools of the shores of Danger Point Peninsula and the endless white sand-beaches beginning at the mouth of the Uilkraals estuary of Franskraal, a popular birding hot-spot. The empty beaches from Franskraal onwards to Pearly Beach, Buffeljagsbaai and Quoin Point are the dream of anyone who wants lonely walks on the beach, but also a paradise for shore- and sea- birds; the rare and endangered Black Oyster Catcher is a common sight. It is no exception to see a Cape fur seal or a Cape clawless otter on these beaches in the early morning. Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to 10'000ths of Cape seals and African penguins, can be seen from these shores. Boat-tours from the harbour of Kleinbaai take you around these islands, where a cheerful and noisy group of seals awaits you. |
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