SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE TOWN - WESTERN CAPE - GANSBAAI ACCOMMODATION - CAR HIRE

One gets great sightings of the sharks from the boats. They swim near the surface quite close to the boat and often break the surface of the water The shark-safe cage for 2 persons offers a completely different perspective. Diving equipment is not required since the cage is drifts at the surface. When a shark approaches, one must simply squat down and submerge their head to get a good look. The operators do keep diving equipment, but to use it , one needs an internationally valid diving license. Some of the operators of shark-diving tours collect their guests from Hermanus, and even Cape Town. For further information contact Jackie Smitt / White Shark Adventures. Email seafaris@iafrica.com

For those who want to get close to nature and don't need to worry about money, the private nature reserve Grootbos is the place of choice. The lodges are built amidst a huge Fynbos conservation area and offer, besides stunningly beautiful accommodation, a broad programme of activities.

Grootbos Nature Reserve
Private nature reserve; 1000 ha fynbos, luxury stone chalets, restaurant, tours. Tel: +27 (0)28 3840381; eMail

Best whale watching spot; 70m from sea; en-suite rooms with seaview. B&B + dinner. Tel +27 (0)28 3841865. eMail

Quiet accommodation in 800 ha fynbos reserve; self-catering; pool; meals; hiking, riding. Tel +27 (0)28 3880920. eMail

BB or S/C; beautiful Walker Bay views; TV; fireplace; excellent restaurant; pool. Tel +27 (0)28 3410178. eMail

Gansbaai
Overberg Coast

Gansbaai lies 170 kilometres from Cape Town and can be reached by car in a pleasant 2,5 hours drive. During the whale season from August to December, the whales come very close to the coast. One may experience excellent whale-watching in the little place De Kelders just before Gansbaai, where one can climb on the cliffs and boulders far down to the water.

The "Shark Cage Diving" in Gansbaai or, more specifically, before Dyer Island, enjoys great popularity, and now there is quite a number of operators with similar programmes, equipment and prices (around R 800 per person) . While a Great White Shark sighting is common all year round, the best season lies between the mid-January and the end of September. Between July and October one has to take into acount the stormy weather and then the trips are either cancelled or very rough. It is advisable to choose an operator with a bigger boat and, perhaps take something along to combat seasickness.

The trip to Dyer Island starts early in the morning between 7 and 8 o'clock, usually from Kleinbaai Harbour, and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Return at about 1 pm. When choosing an operator, find out whether he has a license from the South African Nature Conservation because it's the only way to make sure the rules of safety and conservation are being adhered to.

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Gansbaai Overberg Coast

Gansbaai
Overberg Coast