It's the sharks - or we starve tonight

GANSBAAI perlemoen poachers say despite their fear after the death of a friend in the jaws of a great white shark, they will continue to dive and poach perlemoen because they have no choice.

Although the self-confessed poachers have momentarily halted their illegal activities, they have not ruled out returning to sea.

"I'm thinking of selling vegetables now but in the long run I know I have to go back to the sea. I have to force myself because I have a family who I have to look after," said a 36-year-old poacher who calls himself Zulu.

Zulu was part of a group of eight poachers who witnessed the shark attack on Nkosinathi Mayaba at Dyer Island last Wednesday.

While police Casspirs parked along the Kleinbaai coastline and policemen patrolled, Zulu shared his views on poaching at his home in Masakhane this week.

He explained that the high unemployment rate in the town, discrepancies in the allocation of fishing permits and their responsibility to support their families forced them to return to the shark-infested stretch known as "Shark Alley".

"The only jobs here are in construction and you only work one or two days. This is not enough to feed my family, which is why I have to look for other means of earning an income," said Zulu.

Saider, another poacher, said, "We have spent close to R1 500 on permits to dive, but we have been denied permission. The only people who get permits are those who are experienced and have established professional fishing businesses."

He said wealthier fishermen often included them in their permit proposals but neglected their needs once their permits were approved.

"I know I don't belong in the sea and when I'm there I know I'm between life and death.

"It is obvious we will encounter sharks because this is where the (shark operating) boats travel. We do get scared because we all know there are sharks there but nobody wants to talk about it."

Mayaba's aunt Nontlahla Masingane said she had warned her nephew about the dangers of poaching but that he said he was forced to dive because he needed to support her - because she was not working - and his mother in the Eastern Cape.

"He was starting to change. He even came to visit us often lately."

Gansbaai ward councillor

Dr Anelie Rabie says the shark attack won't reduce poaching.

"There are not many poachers who will stop. Poaching is a big problem in Gansbaai. A large percentage of the unemployed community turn to poaching as a means of income."

She acknowledged that unfair allocation of perlemoen permits caused an increase in poaching but added that the Overstrand Municipality was holding talks to address the problem and generate employment.

Shark tour operator Jean-Pierre Botha said the community was more concerned about poaching than about shark attacks.

"We are venturing into the sharks' territory ... but poaching is a crime. I understand that they (poachers) need money but it does not make it right."

Gansbaai

Gansbaai is some 180km from Cape Town, near Hermanus.

It is a "one-road" town, and a traditional fishing village.

It is surrounded by a number of bays and includes two informal settlements - Masakhane and Eluxolweni.

It has become a hot-spot for tourists who want a shark- or whale-watching experience.

There are more than 26 000 residents, of whom roughly 30% are unemployed.

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Gansbaai Shark Adventures Overberg Coast

Gansbaai, the "Goose Bay", was founded in 1881 by fishermen and named after the numerous wild geese that lived here. Until a few years ago Gansbaai, half an hour's drive east of Hermanus, was still a little fishing village with a little harbour, a fish factory and some shops and pubs. But for the last three years it's been much more lively here in Gansbaai. The place is entirely dominated by tourism and the number of inhabitants has multiplied.

The reason for this boom is Dyer Island, situated 12 kilometres off Gansbaai. The island itself falls under the administration of the Nature Conservation and is an important bird conservation area (Jackass Penguins and Oystercatchers). A huge colony of about 30.000 seals lives on the island, the favourite prey of sharks. That is why the waters around the island are teeming with sharks and there is hardly any place in the world where these predators can be watched more closely than here. Particularly strong in numbers is the giant Great White Shark (carcharodon carcharias), that can grow up to 8 metres long (3,5 metres in average).

Every day a couple of boats goes to Dyer Island loaded with adventurous travellers, diving equipment and cameras. After a 20 minute trip the boat drops anchor near the island. The sharks get allured, not fed, with bait - a soup consisting of minced fish and saltwater. After only a few minutes the sharks start circling round the boat, getting up to a few metres close. Some sharks even jump out of the water.

Each boat brings a steel cage along. It is lowered into the water amd drifts on the surface, tied to the boat with ropes. Those daring enough can watch and photograph the sharks from an underwater perspective in the safety of the cage - a lifetime experience.

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Gansbaai Accommodation | The Roundhouse

Gansbaai Accommodation:

Places to stay with Accommodation in Gansbaai which includes hotels, self catering accommodation, guest houses, bed and breakfast, game lodges, guest farms, golf lodges, caravan parks, discount backpackers lodges and cheap camping sites. Venues with Gansbaai Accomodation are listed above with all rates and details.

Self Catering Gansbaai Accommodation and Self Catering Apartments in Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa. Self catering units range from luxury to budget providing kitchen facilities allowing guests and residents to prepare their own meals. Browse for a Gansbaai self catering establishment, cottage, lodges, apartment or holiday house. Most self-contained accommodation is fully equipped and offer facilities to cater for yourself.

Bed and Breakfast Gansbaai Accommodation and BnB Accommodation in Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa. Bed and Breakfast accommodation range from luxury to budget providing overnight accommodation with breakfast included in the price. Breakfasts range from Continental breakfasts to Full English breakfasts. Browse for a Gansbaai bed and breakfast establishment, every b&b accommodation caters for breakfast.

Guest House Gansbaai Accommodation and Guesthouse Accommodation in Gansbaai, Western Cape, South Africa. Guest House accommodation range from luxury to budget providing a private home that offers accommodation to paying guests. Breakfasts and other meals are available at an extra fee. Browse for a guesthouse establishment which offers services that will suit your travelling requirements.

Hotel Gansbaai Accommodation and Hotels in Gansbaai, Western Cape, Southern Africa.
Hotels range from luxury to budget providing facilities allowing guests to relax and enjoy their stay. Browse for a reasonable Gansbaai hotel establishment that best suits you. Some hotel accommodation offer facilities such as airport transfers, laundry services and wake up calls.

Browse through pet friendly Gansbaai accommodation, venues that are wheelchair / disabled friendly, establishments with spas, plunge pools or fireplaces. Some places to stay have facilities such as air conditioning, baby sitting, bars, games rooms, internet access, room service, security staff, serviced daily or weekly and offer TV with Mnet or satellite.

For a list of all accommodation that is affordable and best priced, please have a browse through all our accommodation listings. Whether you are looking for something for the family or places by the beach, we try list the best priced and best specials so finding where to stay is easy. We also advertise team building and corporate accommodation as well as wedding venues in the surrounding area. Make sure to use our 7 day weather forecast and report to plan all the things to do while on your stay.

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Whale Coast & Overberg » Cities and towns » Gansbaai

Gansbaai is best known for a new adrenaline-pumping sport: Great White Shark cage diving. The diving cage floats just below the water's surface and in it you come face to face with the most fearsome creature in the ocean.

The boats for this adventure, as well as for whale watching trips around Dyer Island, leave from Kleinbaai Harbour, about 4km from Gansbaai.

Despite the emerging tourist industry, Gansbaai is still first and foremost a fishing village, with two harbours and many hardened fishermen. Those without their sea legs may prefer to do the spectacular 7km hike along the coast to the caves in neighbouring De Kelders.

The population of Gansbaai is said to have been boosted by the survivors of one of the worst disasters in British maritime history. The steam troopship, HMS Birkenhead, struck a submerged rock off Danger Point in 1852, drowning 455 men and many horses. The saying "women and children first" originated from this calamity.

Today you can visit a great local brewery named after the famous ship, The Birkenhead Brewery, in nearby

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Gansbaai Accommodation | The Roundhouse

Gansbaai Bed & Breakfast

The Roundhouse B&B is part of a total tourist experience in Gansbaai. We offer Gansbaai accommodation and bed & breakfast facilities in the undisputed best place in the world for Land Based Whale watching. This the perfect spot for a stay over when embarking on one of the famous shark cage diving excursions in the area.

The establishment is situated in de Kelders, which is the prime land based whale watching area in the world for Southern Right Whales.

The Roundhouse is a three stories high round building with a thatched roof. The house has a very modern African feel to it and every care has been taken to assure your complete relaxation and comfort rated 4* but with many 5* finishes.

The house has unique features such as a big projector screen television in the bar area and wireless hotspot internet connectivity throughout the house. This is excellent for anyone from conferences to movie buffs! The suites, which consist of a bedroom, living room and bathroom, have all the little extras such as microwave, toaster, coffee / tea facilities, bar fridge, Television, DVD player, Stereo, Hairdryer, Sewing Kit, First Aid kit, Toiletries and more.

Our breakfast menu includes delicious meals such as a full English breakfast, pancakes, health breakfast and the ever popular continental. We offer room service every day and offer laundry services if wished. For families, we offer a beautiful 6 sleeper self catering cottage just opposite The Roundhouse.

Please note that you have a stunning sea view from the top floor but all of our rooms except 1 are on the ground floor. Our new suite the Carcharias Suite will be up and running in June and has great views form the first floor. You are welcome in the lounge area upstairs at any time... After a long day out, sit on the balcony with a glass of Wine enjoy the sunset and stunning views over the bay..

Gansbaai Accommodation | The Roundhouse

Gansbaai: property values will rise

Gansbaai is fast moving towards becoming the Western Cape Overberg's new Hermanus.

According to Dean Yeadon of Western Cape-based 2tribes, the development company responsible for Baleana Bay, Gansbaai is the new kid on the block as far as property 'hot spots' go and he anticipates values rising dramatically over the next few years.

The only development to have been approved by the Gansbaai Council, Baleana Bay forms part of the coastal village's move from a tourism node to creating homes for potential buyers. Furthermore, the local authorities have recognized the need to protect the delicate natural assets of the area and all future developments need to fall within the clearly defined urban edge.

"The property purchasing trend is moving towards buying in those areas that have a strong sense of community and where purchasers are able to combine the natural goodness that life has to offer with a modern and well functioning environment.

"Our Baleana Bay development offers a rare opportunity to own a lifestyle that combines the natural beauty of this magnificent coastline in a modern contemporary milieu," says Yeadon.

Named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese that are alleged to have congregated at the freshwater fountain near the harbour, Gansbaai is every tourist's dream getaway complete with working harbour, Southern Right Whales, Great White Sharks and stunning beaches.

Situated between Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains and boasts a coastline rich in fynbos vegetation.

Closely located to Dyer Island, the breeding ground of the jackass penguin, Gansbaai serves as the passage between Dyer and Geyser Islands respectively for the Great White, and is referred to as 'shark alley'.

Yeadon confirms that the area has all the right ingredients for country living and has grown into a charming village and holiday resort complete with a range of activities that includes whale watching, shark cage diving, angling, water-sports, and hiking.

"With its amazing attractions and activities, Gansbaai has earned a strong following both for families looking for action-packed holidays, and others who simply want to escape to the solitude of its beautiful beaches," said Yeadon.

With shark diving as one of its main attractions, Gansbaai has experienced a surge of tourism with many visitors unable to spend nights in the town due to the lack of top quality accommodation.

Yeadon says that his team will be encouraging non-resident Baleana Bay purchasers to place their units in a rental management scheme on a long term basis as a means to alleviate this problem.

"Baleana Bay will provide fully-furnished and serviced apartments with a host of amenities to both foreign and local tourists.

"Within the first year, developers can find themselves in the difficult position of needing to establish occupancy on a new apartment hotel. We believe we have found a solution to this problem through our rental management scheme.

"At an additional cost, we will fully equip and furnish apartments in line with the specifications as established by international tour operators. In so doing, we will also guarantee a 9% yield to purchasers in the first year.

"This will also give purchasers the flexibility of utilizing their apartments when and how they chose to and to secure income in the times they don't," says Yeadon.

The first urban high density development to be constructed in Gansbaai, Baleana Bay boasts 30 apartments with resplendent views of the coast and a sought after modern lifestyle package. Prices range between R725,000 - R3-million depending on individual requirements and finishes.

Construction commenced in January 2007 and 90% of the development has already been sold out. Yeadon anticipates occupancy to be achieved by 1st February 2008, giving purchasers enough time to enjoy the beauty that this growing, unpretentious haven has to offer.

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Gansbaai road to benefit property

Intro
New road from Gansbaai to Cape Agulhas has positive spin-offs for property market

The major new 65-70km road which is to be built between Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas in the Overberg region of the Western Cape is expected not only to have significant socio-economic benefits for these areas and the coastal towns en route, it will further impact positively on the residential property markets in those areas, says Glyn Bricknell, MD of Pam Golding Properties' Boland and Overberg region of the Western Cape.

"This is very good news as it heralds a major boost for tourism, as previously, the tarred road ends 20km east of Gansbaai - famous for its Great White shark-diving tourism - and visitors were faced with gravel roads through to Cape Agulhas, which is the southernmost tip of Africa. As a result travellers often simply bypassed the area altogether, which is extremely unfortunate as this is possibly South Africa's best kept secret with spectacularly beautiful natural scenery, and pristine beaches. The new road will also provide a huge boost for employment, with some 5000 new jobs to be created during the two-year construction period.

"In terms of the real estate market, news of the new road is extremely positive as it will create greatly increased awareness of the attractions in these areas, boosting demand for homes and resulting in increased investment in existing and new homes, and ultimately providing a greater return on investment for home owners," adds Bricknell.

She says the tarring of the final stretch of road from Gansbaai to Cape Agulhas will create a wonderful scenic circuit of the farms, beaches, nature reserves and fishing resorts of the area right from the Strand, Gordon's Bay to Kleinmond and Hermanus, Stanford, Gansbaai, Pearly Beach to Cape Agulhas, Bredasdorp, Napier, Caledon and back to Cape Town on the N2.

Pam Golding Properties is very active in the marketplace in the various towns along or in the vicinity of the route of the planned road. Gansbaai and the adjoining coastal towns of Franskraal, Die Kelders and Perlemoenbaai are already popular destinations and are connected by tarred roads. Here, prices for plots with sea views range from R200 000 to R1.1 million at an average size of about 600sqm. However stock is limited, and new seafront properties are practically unobtainable.

The areas of Kleinbaai, Franskraal, Pearly Beach and Die Dam, which lie further east along the southern coastline, are already connected by tarred roads, and these towns are developing at an extremely rapid rate. However, the creation of the coastal connecting road will open up the area of the old Moravian mission town of Elim with its original church clock, water wheel and picturesque thatched cottages. The new route will be called the Slave Route. Tourism will unlock the potential of this quaint village as well as open up the farmlands in the area to new investors, facilitating technological improvements and ultimately resulting in increased values.

At the Victorian village, Stanford, which is situated between Gansbaai and Hermanus, its proximity to the Klein River and scenic mountain backdrop make it an extremely sought after residential area, coupled with the fact that it is easily accessible. In 1994 a conservation programme was implemented, in order to preserve its Victorian character and ambience. PGP agent Jillian Smith says recently there has been a strong demand from younger Capetonians seeking a village where young families can enjoy a freedom of lifestyle, as well as a strong demand from the 'young retired' age group. Prices for two bedroom, open plan houses now range from R650 000 while river properties, when available, are priced from around R970 000. Occasionally one of the older, Victorian homes come onto the market priced from approximately R500 000.

Says Le Roux van der Merwe, PGP's area manager for the Overberg and South Western Cape areas incorporating Bredasdorp, Napier, Arniston and Breede
River: "Currently the best and quickest way to reach the already popular coastal resorts of Arniston, Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas is on the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass and through the towns of Caledon, Napier and Bredasdorp, which is a trip of two to two-and-a-half hours from Cape Town.

"Because of their popularity, there is a strong demand for homes from both local and overseas buyers, which is resulting in increased prices. At Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai, stands with sea views are selling from R500 000 to R600 000 with one of the last remaining beachfront plots on the market at R800 000. Houses with sea views sell from R650 000 to R2 million and further back, stands range from R100 000 to R160 000, with seafront houses along the golden mile selling for up to R3.5 million.

The fishermen's cottages on the cliffs at Arniston, which in their entirety are a national monument, are a scenic backdrop to this coastal village, where property is also in great demand. Here, seafront houses change hands for over R6 million, with a recent PGP sale being for a home priced at R4.3 million, while another seafront house is currently on the market at R4.76 million. Seafront or sea view plots are unobtainable, while other plots are fetching up to R1.7 million. Further back the lowest priced house is currently on the market at R850 000.

Bredasdorp - whose surrounding areas are a haven for bird lovers - was established as a municipality in 1834 and is the supply town for the surrounding farms as well as being the seat of the Cape Agulhas Municipality. It is a charming town set against the Heuningberg mountain, with a population of about 10 000 and a good infrastructure and facilities.

Van der Merwe says house prices range from around R350 000 for modest homes to R850 000 for luxury homes against the lower slopes of the mountain. Erven range from R45 000 for 400sqm to R77 000 for 1500sqm stands with excellent views.

Adds Bricknell: "These south coastal areas have tremendous potential.
Farmlands which were traditionally used for wheat, barley, oats and sheep, are enjoying interest among both local and overseas investors, with positive results. Now, in the cool folds of the hills between the sea and the R316, vines are being planted, which because of the five degrees lower than average temperature, allows for harvesting during the day - eliminating the need for costly night harvests. Olive groves, also suitable for the Mediterranean climate, are appearing, while other new forms of farming include game, dairy and beef farming, and cattle and sheep stud farms - with the latter producing some of the most prized Merinos in the world, due to the good climate and the soil's rich nutrients."

The areas are also known for Australian fresh water crayfish and carp, angora goats, ducks, geese and ostrich, as well as for its fynbos - including proteas and other flora for a thriving export industry.

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