Witkrans guidebook
Places to Visit & things to do
Platbos is down the road from Witkrans and a beautiful indegenous forest where you can enjoy walks. There is an honesty box at the entrance - take a picnic along and enjoy some time here! A definate must do!
11 locals recommend
Platbos Indigenous Forest
Platbos is down the road from Witkrans and a beautiful indegenous forest where you can enjoy walks. There is an honesty box at the entrance - take a picnic along and enjoy some time here! A definate must do!
Klipgat Cave is located close to the seaside village of De Kelders and it is accessed via the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, managed by Cape Nature. Here visitors will be welcomed by dramatic ocean views. Klipgat Cave was occupied during the Middle and Later Stone Age from about 80 000 years ago to about 50 000 years ago and then again from 2 000 to 1 200 years ago. Amongst some of the main findings in the cave, archaeologists uncovered some of the earliest human remains of Homo sapiens. The bones of early fat-tailed sheep and pottery discovered here show that Khoe pastoralists lived in the area from about 2 000 years ago, one of the oldest dates in the Western Cape.
Detailed information boards at the site will lead the visitors through the daily lives of our ancestors from the Middle Stone Age through the Later Stone Age.
22 locals recommend
Klipgat Caves
Normandie StreetKlipgat Cave is located close to the seaside village of De Kelders and it is accessed via the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, managed by Cape Nature. Here visitors will be welcomed by dramatic ocean views. Klipgat Cave was occupied during the Middle and Later Stone Age from about 80 000 years ago to about 50 000 years ago and then again from 2 000 to 1 200 years ago. Amongst some of the main findings in the cave, archaeologists uncovered some of the earliest human remains of Homo sapiens. The bones of early fat-tailed sheep and pottery discovered here show that Khoe pastoralists lived in the area from about 2 000 years ago, one of the oldest dates in the Western Cape.
Detailed information boards at the site will lead the visitors through the daily lives of our ancestors from the Middle Stone Age through the Later Stone Age.
Penguin and seabird sanctuary - free entry and an NGO doing amazing work. Opened in 2015, the APSS is as a custom-designed marine bird rehabilitation center.
They provide temporary care to diseased, displaced, injured, oiled and abandoned marine birds with special focus on the endangered African penguin. Marine bird rescue, rehabilitation and releases part of the conservation management plan to stabilize and maintain population numbers.
26 locals recommend
African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - Gansbaai
Penguin and seabird sanctuary - free entry and an NGO doing amazing work. Opened in 2015, the APSS is as a custom-designed marine bird rehabilitation center.
They provide temporary care to diseased, displaced, injured, oiled and abandoned marine birds with special focus on the endangered African penguin. Marine bird rescue, rehabilitation and releases part of the conservation management plan to stabilize and maintain population numbers.
On the last Friday of every month is the popular Stanford market held on the village green. (Closed during winter months).
Stanford Sunset Market
Shortmarket StreetOn the last Friday of every month is the popular Stanford market held on the village green. (Closed during winter months).
Every Saturday morning on the market plain just past the Gansbaai Spar entrance and behind the library. Lots of yummy local things to buy.
Gansbaai Farmer's / Craft Market
Kapokblom StreetEvery Saturday morning on the market plain just past the Gansbaai Spar entrance and behind the library. Lots of yummy local things to buy.
Saturday morning park run at 8am at Groenweide. Enjoy a coffee and/or breakfast at their restaurant after this fun run.
Groeneweide parkrun
Saturday morning park run at 8am at Groenweide. Enjoy a coffee and/or breakfast at their restaurant after this fun run.
Our other local park run in the beautiful Hemel and Aarde Valley in Hermanus. Plaaskombuis is a great spot for breakfast afterwards just a little further up the Hemel and Aarde Valley.
8 locals recommend
Hermanus parkrun
Camphill RoadOur other local park run in the beautiful Hemel and Aarde Valley in Hermanus. Plaaskombuis is a great spot for breakfast afterwards just a little further up the Hemel and Aarde Valley.
The Klipspringer MTB trail starts down the road from us here. There is an honesty box you can purchase your permit from and head out on the various trails that cross through The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. End back at the tasting room with some award winning wines to taste or purchase for later.
41 locals recommend
Lomond Wine Estate
The Klipspringer MTB trail starts down the road from us here. There is an honesty box you can purchase your permit from and head out on the various trails that cross through The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. End back at the tasting room with some award winning wines to taste or purchase for later.
Neighborhoods
Uilkraal is a special valley situated behind Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and in the heart of The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Far enough away in nature for peace and quiet but close enough to the shops in Gansbaai and Stanford and also not far from the beaches.
Uilenkraal
Uilkraal is a special valley situated behind Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and in the heart of The Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. Far enough away in nature for peace and quiet but close enough to the shops in Gansbaai and Stanford and also not far from the beaches.
Gansbaai is a 15 minute drive from Witkrans where you find a lovely big Spar as well as an OK and various other shops.
31 locals recommend
Gansbaai
Gansbaai is a 15 minute drive from Witkrans where you find a lovely big Spar as well as an OK and various other shops.
Stanford is a quaint town with a small OK shop and a few quaint restaraunts. Also a lovely river to paddle on and various boats trips from here.
49 locals recommend
Stanford
Stanford is a quaint town with a small OK shop and a few quaint restaraunts. Also a lovely river to paddle on and various boats trips from here.
A quaint town down the road from Witkrans with Maritietjies Pub and Grill being a must visit for the biggest breakfast on offer. Also a few artists in this town to visit.
13 locals recommend
Baardskeerdersbos
A quaint town down the road from Witkrans with Maritietjies Pub and Grill being a must visit for the biggest breakfast on offer. Also a few artists in this town to visit.
Just a bit further along the road from Baardskeerdesbos is Elim, a beautiful quaint old mission village with a visit to the church and old mill being a must.
26 locals recommend
Elim
Church StreetJust a bit further along the road from Baardskeerdesbos is Elim, a beautiful quaint old mission village with a visit to the church and old mill being a must.
Arniston is a small seaside settlement on the coast of the Overberg region of South Africa, close to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.
31 locals recommend
Arniston
Arniston is a small seaside settlement on the coast of the Overberg region of South Africa, close to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.
Other than being known for its pristine white sandy beaches that stretch all the way to Arniston, Struisbaai is also known for its thriving fishing community many who have been in the industry for generations.
29 locals recommend
Struisbaai
Other than being known for its pristine white sandy beaches that stretch all the way to Arniston, Struisbaai is also known for its thriving fishing community many who have been in the industry for generations.
Hermanus is a favorite tourist seaside town for whale watching, great restaurants with majestic views, pristine unspoilt beaches, wine routes, hiking, mountain biking and much more.....all a mere 30-45min drive away.
219 locals recommend
Hermanus
Hermanus is a favorite tourist seaside town for whale watching, great restaurants with majestic views, pristine unspoilt beaches, wine routes, hiking, mountain biking and much more.....all a mere 30-45min drive away.
Activities
African Horse Trails does horse riding trips in the area. They also do overnight trips and use Witkrans as one of their preferrred overnight stops. We love having their horses to stay in our paddock and the kids enjoy feeding them carrots when they are here.
7 locals recommend
African Horse Company - Stanford
African Horse Trails does horse riding trips in the area. They also do overnight trips and use Witkrans as one of their preferrred overnight stops. We love having their horses to stay in our paddock and the kids enjoy feeding them carrots when they are here.
Flower Valley Conservation Trust has unfortunately closed however Witkrans guests can get exclusive access to walk over the farm (please ask us before going).
6 locals recommend
Flower Valley Conservation Trust
Flower Valley Conservation Trust has unfortunately closed however Witkrans guests can get exclusive access to walk over the farm (please ask us before going).
Award winning 3 day Slackpacking Trail in the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. This trail is run and managed by Sean & Michelle Privett and Witkrans guests also have exclusive access to these trails from the cottages.
The Fynbos Trail
Award winning 3 day Slackpacking Trail in the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy. This trail is run and managed by Sean & Michelle Privett and Witkrans guests also have exclusive access to these trails from the cottages.
Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary
Big cat sanctuary
Best whale watching boat to go out on with knowledable marine guides on board.
26 locals recommend
Whale Watching · Dyer Island Cruises™
5 Geelbek StBest whale watching boat to go out on with knowledable marine guides on board.
Best shark watching boat to go out on with knowledable marine guides on board.
39 locals recommend
Shark Cage Dive · Marine Dynamics™
5 Geelbek StBest shark watching boat to go out on with knowledable marine guides on board.
A must for horse lovers. Riding horses on the beach at Pearly Beach. Owner run and fantastic experience
11 locals recommend
Gansbaai & Pearly Beach Horse Trails
A must for horse lovers. Riding horses on the beach at Pearly Beach. Owner run and fantastic experience
Lady Stanford River Cruise
Du Toit StreetA guided trip down the Stanford River.
A more budget trip down the Stanford river but equally nice and they normally tow tubes behind the boat that you can lie on a hot summers day.
River Rat Boat Cruises
King StreetA more budget trip down the Stanford river but equally nice and they normally tow tubes behind the boat that you can lie on a hot summers day.
Putt putt and super tube just outside the Uilenkraalsmond Holiday Resort. Generally only open during the summer months but lots of fun with kids.
9 locals recommend
Uilenkraalsmond Holiday Resort - Gansbaai
158 HoofwegPutt putt and super tube just outside the Uilenkraalsmond Holiday Resort. Generally only open during the summer months but lots of fun with kids.
Local Beaches
A lovely safe beach called Stanford Cove to visit with kids. Lots of rock pools as well as a safe swimming beach. Also lovely grass patch to sit on and play ball games. A couple of swings have also been added to this beach for kids.
23 locals recommend
De Kelders
A lovely safe beach called Stanford Cove to visit with kids. Lots of rock pools as well as a safe swimming beach. Also lovely grass patch to sit on and play ball games. A couple of swings have also been added to this beach for kids.
A lovely beach that you can take long walks on, swim and also walk to the Uilenkraalsmond Lagoon which is great fun to swim in.
Be sure to stop at the OK minimark on your way back from the beach for the best icecreams in town.
10 locals recommend
Franskraal
A lovely beach that you can take long walks on, swim and also walk to the Uilenkraalsmond Lagoon which is great fun to swim in.
Be sure to stop at the OK minimark on your way back from the beach for the best icecreams in town.
Walker bay Nature Reserve
Vyfer StreetBeautiful beaches and 4 x 4 - entry via Cape Nature (permits required)
Food scene
Good food and service with a sweet garden.
25 locals recommend
Thyme at Rosemary's Restaurant - Gansbaai
13 Main RdGood food and service with a sweet garden.
Ou Meul Stanford
268 Daneel StGreat stop for milkshakes and a light bite to eat
Well known for their fish and chips and local beers on tap. Kleinriver cheese farm also has a stall here and you can order a picnic basket to enjoy on their beautiful lawns.
34 locals recommend
Birkenhead Brewery
R326Well known for their fish and chips and local beers on tap. Kleinriver cheese farm also has a stall here and you can order a picnic basket to enjoy on their beautiful lawns.
Taste Dilemma
18-16 Fabriek StFreshly baked yummy breads !!!
One of our family favorite local spots for a real treat. Amazing food, service and beautiful venue.
18 locals recommend
Stanford Valley Guest Farm
R326One of our family favorite local spots for a real treat. Amazing food, service and beautiful venue.
Blue Goose Restaurant - Gansbaai
22 Hoop StLovely local restaurant.
A restaurant with a Crocodile African Experience!
25 locals recommend
Afrikanos Bar and Grill - Gansbaai
A restaurant with a Crocodile African Experience!
Highly recommended restaurant in Kleinbaai close to the harbor where the shark boats launch from. They also have a live-scale whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.
41 locals recommend
Great White House Restaurant - Gansbaai
5 Geelbek StHighly recommended restaurant in Kleinbaai close to the harbor where the shark boats launch from. They also have a live-scale whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.
Well run amazing local take away caravan at the Franskraal beach car park - grab an ice cream after a walk on the beach? Or something more - lots to choose from!
Lalla's Snoepie Takeaways & Ice Cream
Well run amazing local take away caravan at the Franskraal beach car park - grab an ice cream after a walk on the beach? Or something more - lots to choose from!
Local little restaurant in Stanford highly recommended. Also sells new and previously loved books.
Egret and the Owl Book Café
20 Queen Victoria StreetLocal little restaurant in Stanford highly recommended. Also sells new and previously loved books.
The breakfast at Marietjies pub is certainly worth trying. This is almost a central attraction to this town. A lovely farm shop to cater for many of your needs is only one aspect of this "shop". It also has a pub and open grass at the back. Centrally located in the main street of the town. Lovely people. Great service. Value for money. Definitely worth a visit.
16 locals recommend
Marietjies Pub
24 Main RdThe breakfast at Marietjies pub is certainly worth trying. This is almost a central attraction to this town. A lovely farm shop to cater for many of your needs is only one aspect of this "shop". It also has a pub and open grass at the back. Centrally located in the main street of the town. Lovely people. Great service. Value for money. Definitely worth a visit.
Good value for money at a great location in Gansbaai Harbor. Very popular with the locals so make sure to book ahead.
28 locals recommend
The Boathouse Restaurant and Pub
Harbour RoadGood value for money at a great location in Gansbaai Harbor. Very popular with the locals so make sure to book ahead.
Best spot to go to in Whale Season! You can sit on the balcony whilst enjoying food and watch the whales right in front of you.
Even if no whales a great spot to visit as Gales cooking fantastic - highly recommended for lunches and cakes!
44 locals recommend
Coffee On The Rocks
81 Cliff StBest spot to go to in Whale Season! You can sit on the balcony whilst enjoying food and watch the whales right in front of you.
Even if no whales a great spot to visit as Gales cooking fantastic - highly recommended for lunches and cakes!
Local roasted and brewed coffee. Best coffee in town!!!
The owners wife is a baker and her daily cakes and treats are also on offer. They offer a light lunch menu and are based just above the Gansbaai harbor with lovely views over the harbour.
15 locals recommend
Gansbaai Coffee Company
38 Church StreetLocal roasted and brewed coffee. Best coffee in town!!!
The owners wife is a baker and her daily cakes and treats are also on offer. They offer a light lunch menu and are based just above the Gansbaai harbor with lovely views over the harbour.
Located in the small village of Pearly Beach. Fairly newly opened and they brew craft beer on-site. The restaurant offers artisanal wood-fired pizza's, gourmet burgers and a blackboard menu
8 locals recommend
Whale Coast Brewing Co.
7 Commercial StreetLocated in the small village of Pearly Beach. Fairly newly opened and they brew craft beer on-site. The restaurant offers artisanal wood-fired pizza's, gourmet burgers and a blackboard menu
Great wine, great restaurant and great spot for kids and adults!
24 locals recommend
The Tasting Room (Stanford Hills Estate)
Great wine, great restaurant and great spot for kids and adults!
This is kids paradise with endless space to run and farm animals to feed. A lovely local coffee/lunch spot to eat at and keep and eye on the kids from the outside seating. They also have a lovely indigenous nursery. The park run also starts here every Saturday morning.
10 locals recommend
Groeneweide Farm
This is kids paradise with endless space to run and farm animals to feed. A lovely local coffee/lunch spot to eat at and keep and eye on the kids from the outside seating. They also have a lovely indigenous nursery. The park run also starts here every Saturday morning.
Local Wine Farms
Roll out of bed, down the road and you will be here at this lovely spot enjoying some award winning wines. They also have platters.
41 locals recommend
Lomond Wine Estate
Roll out of bed, down the road and you will be here at this lovely spot enjoying some award winning wines. They also have platters.
Part of our Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and some more local award winning wines. Pre-bookings advised out of season but a definite must visit if you are a wine lover!!!!!!!
The Giant Periwinkle
Part of our Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and some more local award winning wines. Pre-bookings advised out of season but a definite must visit if you are a wine lover!!!!!!!
Carry on past Giant Periwinkle and you will land up at Black Oystercatcher which is also a must visit with more award winning wines (aren't we spoilt?) They also have a restaurant you can get lunch at.
40 locals recommend
Black Oystercatcher Wine
R317Carry on past Giant Periwinkle and you will land up at Black Oystercatcher which is also a must visit with more award winning wines (aren't we spoilt?) They also have a restaurant you can get lunch at.
Strandveld Vineyards
Most southerly wines on the Agulhas - also a lovely stop!
A little bit further out from Stanford another award winning winery to visit.
20 locals recommend
Raka Wine
A little bit further out from Stanford another award winning winery to visit.
Award winning wine and award winning restaurant just outside of Stanford.
21 locals recommend
Springfontein Wine Estate
8 Wortelgat RdAward winning wine and award winning restaurant just outside of Stanford.
Local produced wine with a great restaurant to visit especially for kids.
26 locals recommend
Stanford Hills Estate
Local produced wine with a great restaurant to visit especially for kids.
Shopping
If you really have to and need some retail therapy - then Hermanus Shopping mall has most of the shops you may need ;-)
87 locals recommend
Whale Coast Mall
If you really have to and need some retail therapy - then Hermanus Shopping mall has most of the shops you may need ;-)
The biggest shopping centre for groceries - although can get completely jam packed in high season and we recommend you head to the OK in the main road rather (just as good!)
45 locals recommend
Spar - Gansbaai
45 Main RdThe biggest shopping centre for groceries - although can get completely jam packed in high season and we recommend you head to the OK in the main road rather (just as good!)
A bit smaller than the Gansbaai Spar but just as good and much quiet over Easter and Christmas time.
20 locals recommend
OK Foods Gansbaai
45 Main RdA bit smaller than the Gansbaai Spar but just as good and much quiet over Easter and Christmas time.
A small little OK in the main road into Franskraal is great for any last minute needs. They have an amazing bakery and also delicious ice creams on a hot day.
Franskraal Mini Market
A small little OK in the main road into Franskraal is great for any last minute needs. They have an amazing bakery and also delicious ice creams on a hot day.
A little way out but makes for a great days outing especially if you want to combine it with a beach trip. This little shop pretty well stocked and has a lovely gift shop section to wander around in as well as a little clothes section with some quirky unique clothing.
Pearly Beach Resort Shop
A little way out but makes for a great days outing especially if you want to combine it with a beach trip. This little shop pretty well stocked and has a lovely gift shop section to wander around in as well as a little clothes section with some quirky unique clothing.