There are not many working fishing villages left in the Western Cape, but Gansbaai is one of them. The fishing industry dates back to the earliest days of settlement in Gansbaai.
Johannes Wessels erected the first temporary dwelling in 1881 next to the fresh water fountain on the spot where the harbour is now. It was named Gansgat (goose hole) after the Egyptian geese that had their nests around the fountain. Only later did it change into the more respectable Gansbaai (Goosebay). Wessels was quickly followed by other nomad-fishermen and the fishing industry has not left Gansbaai since.
There are a few bars in and around the harbour. Many locals hang out here in the evening to see the fishing boats return against the setting sun.
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