Gansbaai, Western Cape

Welcome to Old Harbour Place.

A premium harbour-side home and guest guide for slow mornings, marine adventures, cliff walks, Stanford lunches, cool-climate wine, family pool time and firepit evenings on the Whale Coast.

Your stay rhythm

Settle in, then explore outward.Old Harbour Place is your calm base. Gansbaai, De Kelders, Kleinbaai, Stanford and the wine routes are your nearby chapters.
14:00Check-in from mid-afternoon
10:00Checkout by morning
29Curated route anchors from the home
24/7Digital guide access on mobile
Old Harbour Place balcony and coastal view
Morning view
Old Harbour Place aerial view of pool and coastline
Pool and coast
Old Harbour Place warm dining interior
Shared meals
Old Harbour Place bathroom detail
Comfort details
Old Harbour Place outdoor dining and braai area
Outdoor dining
Old Harbour Place firepit and exterior area
Firepit evenings

From your hosts

We want the house to feel easy from the first hour.

Old Harbour Place is set up for families, friends and slower coastal stays. Use the pool, cook together, light the braai, ask for help when needed, and use this guide to choose days that match the weather and the group.

We have included the practical house details first, then our favourite food, wine, marine and walking routes so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying Gansbaai.

Hosted by Oaktree Estate

Oaktree Estate hospitality base in Stanford.

Hosted by Oaktree Estate

Old Harbour Place is managed by Oaktree Estate, a family-owned hospitality group based in Stanford. We know both the harbour side of Gansbaai and the slower inland rhythm of Stanford, so this guide is written to help you experience the area with local confidence.

Lawrence is nearby when the house needs care

Firepit and outdoor living support.

Lawrence is nearby when the house needs care

For water, gas, electrical matters, firewood, firepit help or maintenance, Lawrence is the person to contact. He keeps the practical side of the stay simple, especially for families and groups.

Fresh bread from Die Bakhuis

Fresh bread up the road at Die Bakhuis.

Fresh bread from Die Bakhuis

Die Bakhuis is up the road at 16 Fabriek Street, while the home is at 3 Fabriek Street. Ask the team if you would like help arranging fresh bakes, or take the short walk to enjoy breakfast and fresh bread there.

Stanford is part of the wider stay

Oaktree Estate connects the wider Stanford route.

Stanford is part of the wider stay

Oaktree Estate is based in Stanford and connects naturally with Table 13 lunches, village browsing, wine farms and slower inland days from your Gansbaai base.

Guest essentials

Everything you need first, kept simple.

Check-in

From 14:00

Arrive gently, settle in, park safely, and let us know if you need anything during arrival.

Checkout

By 10:00

Please leave keys as arranged, check for personal items, and leave used towels in the bathroom.

WiFi

Old Harbour Place

Password: 3fabriek. Use the copy button below for quick access on mobile.

Morning perk

Table 13

Guests receive a complimentary coffee when visiting Table 13 in Stanford.

Appliances and comfort

Use appliances as you would at home, and please switch off lights, heaters and unnecessary plugs when leaving for the day. The braai, pool and outdoor areas are there to be enjoyed, with care and common sense.

Damages and checkout

Accidents happen. Please tell us quickly if something breaks so we can help fairly and keep the home ready for the next guests. On checkout, collect personal items, leave used towels in the bathrooms and close windows before leaving.

Weather and packing

Gansbaai can shift quickly between sun, wind and cool evenings. Pack layers, walking shoes, sunscreen, hats and something warm for firepit nights or early marine departures.

Shark and whale trip expectations

Marine activities are guided by sea conditions, wildlife movement and operator safety calls. Book early, follow the operator's messages, take motion-sickness tablets if needed, and never treat a specific sighting as guaranteed.

Families and accessibility

Children must be supervised around the pool, firepit and stairs. Some local walks include uneven paths, steps, cliffs or sand, so choose routes that match the group's mobility and energy.

The local route

Old Harbour Place is your starting point.

Use the live guest orientation map for the full shape of the stay, then use the numbered legend links for precise turn-by-turn Google directions. The illustrated field-guide map now lives in the printable PDF.

Live guest orientation

Start at Old Harbour Place, then choose your loop.

Use this map to understand the full shape of your stay: harbour base, local food, De Kelders cliffs, Walker Bay heritage, Kleinbaai marine mornings, Stanford lunches and the wider Overberg wine route.

All 29 numbered stops are plotted here. Dense clusters are intentional, so use the legend links when you need precise turn-by-turn directions.

Explore from the harbour

Choose a day by mood, distance and appetite.

Gansbaai rewards early starts and unhurried afternoons. Book marine trips ahead, check weather before cliff or cave walks, and keep some time open for the pool, garden and firepit.

Shark cage diving and marine eco trips
Kleinbaai

Shark cage diving and marine eco trips

Gansbaai is known for marine wildlife and shark cage diving. Operators depart from Kleinbaai, about five minutes from the house, and every trip depends on sea conditions and wildlife movement.

Book early, follow operator instructions, and pack warm layers for the boat.
Whale watching and cliff viewpoints
De Kelders

Whale watching and cliff viewpoints

In winter and spring, southern right whales move through Walker Bay. De Kelders cliffs offer some of the most rewarding land-based viewing when conditions are right.

Take binoculars, stay back from cliff edges, and leave room for the weather to change.
Cool-climate wine routes
Stanford and Elim

Cool-climate wine routes

The Overberg wine route is ideal for a slower day out: Lomond close to Gansbaai, Stanford estates for village pacing, and Elim for a longer Cape Agulhas tasting day.

Choose one cluster instead of trying to cover every estate in a single day.
Klipgat Cave, Danger Point and beach walks
Caves and coast

Klipgat Cave, Danger Point and beach walks

For land-based exploring, pair De Kelders viewpoints with Klipgat Cave, or head toward Danger Point Lighthouse and Die Plaat Beach for bigger coastal scale.

Wear real shoes, pack water, and treat wind, tides and uneven paths with respect.
Shark cage diving atmosphere near GansbaaiOld Harbour Place pool for returning after marine activitiesOld Harbour Place outdoor dining and braai areaWhale watching atmosphere on the Whale Coast

Marine adventure

Book the sea day, then come home slowly.

Kleinbaai marine trips are close enough for an early departure without turning the day into a commute. After the boat, return for lunch, the pool, a nap, a braai or a firepit evening.

Marine Dynamics guide imageryMap 13

Marine Dynamics

A well-established shark cage diving and marine eco-tour operator based in Kleinbaai. Good for guests who want a polished operator experience with strong conservation messaging.

Supplied Google Maps Marine Dynamics image
White Shark Projects guide imageryMap 14

White Shark Projects

A long-running shark cage diving operator with education and conservation woven into the experience. Sightings depend on season, sea conditions and wildlife movement.

Supplied shark cage diving image
Sharklady Adventures guide imageryMap 15

Sharklady Adventures

A smaller operator with a personal feel. A good choice if you prefer a more intimate guest experience and direct operator communication before the trip.

Supplied shark cage diving image

Eat and drink

Good food routes without guesswork.

These are the practical places we would point guests toward first, from coffee and bread to relaxed dinners and post-boat lunches.

Table 13 guide imageryMap 18

Table 13

13 Queen Victoria Street

Our local favourite in Stanford for relaxed pub meals, burgers, pizza, beer and an easy village atmosphere. Old Harbour Place guests receive a complimentary coffee when visiting.

Illustrative pub meal mood image
Blue Goose guide imageryMap 03

Blue Goose

22 Hoop Street

Refined local restaurant for seafood, steaks and South African flavours. A strong dinner choice when you want something considered but still relaxed.

Illustrative refined dining mood image
The Great White House guide imageryMap 12

The Great White House

5 Geelbek Street

Casual, practical and close to the marine operators. Ideal after a shark or whale trip when everyone is hungry and still sandy from the morning.

Illustrative post-trip lunch mood image
Coffee on the Rocks guide imageryMap 04

Coffee on the Rocks

De Kelders

A cliff-side coffee and breakfast stop with wide ocean views. Best paired with De Kelders viewpoints or a Klipgat Cave outing.

Illustrative coffee-and-beans mood image
Die Bakhuis guide imageryMap 02

Die Bakhuis

16 Fabriek Street

Die Bakhuis is a short walk from the home at 3 Fabriek Street. Ask the team if you would like help arranging fresh sourdough, or walk up the road for breakfast and bread.

Illustrative fresh sourdough mood image
Wine Village guide imageryMap 26

Wine Village

Hermanus

If you find an Overberg wine you love, Wine Village stocks a broad regional selection and can help with national shipping.

Illustrative wine-shop mood image

Wine routes

Pick one cluster and let the day breathe.

Lomond is the strongest nearby recommendation. Stanford is relaxed and village-led. Elim and Cape Agulhas are better for a longer road-trip day.

Lomond Wine Estate guide imageryMap 21

Lomond Wine Estate

Avoca Road

Stunning setting between mountains and ocean. Known for sauvignon blanc, syrah and lagoon-side views. This is our strongest close-by wine recommendation.

Illustrative wine-estate mood image
Raka Wine guide imageryMap 22

Raka Wine

Stanford

Family-owned estate on the Klein River with award-winning red blends and a relaxed tasting-room feel. Excellent with a Stanford lunch route.

Supplied Google Maps Raka Wine image
Maanschijn guide imageryMap 23

Maanschijn

Stanford

Tiny family-run estate producing wild, natural wines, including a memorable straw wine. Tastings are informal and personal when available.

Illustrative craft wine mood image
Searles Trading Post guide imageryMap 24

Searles Trading Post

Stanford

More than wine. Expect deli-style food, farm atmosphere, live music on selected days, kids' play space and generous cheese boards.

Supplied Google Maps Searles Stanford image
Strandveld Wines guide imageryMap 28

Strandveld Wines

Elim

A brilliant day-trip estate near Elim. Their sauvignon blanc and sauvignon blanc blends are excellent reasons to make the longer drive.

Illustrative Cape wine mood image
Black Oystercatcher guide imageryMap 29

Black Oystercatcher

Elim

Small production, strong reputation, and a tasting room overlooking the vineyard. Book a food and wine pairing if you want a fuller experience.

Supplied Google Maps Black Oystercatcher image
Zoetendal guide imageryMap 27

Zoetendal

Elim route

Charming farm estate between Stanford and Cape Agulhas with a small tasting room. Try the Chenin Blanc if available.

Supplied Google Maps Zoetendal image
Benguela Cove guide imageryMap 25

Benguela Cove

R43

An award-winning estate on the R43 between De Kelders and Hermanus. Book ahead for experiences such as cellar tours, pairings or a pontoon cruise.

Supplied Google Maps Benguela Cove image

Explore

Cliffs, caves, beaches, history and conservation.

The best land-based days are close, scenic and flexible. Choose the outing that suits the group's energy and the weather.

De Kelders Cliff Path guide imageryMap 05

De Kelders Cliff Path

The easiest way to feel Walker Bay's scale. In whale season, take binoculars, keep your distance from cliff edges and move slowly between viewpoints.

Supplied De Kelders Cliff Path image
Klipgat Cave guide imageryMap 06

Klipgat Cave

A coastal limestone cave walk inside Walker Bay Nature Reserve with deep archaeological history. Wear proper shoes, check weather and reserve access, and avoid rushing the descent or climb.

Illustrative limestone cave-coast image
Danger Point Lighthouse guide imageryMap 09

Danger Point Lighthouse

A coastal history chapter tied to the HMS Birkenhead story. Pair it with Kleinbaai or a longer Danger Point loop.

Supplied Danger Point Lighthouse image
Danger Point Abalone Farm guide imageryMap 10

Danger Point Abalone Farm

You cannot visit inside, but the outside story is fascinating: a highly secure aquaculture site raising premium abalone in pristine seawater systems.

Supplied Danger Point Abalone Farm image
Walker Bay Nature Reserve guide imageryMap 07

Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Fynbos trails, coastal views, birding and seasonal wildflowers. Choose the route that matches your group's fitness and the day’s weather.

Illustrative coastal reserve mood image
Die Plaat Beach guide imageryMap 08

Die Plaat Beach

A long white-sand stretch between Hermanus and De Kelders. Good for walking, picnics and quiet beach time when wind and tide are kind.

Supplied Die Plaat Beach image
Chelsea Flowers Open Garden guide imageryMap 20

Chelsea Flowers Open Garden

A Stanford spring-season highlight for garden lovers. Best paired with a Table 13 meal or a Stanford wine route day.

Supplied Chelsea Flowers Open Garden image
African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary guide imageryMap 16

African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary

A family-friendly conservation stop focused on African penguins and seabirds. Feeding is usually at 15:00, with daily opening hours from 09:00 to 16:00.

Supplied African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary image

Suggested itineraries

Five easy ways to use the stay well.

Settle in

First morning

Keep arrival easy. Open the house, breathe out, take a short orientation loop, then make the first evening about the garden, braai and firepit.
Check inHarbour walkSunset from the gardenBraai or simple dinner

Kleinbaai

Marine adventure day

Protect this day from over-planning. The sea takes energy, so let the house become the calm return point after the water.
Early shark or whale tripLunch at Great White HousePool afternoonFirepit evening

De Kelders

Slow coast day

This is the cinematic walking day. Take water, shoes, sun protection and a weather check before heading out.
Cliff viewpointsKlipgat CaveBeach walkDinner at Blue Goose

Stanford and wine

Inland pleasure day

A softer route for food, wine and browsing, with enough time to return before the evening cools down.
Stanford villageTable 13 lunchLomond or RakaBack to the harbour

Low effort

Family reset

For guests who do not want to sit in the car all day, keep the win close to the property and let the house do its job.
Late breakfastPool timeShort viewpoint driveHome dinner

House rules

Simple rules keep the home calm for everyone.

01

No smoking anywhere on the property.

02

No pets can be accommodated.

03

Please keep noise low from 23:00 onwards and respect our neighbours.

04

No parties, gatherings or social functions.

05

The garage and upstairs room are not for guest use.

06

Children must be supervised around the pool, and no glass is allowed in or around the pool area.

Need help during your stay?

Message the right person early so we can help quickly. For life-threatening emergencies, use the emergency numbers below first.

Host

Mari Calitz

Bookings, check-in, checkout, reservations and general queries

Caretaker

Lawrence

Water, gas, electrical, firewood, firepit and maintenance support

Local doctors and dentist

From all of us

Thank you for staying with us.

We hope Old Harbour Place offers you a space to slow down, reconnect, and experience the quiet beauty of Gansbaai.

Harbour-side base for families and groups
Every recommendation includes a map link
Host, caretaker and emergency numbers are one tap away
Family, pool and safety guidance included
Seasonal notes for whale watching, gardens and changing coastal weather
Practical guide for settling in, exploring well and checking out calmly