Gansbaai Trails for Walkers
Walking in Gansbaai means self-guided trails, and there is no walking tour company to join. The ground is straightforward, and the real planning is about transport, water and wind. For guided company, the closest options are the boat trips and Grootbos tours, covered on the attraction tours page. Prices are in South African rand (R).
The Trails at a Glance
| Walk | Length and time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Duiwelsgat Trail | about 7 km one way, around 3 hours | Arrange a lift back at the end |
| De Kelders cliff path | as short or long as you like | Free, good for whales |
| Platbos Forest loops | 1 to 2.5 hours, plus about 30 minutes for the Reforestation Trail | R50 adult, R20 child |
| Walker Bay Nature Reserve | day hikes from the gates | from R70 adult, R50 child aged 4 to 17 |
The Duiwelsgat Trail
This is the long coastal walk. It begins near the camping site at the Perlemoenbaai end of Gansbaai and finishes at De Kelders and Klipgat, about 7 km later. Because it ends in a different place, arrange a lift back or leave a second vehicle at the far end. You pass Duiwelsgat, a walled sinkhole, and a tidal pool on the way. Take plenty of water and tell someone your plan.
Cliff Path and Whales
The De Kelders cliff path suits a short stroll. From roughly June to November, southern right whales swim close below, and some operators say they stay into December.
Platbos Forest
Pay at the honesty box in the Info Hut. The forest is open from 08:00 to 17:00 every day, including public holidays, and no booking is needed. Dogs are not allowed. The operator calls it Africa’s southernmost forest, with trees older than 1,000 years.
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
CapeNature runs the reserve, and its gates are open from 07:00 to 19:00. Payment has been cashless since 2 February 2026, so bring a card or phone, or pre-book on the CapeNature website. The De Kelders gate has a boardwalk, with some rock-hopping, into Klipgat Cave.
Gansbaai Market
On Saturdays from 09:00 the market sets up at Market Space on Kapokblom Street. It is a place to wander rather than a tour, and Gansbaai Tourism can confirm whether it is running.
Gear and Safety
Wear sturdy shoes, and carry water and a windproof layer, because the coast is exposed. Stay clear of rock edges, since the sea has strong currents and rips. Dyer Island and Geyser Rock have no public landing and no hiking, so there is nothing to walk there.
Read more: attraction tours with guided boat and garden options , or sightseeing at Gansbaai .
Read the Duiwelsgat trail notes , check the Platbos trail page and look for guided activities on GetYourGuide .