Gansbaai, South Africa: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Gansbaai, South Africa? If you're planning to go to Gansbaai, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gansbaai, South Africa

Based on the climate and weather in Gansbaai, South Africa, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gansbaai, South Africa

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gansbaai, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gansbaai, South Africa by month

January

If you are traveling to Gansbaai in January, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to get the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

February

If you go to Gansbaai in February, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Gansbaai is warm. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

April

Traveling to Gansbaai in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Make sure to get the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you go to Gansbaai in May, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you find the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

June

June in Gansbaai is chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

July

July here is chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost occasionally. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be sure to choose the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

August

If you go to Gansbaai in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

Traveling to Gansbaai in September, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October for Gansbaai is mild. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Be careful to pick the right kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November for Gansbaai is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you are traveling to Gansbaai in December, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, South Africa has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gansbaai may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, M and N. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

What to do in Gansbaai, South Africa

Gansbaai is a quaint coastal town located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape province in South Africa. The town is approximately two hours' drive from Cape Town and is a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of marine wildlife and scenic landscapes. Visitors to Gansbaai can enjoy a range of activities, from shark cage diving to hiking, with plenty of options for those who enjoy nature, adventure, and relaxation.

Here are the top tourist attractions to visit in Gansbaai:

1. Shark Cage Diving: Gansbaai is world-renowned for its shark cage diving experiences. Tourists can witness the Great White Sharks up close and personal while safely observing them from a cage. The operation is endorsed by The Great White Shark Protection Foundation because of the pledge to protect the sharks and the environment.

2. Whale Watching: The southern right whales visit the waters of Gansbaai annually from June to December to calve and mate. Visitors can book whale-watching boats, which provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with the gentle giants of the sea in their natural habitat.

3. Stanford Hills: Not far from Gansbaai lies the picturesque town of Stanford Hills. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, picnics, and hiking on the Stanford Hills Estate, which boasts beautiful views of the mountains and the sea.

4. Walker Bay Nature Reserve: The Walker Bay Nature Reserve is a popular spot for bird watching and hiking enthusiasts. The reserve offers scenic walking trails along the coast, with beautiful views of the ocean.

5. Danger Point Lighthouse: The Danger Point Lighthouse is a historical landmark located near Gansbaai. The lighthouse is famous for the Titanic incident in 1912 since it was the closest landfall to the sinking vessel.

6. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve boasts an array of indigenous fauna and flora, including Fynbos vegetation. Guided walks, horse riding, and bird-watching tours are available for visitors, along with an award-winning lodge to stay and dine.

7. Die Plaat: Die Plaat is a beautiful, untouched beach located in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. The stunning white sand beach offers fantastic swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

8. Elim: Elim is a historical village located outside the Gansbaai area. It offers one of a kind architecture and is characterized by ornamental capes Dutch-style, and every year it hosts the popular annual grape festival in the Overberg region.

Conclusion:

Gansbaai is an excellent holiday destination, offering charming seaside town vibes, adventure tourism, exquisite wine estates, and fascinating cultural spots. Visitors to Gansbaai can enjoy an array of activities from sea to land and proclaim it to be one of the best cultural and eco-tourism destinations in South Africa.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Columbus, Wisconsin, United States of America, Holderness, New Hampshire, United States of America, Silsila, Egypt, Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland, Canada, Southbridge, Massachusetts, United States of America, Kullaberg, Sweden, Nampa, Idaho, United States of America, Redding, California, United States of America, Ostróda, Poland, South Bend, Indiana, United States of America, and Ludwigsfelde, Germany.