A tour of GANSBAAI, South Africa - History, Nature & Adrenaline!

[@schucks]

Being South african, we don't appreciate what we have as a country. you motivate me to explore more of this beautiful country, and you areopening my eyes with your channel. Gansbaai is my next stop.

[@willieexplore]

I think you've hit the nail on the head with that comment! There are so many wonderful places to experience in South Africa, but we are often unaware of them. Appreciate your kind words about my channel and I hope my videos bring you lots of joy going forward!

[@dannycampbell7431]

The cemetery really brought back memories for me Willie. My sister and nephew are both buried there. Enjoy your sabbatical.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks Danny, Gansbaai a special place. Thanks for the well wishes!

[@jaspervanzyl6212]

Amazing vlog as always, Willie Explore! I can tell this is a special place for you. I hope the locals there will support their local boytjie making waves all over the world - from Tallinn to the Dutch Carribbean - all the way back home.

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Jasper! Amazing to be back and it was special to walk in Gansbaai. Lots of memories!

[@lliu4032]

What a touching video❤! It brought tears to my eyes. I am a “foreigner“who deeply loves South Africa, and whenever anything relates to South Africa, my heart feels warm, pray for South Africa a better place🙏! I can see that the video you made is filled with emotion, and I truly resonate with it. you says: “my own emotional journey, my own pilgrimage”, so touching ❤

[@willieexplore]

Thank you so much for your heartwarming words! Yes, it was a very special and emotional video for me. We are all products of our respective environments and Gansbaai played its part in shaping me into who I am today. Really appreciate your passion for South Africa. And of course I value your support for my channel!

[@sheilam4525]

Beautiful place, Willie😊. Sounds like you are very happy to be back there. Thank you for helping the tortoise❤

[@willieexplore]

Hi Sheila, I'm certainly in my element! For starting my sabbatical, I was tossing up between India after my recent recce, or South Africa as my first port of call. I'm glad I chose the latter. Hope you look forward to more vlogs in this part of the world. Certainly lots of other opportunities to help animals in many other ways too!

[@DLeRoux]

Haven't been there in 25 or so years. My father grew up on the farms near there, and we used to go through all the time. He is now 81. But my goodness how has it changed! He still goes through for work - yup, he still works :( Stunning place. The Western Cape is such an incredible place.

[@DLeRoux]

Just spoke to my sister, and she said that he used to go to Elim to grind their wheat back in the day, and fish by the Klipgat caves.

[@willieexplore]

The town has changed quite a bit, but the natural beauty and charm remained. Sounds like the area holds a special meaning for you too. Cheers for the support!

[@Frik-h4t]

Dankie Willie, my hart loop die pad saam met jou. Deur jou oë sien ek die wêreld, en nou ook ons eie land

[@willieexplore]

Baie dankie Frik, dit is 'n groot voorreg om hierdie reise en besoeke met julle te deel. Waardeer die ondersteuning!

[@eksemos]

Willie, na 13 jaar in die VSA trek ons in 2025 terug na SA. Knysna se wêreld. Dalk sal jy dit ernstig oorweeg om in SA te bly en nie weer terug te gaan na Europa met al sy probleme nie. Jy kan 'n geweldige impak maak op SA toerisme deur die land aan te hou bemark as 'n ernstige toerisme destinasie. Die land het soveel om te bied, en dis duidelik uit jou videos dat jy dit werklik verstaan en waardeer. Dankie vir al jou moeite en wonderlike styl van praat en aanbied/oordra. SA (met al sy uitdagings en geleenthede) is 'n wonderlike land, en die gras is nie juis groener aan die anderkant vd see nie. Sterkte waar jy ook al mag gaan in die jare wat voorlê.

[@willieexplore]

Hallo daar! Dit was nou 'n baie lekker boodskap om te ontvang, baie dankie! Ek waardeer jou inset en aanmoediging baie. Ons het beslis 'n land wat baie het om te bied. Soms moet 'n mens eers weggaan vir 'n tyd om dit werklik te waardeer. Ek gaan verseker oor hierdie sabbatsjaar baie meer SA videos maak. Soos jy noem, dalk kom daar ander geleenthede. Dankie dat jy my videos kyk en my kanaal ondersteun. Groete!

[@RonelDuvenhage]

Dankie vir die wonderlike deel van jou ervarings waarvan ek ook nou al 'n jaar lank ervaar in hierdie ongelooflike mooi wêreld. As jy eenkeer hier was sal jy die plek nooit vergeet nie dit kom kleef aan jou siel met onvergeetlike ervarings van fynbosskoonheid tot die mooiste sonsondergange die wandelpaadjies in ongerepte natuurskoon en die walvisgroet en die uitsig oor see se berge na Hermanus die skoonheid van Walkers bay met Klipgat cave die kombinasie van soveel skoonheid so naby mekaar voorwaar 'n voorreg om te beleef ryk op oog en hart.🌊💖🌊

[@willieexplore]

Hallo Ronel, dankie vir jou mooi boodskap! Dit is inderdaad 'n groot voorreg om in daardie deel van die land te bly of daar te kon grootword. Mag jy sommer nog baie vreugde put uit hierdie area! Groete

[@cherylwilson5673]

I'm a local and so proud and privileged to live here. Thank you for showcasing our beautiful town. Be safe and enjoy every moment if this very unique and special area❤

[@willieexplore]

Appreciate your support and encouragement Cheryl! It was great to be back and I hope to bring more content of the area in due course!

[@lindiewessels9942]

Willie!!Thank you so much for coming back after all these years and doing a blog.Its very heartwarming to know that there are still people that remember our little town(when it was still just a little town)Hearing you speak about Susan's Kafee & Piet Bokkie and all the other "old places" almost made me a bit teary.Although I still live here,and also remember all these places,its so great to hear others also speaking about it.Next time you're in town,we must connect and talk about the greater history. Again thank you for this blog,and keep up the great work. Gansbaai is baie trots op jou🥹

[@willieexplore]

Lindie it was amazing to be back! A lot has changed but the town still has its charm and the nature is nothing short of spectacular. I intend to return to the area very soon to do more filming of surrounding towns and areas. Drop me an email and it will be great to meet up! Dankie vir die ondersteuning, ek waardeer groot!

[@charmainemynhardt3880]

Thanks for showing us Gansbaai and surroundings. It was awesome.

[@willieexplore]

Glad you enjoyed it, Charmaine! Appreciate the support!

[@AndreasSelzer]

Welcome back home! 🎉

[@willieexplore]

Cheers, glad to be back! :)

[@errol-zs1aci]

Welkom tuis. Thanks for sharing your story and memories of Gansbaai. I loved every moment of the video tour. Wens ons kon ontmoet terwyl jy hier is. ♥

[@willieexplore]

Thank you Errol! As always, your immense support for my channel is greatly appreciated. Ons kan verseker 'n plan maak, stuur 'n epos dan kan ons reel. Groete

[@DLeRoux]

Ha! I remember the Shark Biltong - super super salty.

[@willieexplore]

Oh yes, goes down well with a cold one!

[@ericawhittaker2926]

I'm from Cape Town and discovered that magical place in 2004 and wow! I fell in love! My dream is to retire there. Thanks for this...I'm home sick lol.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for watching and engaging Erica! It certainly is a special place. Hope your dream becomes a reality!

[@denisradford2490]

Great blog. To answer your question - I have lived most of my childhood in small country towns, worked in cities and couldnt wait for weekends to escape the city out into the country with my caravan. Recharge those tired batteries so you could face the city again. However, I was lucky working in Hotels, and always loved the country hotel. I have retired to a small karoo town, and love it over a city. So raised in the country and still in the country.

[@willieexplore]

Thanks for your kind words and for sharing those details Denis. Must be fantastic to live in the Karoo!

[@marygird7715]

Hi Willie thanks for sharing your memories of living in Gansbaai. I hope that your sabbatical is enjoyable, looking forward to seeing your next vlog. There is also caves close to Fish Hoek beach too. Hopefully you willl see some whales too

[@willieexplore]

Thanks Mary! It is so good to be back home. I have lots of travel plans for my time in SA. Didn't know about the Fish Hoek caves but now I do, thanks to you! Hope you're having a good weekend

[@marygird7715]

@@willieexplore Hi Willie yes thanks weather is better today in the Cape and good to enjoy nature. They call the cave Peers cave and if hiking there it's safer to go in a group

[@heinekenhenni]

Thank God the GANSBAAI sign is still there ….spent many holidays visiting my ouma and oupa …..taking the good old railways bus….

[@willieexplore]

Sounds like the video brought back memories for you too, it is a special place!

[@mayousimon1]

What a great video willie plenty of useful information to inform us on as it always been negative about South Africa i certainly enjoyed the restaurant and foods that i personally like as well places the surrounding areas can go to plus your old stomping ground. Very nice well balanced video you made to show us viewers what they expected about when travelling to see the sights and weather thanks!

[@willieexplore]

Thanks Simon! Glad you enjoyed it, there are lots to see in this beautiful country and of course Gansbaai holds special memories for me. Have a great weekend!

[@petrusraats65]

Hi Willie, baie dankie vir die video!! Ons ry die 4de Des weer na Gansbaai, my suster bly teen die see by Dangerpoint. Haar dogter Heidi en skoonseun Eben het die besigheid Secma, wat hulle al jare daar bedryf. Ons het vroeer jare BAIE perlemoen uigeduik, reg voor haar huis. En dankie vir jou waardevolle raad, positief wees is die ENIGSTE manier om te lewe!!! Anders gebeur allerhande ongelukke met mens!!!We create our own reality, and it can either be good or bad, it is our choice!!!!Make more videos like these please!!!!

[@willieexplore]

Hallo Petrus, baie dankie vir jou mooi boodskap! Dit word opreg waardeer. Ek hoop julle gaan sommer lekker kuier in Gansbaai. 'n Mens het twee keuses - jy kan die glas half leeg sien, of half vol sien. Ek verkies nommer twee! Groete

[@redmen8339]

A beautiful place you grew up in. That wind on that harbour was kite weather.

[@willieexplore]

A place close to my heart. Yes the wind can be intense!

[@leonapeplouw4892]

Thanks for sharing your walk-abouts of Gansbaai. Learnt a few things. We loved the area so much that we bought a little piece of land there. ❤❤❤

[@willieexplore]

Thank you so much for watching and for supporting my channel! I hope that Gansbaai will bring you lots of joy going forward!

[@bobovanzyl3008]

Hope you will live happily there

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

This makes me want to re-visit South Africa again! What a Beauty! So you grew up here?? Lucky Bastard!!! 🤣🤣 So now you are on your sabbatical? I’m hoping to get to see a LOT of it from South Africa! I think SA is not the obvious tourist destination, so it’s so much to explore that people in general have no idea about! Obviously it’s the seaside that attracts most people, but you told me before that you’ve never been to Johannesburg and Soweto, where I went to, aswell as Durban. Who could explore these areas better than You?!?! Please Do! Aswell as the east coast! Wowww!! You have the nice South African summer season coming up now, I was in SA December last year so I know how nice it can be! That’s all I can say at this point! I am Knocked Out! In answer to your question: When I was 18 I still lived on the Swedish West Coast, (I Certainly understand the beauty of the SA West Coast), had traveled in Europe but never seen anything else, and definitely had not established a town! 😂

[@willieexplore]

Cheers Bip! Glad to be back. Yes, it is my intention to do lots of travelling in South Africa on my sabbatical. I'd love to visit more of the country including the places and areas you mentioned. There are so much to see here! Haha not many of us establish a town at age 18 :)

[@cherylwilson5673]

From a local, you are very welcome but please leave the holy holy shit behind.😊

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

@@cherylwilson5673 Apologies!👍 You’re Right!

[@MarkSmith-iv3ko]

Hi Willie, I’m in Anneri’s other Airbnb in Bbos. I thought I recognised you as I drove out. Just bought a house here moving from UK. Also have a house in Loxton. The first time I see your channel. Was going to say hello when I realised but you had already gone… Small world…

[@bobovanzyl3008]

Hope you have a lovely time in your Bbos home. I am sure you will love it. Willie has a vlog on Loxton too. I can recommend it.

[@willieexplore]

Hi Mark! Oh wow, what a coincidence! Small world indeed. Yes, I stayed there and had a fantastic time. I hope Bbos and Loxton bring you a lot of joy, both are great destinations in SA :)

[@gohardorgohome7687]

Hey Willie good to see you again my friend this place is so peaceful such a beautiful town and the scenery is spectacular for a second I imagined myself there I'm sure it was fun growing up in this place you took us on a trip down the memory lane I would love to visit it one day I think have told you previously that South Africa has a special place in my heart and it definitely is on my travel bucket list. I'm looking forward for more South Africa content . Enjoy the fresh sea food and keep up the good work 💪🔥🔥👊

[@willieexplore]

Thank you very much my friend! I hope things are good on your side. Certainly more South Africa content coming very soon. It was a privilege growing up in this part of the world.

[@maryross4488]

Lovely rown and ive never been there. I have family in hermanus. Have been going there since iwas 10 and am now 59. I really must go to gaansbaai.,lovely place

[@willieexplore]

Hi Mary, yes this is a town close to my heart for obvious reasons. The whole area is lovely. Cheers for watching!

[@pieterhoekstra9887]

Hi Willie. Wanted to hook up with you, but you didn't let us know when you intended to visit here. I've been in Kleinbaai for three and a bit years now, but I have been part of this area for 67 years with some amazing life experiences here. This is a God given paradise, sadly due to the informal settlement, petty crime has increased rapidly, but fortunately violent crime is still minimal. Enjoyed your walkabout as always. Keep them coming.

[@willieexplore]

Hi Pieter, not sure what happened to my original comment but it seems to have disappeared, possibly after you edited your message. I had limited time on this particular trip and for various reasons I don't always communicate my exact movements on this platform. However, I am back in the Gansbaai area very soon to do more filming of surrounding towns / villages, and will spend more time in the wider area. So please drop me an email and it would be amazing to meet up!

[@Mark_31z]

amazing place very peaceful and relaxing thank you for sharing your childhood memories

[@willieexplore]

My pleasure and privilege Mark, thanks for watching and engaging! Always grateful for your support!

[@toscabrutus1781]

Willie baie goeie Video! Groete!

[@willieexplore]

Dankie Tosca! My tuisdorp (een van hulle). Groete!

[@toscabrutus1781]

@@willieexplore Ek leer jou geskiedenis! Dis mooi natuur sterk wind!!!!!!!

[@kennethsellar5485]

Hi Willie how you doing we are visiting Gansbaai this weekend and we’re watching you tube and discovered your channel thanks for your content my friend

[@willieexplore]

Hi Kenneth,what a nice message to receive! Glad you found my channel and I hope you have a nice time in Gansbaai. Cheers for the support!

[@kennethsellar5485]

@ my pleasure

[@markgavin461]

What a great contribution you make to tourism and informing all of us about such spectacular 🤩 places

[@willieexplore]

Thank you so much Mark, that is the ultimate compliment you can give any content creator! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoy my videos. Cheers for the support!

[@hanneliewiese3477]

Sien uit na jou videos Willie - welkom ! 😊

[@willieexplore]

Dankie Hannelie! Waardeer jou saamkyk, altyd! Groete

[@christineketland1345]

Great video as usual Willie but obviously more poignant for being back home to your roots. Yes places do change over the years but by the looks of things where you are the changes aren’t too drastic. A few years back I went back to the area I grew up in. My village was almost the same but there was an entirely new village which had been built about a mile away… and my junior school was a completely new build. Really look forward to seeing more of your country it’s certainly different to Johannesburg, which unfortunately for me is all I’ve been to in South Africa. It was December and didn’t stop raining… enjoy your sabbatical you’ve whetted our appetite for more 😊😊

[@willieexplore]

Hi Christine, thanks as always for watching and engaging. Hope you had a great weekend. Yes, it is great to be back home. I'm glad I started my sabbatical here rather than India or another location. A bit of home is good for the soul :) I'll certainly bring a lot more South Africa content soon. Glad you're excited for more!

[@susandutoit6611]

Home sweet Home❤

[@willieexplore]

For sure, Susan! Thanks for watching!

[@jacquessmith14]

Piet Bokkie name was given to this shop. Original Piet Bokkie shop much smaller, closer to sea. Remember Piet Bokkie himself in his shop with all his fishing gear. Early 80's.

[@willieexplore]

He was loved with great affection, that is for sure! Thanks for watching

[@deecharles518]

Probably doing memory trip next year down from PE to arniston but now im going to go one hour further to Gansbaai

[@willieexplore]

That's great to hear! All the best on your trip. You won't be disappointed with Gansbaai. Cheers for watching my content!

[@SusanElsey-fm9sc]

God has blessed us with such a beautiful country 🙏

[@willieexplore]

No doubt about that! We have so much beauty in this country.

[@CptHiker]

Theres a bar there by the name of The Boat house. Myself and a couple lads were that side of the world for a mates bachelors. What an absolute legendary place, HIGHLY recommend it If you havent been, you need to go. We left a rubber chicken above one of the beer fridges.

[@willieexplore]

Some nice establishments and watering holes in this region! Cheers for watching!

[@Bettie7968]

Love that 3:59

[@willieexplore]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a special walk. Thanks for the support!

[@bobovanzyl3008]

You and your playmates still owe me money for all the broken glass windows you caused with your cricket playing.LOL

[@willieexplore]

I have no idea what you are talking about! ;)

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

So please tell us about the snakes and the spiders they warned about! I didn’t come across any in the parts of South Africa I was in!

[@willieexplore]

Plenty of puff adders and other snakes around here Bip, not sure about the spiders to be honest!

[@kosherchessandphotography4139]

Na ek paar van jou videos gekyk het, sien ek nou eers dat jy 'n hele jaar afgevat het en verlede maand jou reis in SA begin het! Ons is oor net meer as 5 weke daar en dit sal baie interessant wees om te ontmoet! Ek het van my kinderjare in die Strand deurgebring (alhoewel ons die 1ste 11 jaar van my lewe in die TVL gebly het) en het as 'n tiener baie tussen Strand en Rooi Els fiets gery! Net soos jy, het ek toe nie die natuur destyds soveel waardeer as nou nie! Het self ook paar jaar in Engeland gewerk. Klink of jy nogal duur reis as jy 'n Ferarri kon koop v.d. prys wat jou Sabbatsverlof jou uit die sak jaag! Terloops, is daar in SA ook so baie advertensies op jou videos? Hier in Hong Kong wys hulle elke 2 1/2 min 'n advertensie (selfs as ek weer na die videos op my eie kanaal wil kyk)!

[@willieexplore]

Ons kan verseker 'n plan maak! Ek het selfs kleintyd in the Strand grootgeword vir 'n klein rukkie. Vandat ek terug is in SA het ek nuwe waardering vir ons wonderlike omgewing. Nee jong, die Ferrari sou heelwat duurder gewees het. Moet dalk kyk hoeveel advertensies ek ekstra kan kry ;) Hoop julle reelings verloop alles vlot!

[@kosherchessandphotography4139]

@@willieexplore Sal baie interessant wees om jou te ontmoet! Soos jy, drink ons ook nie. Die 1ste week is ons in Somerset Wes. Ons gaan ook vir 2 nagte (4 en 5 Jan) in die White Shark Gastehuis, waarvan jy in die video melding gemaak het, bly. Die 2 nagte voor dit, het ons 'n gastehuis in Hermanus geboek. Die 6de Jan oornag ons in Kaap Agulhas en van daar af skiet ons die 7de Swellendam toe, dan Oudtshoorn, Herbertsdale, Mosselbaai, en Knysna, voor ons terug skiet Somerset Wes toe.Hopelik kruis ons paaie, dan kan ons 'n lekker koppie rooibos tee saam geniet en visterman stories uitruil😄

[@willieexplore]

@@kosherchessandphotography4139 sal jou op hoogte hou. Sterkte met die Hong Kong move en laat weet as jy in SA is!

[@SusanElsey-fm9sc]

I grew up in concrete jungle, I didn't have the privilege to live in such a beautiful place.

[@willieexplore]

I hope you get a chance now to experience life away from the concrete jungle sometimes. Important to recharge!

[@jenniferrault-smith5349]

How on earth can you show the beauty of Goose Bay without going to Klipgat Cave in Cape Nature Reserve (end of Normandie Road De Kelders)!!! Otherwise a great video

[@willieexplore]

Be me guest and try to fit everything into an hour video! Also it was too far off the beaten track for the limited time I had. Cheers!

[@janmoolman-h6o]

Lekker! Wanneer kom kuier Jy Op Struisbaai en Agulhas.

[@willieexplore]

Hallo Jan, ek beplan om binnekort in daai rigting te ry :)

[@janmoolman-h6o]

@@willieexplore Hallo ja baie dankie ek het nou jou program oor Gaansbaai gekyk en weer self terug verlang na my kinder jare, my ouers het gewoonlik in April maand daar gaan vakansie hou. Dit was in die vyftig jare dan het ek as kind al daardie plekke plat geloop en baie gaan swem in die grote by die kelders.

[@willieexplore]

@@janmoolman-h6o klink of jy goeie herinneringe het van Gansbaai. Ek hoor graag van jou as jy enige voorstelle oor Struisbaai & Agulhas het (buiten die Suidelikste punt natuurlik)

[@lizetteaylward9308]

Willie middag kamp seder 1972 daar in die kamp het sondag teru gekom van kamp af

[@willieexplore]

Hi Lizette, klink of dit 'n spesiale plek vir jou ook is! Dankie vir die saamkyk en die ondersteuning!

[@CreepyTrendMan]

I was in Prison at 18 lol.

[@willieexplore]

We all make mistakes! Thanks for watching

[@CreepyTrendMan]

@@willieexplore Aye that we do mate. All part of the journey. Really enjoy your channel. Cheers.

[@willieexplore]

@@CreepyTrendMan certainly! I appreciate the support!