The “Fees van die Ganse” (festival of the geese) celebrates the origins of Gansbaai, and remembers the wild geese that flocked to the freshwater spring located in the present day harbour. This is pretty much where the name of the festival and its contents stop connecting.

The geese are not present anymore, and this has nothing to do with the fact that Gansbaai is seen as Shark Dive Capital of the World.

On the first weekend in July every year, the annual “Fees van die Ganse” (festival of the geese) attracts more than 10 000 visitors to Gansbaai in the Cape Overberg, South Africa.

One of the highlights of this festival is the winter fynbos wildflower show. This rare display of unique local fynbos has enthralled many a casual visitor as well as serious fynbos “fundi’s”.

The Gansbaai family festival features live music, a procession early on Saturday morning through the streets of Gansbaai with the famous “Kaapse Klopse", boat trips to Dyer Island, a 4x4 adventure up Franskraal mountain, golf competion, several food and craft stalls, local soccer teams competing and a walk through the Masakhane community - truly something for everybody in the family.

Take a helicopter ride over the beautiful Walker Bay or the less energetic can enjoy a beer in the tent at the harbour and watch the fishing boats return with their days catch.

This family festival features a golf competition, a free kite flying competition, live music, the procession with the famous “Kaapse Klopse, special boat trips to view sharks & seals; a 4x4 adventure up Franskraal mountain, several food and craft stalls, glass blowing demonstrations, seeing local soccer teams competing and a walk through the Masakhane community.

Fees van die Ganse

Date: 6 – 8 July (dates to be confirmed)
Location: Gansbaai Harbour

For more information on annual festivals go to our events section and subscribe to our free monthly Editor’s Picks Newsletter.

Go to our Cities and Suburbs section to read more about the town of Gansbaai. 

Confirmed date for ‘Fees van die Ganse’ coming soon.Gansbaai is one of South Africa’s Great White Capitals.

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