TRAIL GUIDE
There’s a narrow strip between Gansbaai and Struisbaai in the Western Cape where you’re allowed to drive on the beach. But be wary of the tide, it can catch you out just like the notorious Doodsakker in Angola.
The route starts a kilometre east of Uilenkraalsmond near Gansbaai. Look out for the western entrance to the Walker Bay Nature Reserve on the right-hand side of the R43 regional road. You don’t pay to visit the reserve, but CapeNature, who manages the park, will issue you a permit that you’ll need to show should a ranger within the reserve ask for it.
There are two ways to drive through the reserve: a sandy twin-track that winds through the dunes, and a road that runs along the beach. South African law does not normally allow you to drive a vehicle on a beach – this is to protect the eggs of birds and turtles– but here at Walker Bay, things are different. The permit, which is obtained at the gate, also gives you permission to visit Die Plaat, a wide beach just north of Gansbaai, and The Grottos, a series of sea caves nearby. You’ll no doubt encounter dozens of anglers on the beach. They fish all year, all day and even at night. Use prawn, red bait and bloodworm to catch steenbras, cob, belman and musselcracker. These species are protected, every angler needs a permit, and you’re not allowed to buy fish from them, but if you want to catch one yourself, buy bait in Gansbaai and get a fishing permit at the municipal offices in Hermanus.
The beach is about 9 km long, and if you stop regularly to take photos, it will take about 45 minutes to drive. The surface varies between compacted sand and loose pebbles. If a storm recently passed through, the sand and gravel will most likely have been disturbed, and then you will almost certainly have to