Fransmanshoek is the most beautiful place. We love to come here occasionally.
A minuscule nature reserve, Fransmanshoek, where striking red coloured, craggy rocks, abundant bird life and beautiful veldflowers feature - is well worth a visit. It is situated in the Stilbaai/ Gouritsmond area, an hour’s drive from George and under 30 minutes from Mossel Bay.
It’s a pleasant drive that takes you past ostriches, picturesque labourer cottages, green pastures and farm lands.
To get there from George, take the first turn-off from the N2 just after PetroSA, onto the Vleesbaai/Gouritz road.
After the Boggomsbaai turn off, look out for the Fransmanshoek sign.
On entering the Fransmanshoek Bewaria, you will spot a short hiking path which offers views of Dana Bay, Boggomsbaai and glimpses of frolicking whales (June to November, if you’re lucky in December). The picnic area is well equipped with braai-areas and falls under the Eden District Municipality.
This stretch of the coast has a fascinating history. The ship La Fortuné was wrecked en route from Mauritius to France with 410 men on board in 1763. To commemorate this event, the French Ambassador erected a plaque here at the reserve.
A few kilometres further along in a westerly direction, lies the private resort Kanon, named after the cannons which came off the Le Fortuné shipwreck.
Nearby Kanon are ancient stone-age fish traps which are still visible when you look closely at the rock formations. At Stilbaai there are some more to be found. Rocks tinted in purple speak volumes of the forces that were at work to create this wonderful coastline. Further along lies a private nature reserve, Reins. It is a stark beauty that is quite captivating.
This cache is a bit out of the way from the N2, but this is why I chose this location. You wil not regret goiing to Fransmanshoek. This is a traditional small cache, and should be an easy find. From parking area walk towards house/museum, and pass it 15m to the right. Walk another 32m towards the sea and turn Left for 5m. NOT RECOMMENDED AT NIGHT TIME DUE TO HIGH CLIFFS.