Gourits was named after the Gouriqua Khoikhoi people that lived in the area. The Gourits River is the principal river in the southern Cape. The N2 national road and the railway line both cross the Gourits River over a gorge 65m deep and 75m wide. Both sides of the ravine are covered with aloes that look beautiful when they flower.

At the Gourits Rivier Mond (Gourits river-mouth) there is a caravan park and a camping site, and also a hotel. Fishing in the area is good and fish is abundant in the area. Famous fishing spots include "The Fisheries", "Bull Point" and "Kaap Vacca". Leervis, white steenbras, kob, gunter, and elf are found here. The kabeljou will sometimes swim into the estuaries to feed on the mullet.

At Gourits Mond swimming is safe but the backwash can sometimes be a bit treacherous and the water can be cold. Gourits Mond is recommended for the powerboat fisherman and a launch ramp is available.

Gourits Mond has the advantage that it is close to Mossel Bay, a bustling city, in case you need to go some shopping, but yet far enough to be a tranquil setting.