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Plettenberg bay

Plettenberg Bay – A Coastal Paradise

Welcome to Plettenberg Bay, or “Plett” as the locals affectionately call it – a coastal paradise nestled on South Africa’s stunning Garden Route. With its golden beaches, lush forests, and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, Plett is the ultimate destination for travellers seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

Plett’s natural beauty is simply breathtaking. The town is set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, with the deep blue of the Indian Ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. The pristine beaches are some of the best in the country, offering soft sand, warm sunshine, and gentle waves perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply lounging with a good book. For those looking to explore beneath the waves, the area is also a hotspot for snorkelling and diving, with colourful marine life and dramatic underwater landscapes to discover.

(c) Sudarshan Bhat via Unsplash
(c) Alexa Kaminsky via Unsplash

But there’s more to Plett than just its beaches. The town is surrounded by nature reserves that are a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Robberg Nature Reserve, a rugged peninsula jutting into the ocean, offers some of South Africa’s most spectacular hiking trails with panoramic views of the coastline. As you walk along the cliffs, you might spot seals basking on the rocks or dolphins playing in the surf below. The reserve is also steeped in history, with evidence of ancient human habitation dating back thousands of years.

For wildlife lovers, Plettenberg Bay is a gateway to some of the most unique animal encounters in South Africa. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Elephant Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants, or the Birds of Eden sanctuary, home to the world’s largest free-flight aviary. And let’s not forget about whale watching—during winter and early spring (June through to November), southern right and humpback whales migrate to the waters off Plett, putting on a spectacular show for visitors.

In the heart of Plettenberg Bay, the town offers a blend of sophistication and laid-back charm. You’ll find a range of boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants that showcase the best of local flavours, from fresh seafood to world-class wines. The nightlife is lively during weekends and over holiday periods, but otherwise very relaxed: while a few beachfront bars and cozy cafes provide the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring, you will most likely find yourself on the beach for a sunset glass of locally produced bubbles or romantic beach walk under the moon.

For (international) operators and their guests, Plettenberg Bay is a destination that ticks all the boxes. It offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural richness that is hard to match. Whether your clients are seeking a peaceful retreat, an action-packed holiday, or a bit of both, Plett delivers an unforgettable experience that will have them planning their next visit before they’ve even left.

So, why not include Plettenberg Bay in your next South African itinerary? It’s more than just a stop on the Garden Route – it’s a destination that will captivate the hearts and minds of every traveller who visits. Discover the magic of Plett, and offer your clients the experience of a lifetime.

(c) Alexandra Nelson via Unsplash
Out in Nature

Garden Route National Park: almost 160,000 hectares. Unfenced, and stretching from Tsitsikamma in the east to George in the west. It includes forests, fynbos, beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, and lagoons.  Both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are right in the middle of it all.

Robberg Nature Reserve (the Robberg Peninsula): coastal forest and fynbos, birding, a seal colony, three hiking routes, and one of the best-known archaeological sites in the area: the Nelson’s Bay Cave. The Reserve includes a marine reserve that stretches one nautical mile (1.852 km) from the shore.

Further to the east (30 km from Plett), Nature’s Valley is an unspoiled natural wonderland of indigenous forests, rivers and beaches – all situated within the borders of the unfenced Garden Route National Park.

Scenic Drives & Mountain Passes

Prince Alfred’s Pass and the Langkloof: The Prince Alfred’s is one of the most spectacular passes linking the Garden Route with the interior. From the N2, turn inland onto the R340 (about 6 km east of Plett) and follow this road until it becomes the R339 and finally reaches the R62. Turn left towards Oudtshoorn. You’re now in the Langkloof – a fertile valley filled with fynbos and fruit farms. Follow the R62 westwards – it becomes the N12 and crosses back over the Outeniqua Mountains on the Outeniqua Pass. Drive through George (keep left at the traffic circle at the George Museum) and follow Knysna Road until it becomes the N2. Return to Knysna via Wilderness and Sedgefield. 

Beaches & Surfing
  • Central Beach: Often the busiest beach in Plett. Life guards on duty in season. It’s the launch site for Marine Safaris, dive charters and ocean kayaking tours and facilities include restaurants, bars, public toilets and the local National Sea Rescue Station; 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central.

  • Robberg Beach: Popular for long – long – walks, Robberg Beach stretches for kilometres between the Robberg Peninsula and Beacon Island. Facilities include public toilets, a wheelchair access ramp and various parking areas; 2 km / 2 Minutes from Plett Central.

  • Lookout Beach: Formerly Plett’s most iconic beach, this area wash washed away during the 2007 floods but has returned even more pristine. This is now popular for long walks along the ocean side from the Lookout parking lot to the river mouth, and then along the Keurbooms River back to the parking area. This has also become a fantastic sun bathing spot, great for surfing and bodyboarding and has ample play area for the entire family. Life guards on duty in season. Facilities include restaurants, bars, public toilets, wheelchair access and limited parking; 1/2 km / 1 minute from Plett Central.

  • The Dunes Beach: This beach is located between Keurboomstrand and the mouth of the Keurbooms river and is accessed in the west from a walkway opposite the old Protea Hotel, or from the east via a car park near Waves Ave. It is also accessible from The Dunes Hotel & Resort.
  • Keurboomstrand: A little wilder, but equally beautiful. Life guards on duty in season. Facilities include a restaurant (2 km / 2 minutes), public toilets, wheelchair access and ample parking; 10 km / 15 minutes from Plett Central.

  • Nature’s Valley: Nestled between two national parks, this large expanse of beach is in walking distance of the pristine Salt River Mouth. This is birdwatchers’ paradise! Life guards on duty in season. Facilities include a restaurant, public toilets, wheelchair access and parking; 25 km / 30 minutes from Plett Central.

  • Robberg 5: Located in the central area of Robberg Beach, this beach is popular for surfing and bodyboarding. Facilities include wheelchair access, public toilets, wheelchair access and a parking area; 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central.

 

Info thanks to Plett Tourism.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Ride the Harkerville Cycle Routes: Four MTB routes of various distances, through diverse terrains and with relatively easy gradients. Permits and start and finish points at the Garden of Eden, alongside the N2 about 20 km west of Plett.

Cairnbrogie offers mountain bikers a diverse and scenic experience just outside Plettenberg Bay. With over 100 hectares of coastal fynbos, it features well-maintained trails, a pump track, and stunning views of forests and cliffs. Cyclists enjoy a blend of technical challenges and natural beauty, making this a unique mountainbiking destination.

The Dr. Evil Classic is a premier 3-day mountain biking event in South Africa, offering riders a thrilling mix of terrain across private farms, indigenous forests, and rugged coastline. Known for its challenging routes, professional organization, and stunning scenery, it attracts both seasoned racers and passionate mountain bikers, delivering a truly unique experience.  See also Markets, Events & Annual Festivals below.

Hiking, Birding & Picnic Spots

HIKING

Robberg Peninsula: The Robberg Hiking Trail is one of the most popular and well known trails in the area and also one of the most scenic. The circular route along the Robberg Peninsula also offers two shorter variations ranging from easy to moderate.  You can get your permit at the entrance of the Nature Reserve;

Walk the Robberg Beach from Beacon Isle to Robberg Nature Reserve. Robberg 5 is a Blue Flag Beach;

Walk Keurbooms Beach from Enrico’s Restaurant to Arch Rock;

Walk from Nature’s Valley Beach to Salt River;

The Kranshoek Day Trail – spectacular but challenging (Kranshoek turnoff from the N2, about 20 km west of Plett).

And then there is of course the so called Plett Camino: 5 days, 5 nights and 80 kilometres of fully catered, slack packing hiking through the forests and river valleys of the Garden Route, from the Garden of Eden near Knysna to the Keurbooms River in Plettenberg Bay.  Guided and fully organized.

 

BIRDING

Visit Birds of Eden – the world’s biggest free-flight aviary, where previously domesticated and caged birds (and some fruit bats and miniature monkeys) now live their lives in an environment as close to natural as possible.

Generally, the Keurbooms River lagoon, the Bitou River, and Robberg Nature Reserve offer the best birding in the Plett area.  Specials to keep an eye out for: Knysna warbler, Victorin’s warbler, orange-breasted sunbird, Baillon’s crake, crowned eagle.

Keurbooms River Estuary: bar-tailed godwit, common whimbrel, grey plover, common ringed plover, little stint, curlew sandpiper, common greenshank, purple heron, African fish eagle, osprey, Caspian tern and swift tern.

Bitou River: pied avocet, African spoonbill, South African shelduck, hottentot teal, red-billed teal, ruff, wood sandpiper, little stint, African rail, Baillon’s crake, whiskered tern, marsh harrier.

PICNIC SPOTS

  • Bloukrans Pass, at the bottom of the pass – beware the road was washed away years ago, and you may have to ‘conquer’ a few rocks to get to the picnic spot near the river;
  • Lookout Beach, or any beach really…;
  • Arch Rock, along the beach at Keurboomstrand – a beautiful picnic spot in itself;
  • Nature’s Valley, either near the river’s mouth or anywhere along the beach.
Golf

Plettenberg Bay Country Club: 18 hole par 72 golf course in a private nature reserve. A parklands course – with no houses overlooking the greens or fairways – with kikuyu fairways and bayview greens over-seeded to bent grass. The club also has two bowling greens and four all-weather tennis courts. Visitors are welcome. www.pbcc.co.za

Goose Valley Golf Club at Goose Valley Estate: 72 par, 18-hole course designed by Gary Player – you may run into him when he’s holidaying in the area. Kikuyu fairways with bentgrass greens. www.goosevalleygolfclub.com

Museums, Art, Crafts & Culture

MUSEUMS

The Griqua nation, descendants of the Khoisan, have lived in Kranshoek, near Plettenberg Bay since 1939. Their leader, Andrew Le Fleur, known as “The Reformer,” is honored at a monument and tomb site, part of the Kranshoek Museum.  The nearby Aartmoeders sculpture also celebrate Griqua history and culture.

The Whaling Station at Plett’s Beacon Isle, established in the early 1900s, was a significant site for whaling operations. It processed whales hunted off the coast until its closure in 1916. Today, the site is a historical landmark, reflecting the area’s maritime history and its transition from whaling to conservation.

The Old Rectory in Plettenberg Bay, built in 1777, is one of South Africa’s oldest buildings and served as a mission station. It played a crucial role in the early colonial history of the region, hosting clergy who supported the development of the area. Today, it stands as a historic landmark and luxury boutique hotel.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Old Nick Village (off the N2, east of Plett): Fine artists, master crafters, galleries, studios and a restaurant. www.oldnickvillage.co.za

The Mungo Mill, next door to its flagship store, is open to the public, to learn more about how the textiles are made.  You can watch the team of weavers and seamstresses do their skilled work. Guided tours over weekends or by pre-arrangement.

Global Village offers an eclectic mixture of uniquely sourced products from around the world, with an emphasis on supporting African and South African local vendors and creators.

The Mohair Mill Shop has a great selection of mohair wool, socks, scarves and blankets, complemented by a fine selection of mostly handmade and original homeware and clothing.  On the same premises you may find the team of Siya Phambili working on their traditional as well as contemporary beadwork.

Markets, Events & Annual Festivals

MARKETS

  • Harkerville Market (off the N2, 15 km west of Plettenberg Bay): Saturday mornings. Crafts, farmer produce, flea market. www.harkervillemarket.co.za
  • Market off Main (MOM) in central Plettenberg Bay is a vibrant and authentic community hub featuring local artisans, food vendors, and crafters. Open daily.  www.marketoffmain.co.za
  • The Wednesday Market at Old Nick is a weekly event that showcases a variety of local products, including fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and handmade goods. It’s a popular gathering spot where visitors can enjoy live music, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere, all in a charming outdoor setting.

 

EVENTS & ANNUAL FESTIVALS

Dr Evil Classic: 3 Day Stage Mountainbike Race, preceding the Lions Karoo to Coast.  Highlight on any mountainbiker’s calendar!  September.  www.drevilclassic.com

Plett Arts Festival: Welcome to 10 days of festivities, arts, and vibrant conversation against the beautiful backdrop that is Plett.  September.  www.plettartsfestival.co.za

Plett Bitou Birding Festival: The Garden Route and Klein Karoo area, with around 450 species, provide a unique opportunity for birding enthusiasts to explore the region’s rich diversity. In the greater Plettenberg Bay area alone, Birdlife Plettenberg Bay has documented over 300 species, including 27 endemic or near-endemic treasures.  September/October.  www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za

Plett Ocean Festival: a three-day Plett Marine Science Symposium, and a host of outdoor activities and excursions on the Plett shoreline and ocean for ten days. Observe, conserve and preserve at Plett Ocean Festival.  June.  www.plettoceanfestival.co.za

Plett Rage: the ultimate summer destination, for those who celebrate the end of their school career and the start of a new chapter in their lives.  December.  www.plettrage.co.za

Sabrina Love Summer Challenge: Four magical days of cycling, running and beach events to be enjoyed in the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay. Garden Route locals and holiday visitors look forward to this annual fundraising event that attracts thousands of participants from around South Africa. December.  www.sabrinalove.co.za

Distances

Plettenberg Bay to Knysna: 35 km / 22 mi;

Plettenberg Bay to George: 100 km / 62 mi;

Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn: 145 km / 90 mi;

Plettenberg Bay to Calitzdorp: 200 km / 124 mi;

Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town: 570 km / 355 mi;

Plettenberg Bay to Gqeberha (previously: Port Elizabeth): 245 km / 152 mi.