Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is situated on the Garden Route in the Weste

Plettenberg Bay has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the richest rainfall areas, most of which occurs in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds from the Indian ocean. Any time of the year is good for visiting Plettenberg Bay, depending if you enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months or a bustling holiday destination during the summer.

Plettenberg Bay was originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay can now be accessed by first class national roads, by sea or by scheduled air flights.

The great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the incredible indigenous African wealth of Plettenberg Bay, which lies on South Africas spectacular south coast 210 kms from Port Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town. The Outeniqua-Tsitsikamma indigenous forests are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate forest and offer the nature lover world-renowned hiking trails and an exciting opportunity to see the last remaining forest elephants of South Africa. The entire area teems with birdlife. Nearly 300 species are to be found in the great variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands.

No less than ten important nature reserves embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life. The bay itself is Nursery to the endangered Southern Right Whale which come here to calve in the winter and spring (July to December).

The Plettenberg Bay area is of course a sports paradise and boasts fabulous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba diving spots. Alternately one can simply stroll along its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas.

At night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and fine restaurants. A wide range of accommodation offers luxury hotels, exclusive country retreats, cosy bed and breakfasts, self-catering chalets and excellent camping facilities.

This popular resort town lies on the ‘Baia Formosa’ (beautiful bay’), surrounded by the forest-clad Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains. Plettenberg Bay offers a holiday destination for everyone in search of excitement and something new to enjoy with each passing day.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

George 108 km, Knysna 37 km, Port Elizabeth 227 km.

Banks

Absa, FNB, Standard

HISTORICAL VIEW

The first white inhabitants of the area were the 100 survivors of the wrecked Portuguese ship and San Gonzales (Sao Concalo), stranded here for nearly a year during 1630. The first white settlers arrived in the early 1760’s. During 1779 the Governor of the Cape at the time, Baron Joachim van Plettenberg, gave the town it’s present name.

Plettenberg Bay Historical Route

Archaeological

Sites Nelson’s Bay Cave and Matjes River Cave archaeological discoveries have shown that these caves were extensively used as shelters by Middle Stone Age man approximately 100 000 years ago and much later by the Khoisan.

Dutch Reformed Church (1834)

Forest Hall (1864)

Old Timber Store (1787)

Old Whaling Station (1831)

San Gonzales Wreck (1630)

St Andrew’s Chapel, St Peters Church (1881)

The Old Rectory (1776)

NATURE

Fynbos

The area from Cape Town to Grahamstown forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, boasting some 8500 different plant species. The Plettenberg Bay area is home to 27 species, with the Erica Formosa and Erica newdigatae being very special. Typical fynbos shrubs found in the region are blombos, berzelia and bietou, giving the local fynbos it’s distinctive characters.

Keurbooms River Nature Reserve

Explore this peaceful and exquisitely beautiful area by canoe. Overnight hut available.

Nature’s Valley

Situated in the De Vasselot Nature Reserve, Nature’s Valley offers a beautiful beach and lagoon. The village is completely surrounded by indigenous forest, boasting several walks and trails.

Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve

The Robberg Peninsula is a nature reserve and National Monument that lies about 8 km south of the prestigious coastal resort of Plettenberg Bay. It is situated in an overlapping region of winter and summer rainfall. There is an increased likelikhood of showers between August and November. The ecology of the Robbeberg Peninsula is similar to that of other rocky headlands and promontories on this coastline. It presents a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea. Permits for sale at gate. Speed limit 20 km per hour.

1. Life in the Stone Ages

Nelson Bay Cave

Important Middle and Later Stone Age archaeological site. First occupied 120 000 year ago when the sea level dropped. Grasslands stretches beyond the southern horizon during last Ice Age when sea levels were lower. (It is estimated that 18 000 years ago, during the Late Pleistoncene period, the coastline at Plettenberg Bay lay 100 km or more to the south of it’s present day position). Giant Cape horse, giant buffalo and giant hartebeest used to graze here. They became extinct about 10 000 years ago. There are several other cave and open sites with evidence of Stone Age occupation on the peninsula. There are detailed interpretation facilities at Nelson Bay Cave.

1. First recorded European habitation in South Africa

In 1630, the Sao Goncalo, a Portuguese vessel, was wrecked here. The survivors camped on the beach for about nine months while they built two small boats. Despite being wrecked again, some managed to reach Portugal. The remains of the Athena, a modern fishing trawler which sank nearby, are still visible.

1. Here you see the first evidence of the ‘modern’ South African coastline

Robberberg’s rocks date back to the early Cretaceous period (130 – 110 million years ago) and the earliest break up of Gondwanaland – a prehistoric super continent that split up into latter day South America, Africa, Antartctica, India and Australia about 120 million years ago. The rocks at Robberg were deposited in the bed of this new African sea.

(4) Look out for spoor of the Western Cape’s smallest antelope, the blue duiker

Classified ‘Rare’ in the Red Data Book, these shy buck are largely confined to evergreen thicket. At the shoulder adult males are about as tall as a standard 30 cm ruler. They feed on fallen leaves, flowers, fruit and young shoots.

1. Listen for the bark of Cape fur seals

Hundreds of seals gather on the rocks between Kanonkoeëlgat and Grasnek. Adult bulls can be 2,1 m long and weigh up to 350 kg. competition between fishermen and seals for fish has posed difficult challenges for South African conservationists – how can their different needs be reconciled? Seal harvesting has been suspended since 1990.

1. Keep your eyes skinned for dolphins and whales

Two species of inshore dolphin – humpback and bottlenose – can often be seen from the Robberg Peninsula. The breeding rates of dolphins may be affected by industrial and agricultural pollutants. Between May and November, Southern Right whales come here from the Antartic region to mate and calve. Humpback whales – another Antartic species – also visit these waters. Bryde’s whales are year round residents. Plettenberg Bay was one of 16 shore based whaling stations on the South African coast. South Africa had outlawed all whaling in it’s waters by 1980.

1. Montane fynbos adapted to harsh coastal conditions

Plants here are adapted to ‘pruning’ by wind driven salt spray, shallow soils and a steep, well drained slope.

1. Look out for Southern Ocean Seabirds

In winter, particularly during storms, seabirds that breed on sub-Antarctic islands such as Marion Island may be spotted from Robberg, recorded sightings include Shy Albatross, Broadbilled Prion and Subantarctic Skua. Whitechinned Petrel and Sooty Shearwater can be expected throughout the year.

1. Terns, gannets and cormorants thrive on the marine riches of the Agulhas Bank

Hundreds of swift terns with their yellow beaks and black ‘crewcut’ crests may be seen roosting at The Point. These terns, like the Cape gannets, white breasted and Cape cormorants also found here, feed mostly on pilchards and anchovy. Terns and gannets hunt by plunging after their prey. Cormorants catch fish by swimming after them underwater.

1. Cape Seal Lighthouse

At 146 m above sea level, this is the highest navigational light on the South African coast. It’s solar powered rotating beam has a range of about 27 km. built in 1950.

1. The rocky shore: life in a spin cycle

The rocky intertidal zone is divided into five distinct vertical zones. Each is occupied by plants and animals with differing abilities to withstand exposure to air and the heating and drying effects of the sun. periwinkles occupy the highest zone, which is wetted by the sea at high spring tide only. Moving seawards, the other tidal levels are marked by the presence of barnacles, mussels, limpets and red bait respectively. Seaweeds are common below the neap highwater mark. Best explored during a low spring tide.

1. Avoid this area at high tide. Exposed climb on steep rock

(12) Candelabra Flowers (‘Kandelaar blomme’)

These bulbs produce spectacular crimson flowers between February and April.

(13) Feeding Plettenberg Bay with sand

The Witsand sand dune is one of seven climbing falling dunes on the Cape coast. The Island traps sand driven ashore from the southwest by wind and currents. Dry sand is then blown upwards for about 80 m before sliding into Plettenberg Bay. Alien plants and other pioneer species threaten to ‘throttle’ this sensitive, disturbed system.

(14) Reefs, home to the sex-changing Roman

The submerged rocks surrounding The Island offer food and shelter to reef fish. Most of them are slow-growing, long lived species that take several years to reach sexual maturity. Some, like the Roman, change sex as they develop. Romans start life as females. They became males when large enough to compete for their own harems. Many females can lose a breeding opportunity if ‘their’ male is caught. Territorial reef fish that reserve their sexes are therefore very vulnerable in heavily-fished areas.

(15) Seagull nursery

The breeding success of kelp gulls has improved greatly since broadwalks were laid to rehabilitate disturbed area and keep humans out of their nesting area.

(16) Beware of rip currents in this area. A rip current is a strong, seaward-moving current caused when waves run parallel to shore. This is very dangerous to swimmers.

(17) The sandy inter-tidal zone – nature’s incredible cleansing service

Because of the moving sand, plants are unable to take root on sandy beaches. This means that grazers – animals that live off live plants – are absent. This is why all other beach animals have to reply on imported food to survive. Animals feed either by filtering sea water for plankton and organic particles (sand mussels), scavenging (plough snails) or hunting (the three spot swimming crab). Microscopic organisms living in wet sand also eat and recycle organic material in surf.

Hiking

Choice of three circular routes of increasing difficulty with distance. Round trip via The Point takes about four hours. Dangerous at high tide and note recommended for young children. Water, hiking shoes and hat essential. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Fishing

Boundary of the Robberg Marine Reserve extends one nautical mile (1852 km) seawards around the entire reserve. Only rock and surf angling allowed inside marine reserve with permit from Marine and Coastal Management (Sea Fisheries). Permits available at Post Offices. Bait-collecting, fishing from boats and spearfishing prohibited.

Warning

Beware of freak waves and strong currents at all times. This is a nature reserve and a National Monument. No littering, pets, hunting or any other activities allowed which may disturb the natural or social environment. Fires only allowed at official fireplaces at parking area.

Scenic Drives & Day Trips

Kranshoek Picnic Site

Overlooking cliffs and sea

Pheasant Hoek

Outstanding view along circular drive
Garden of Eden

Picnic site and Big tree

Brackenhill Falls

Series of cascades down a deep ravine

Noetzie Beach and River

Noetzie castles and river estuary

Knysna

Scenic coastal town 35 km from Plettenberg Bay

Prince Alfred Pass

Stunning mountain views along historic pass

The Crags and Forest Hall

Tea and historical tour of mansion

Grootriver Pass to Nature’s Valley

Picnics, viewspots and beach

Bloukrans Pass

Unique pass amid indigenous forests

Storms River Mouth

Exquisitely scenic river mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park

ATTRACTIONS

Arts & Crafts Route

Visit the homes and studios of various artists to view the different arts and crafts that varies from pottery to batiks, paintings, wire art, sculpture etc.

Eden Garden Elephant Park

Heritage Tours

Keurboonstrand

This small resort is situated just outside Plettenberg Bay and boasts a natural long beach in a fynbos and forest setting.

Monkeyland

There are seven species of primate in the resort. The monkeys are free to roam around the forest in their natural environment.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe

One can catch the train from Knysna or George. The train departs from George at 09:30 and from Knysna at 09:45. another alternative is to catch the train and return with a mini bus or vice versa.

Theatre

The Barnyard Theatre is located in a wooden barn. A good selection of South African and overseas productions is cast here and visitors are welcome to bring along a picnic basket and drinks

Township Tours

Traditional Mampoer and Witblitz Distillery

Visit a traditional Mampoer distillery and sample the unique mampoer products. The already famous JJJ will introduce you to the true spirits of Africa.

ACTIVITIES

Abseiling

This can be done at Harkerville Kranshoek view point.

Bird watching

The area between Plettenberg Bay and the Tsitsikamma is known for it’s variety of interesting and rare birdlife. Sites worth visiting are the estuary of the Keubooms River with it’s tidal mud flats and lagoon; the Bitou River; the forest in Piesang Valley, Natures Valley, Harkerville, the coastal strips of the Robberg Peninsula and the Tsitsikamma

Blackwater Tubing
Stormsriver Adventures is an adventure company which hires out mountain bikes, offer a woodcutters journey in the forest, clay pigeon shooting and Blackwater tubing down the Storms River. The blackwater tubing excursion is a one day event, which takes the group (each person with their own tube) meandering down the river over rapids. The trip starts at 08:00 until 14:00. The woodcutters journey is two hours long. A fee is charged and includes tea, coffee and biscuits

Boat Cruises

Cruises usually takes place in the afternoon from about 15:00 until 18:00. Enjoy the thrills of a beach launch.

Bungee Jumping

There are three major jumps in the area. Two are situated at the Gouritz River Bridge. Kiwi Extremes offer two jumps at the Gouritz River Bridge. Bookings can be made beforehand. The bridge jumping is offered by Wildthing Adventure also at the Gouritz River. Backpacker accommodation is offered at the bridge. The highest bungee jump in the world has opened at the Bloukrans River Bridge with a height of 216 m. The jump takes place in the arch of the bridge.

Canoeing

This takes places on the Keurbooms lagoon. Canoes can be booked from the angling club or from Aventura Resorts. There is an overnight hut available on the lagoon. It can be booked at Nature Conservation. Canoe on the Bitou River.

Deep sea fishing

Trips are usually conducted in the early morning from about 08:00 until 13:00. fully inclusive excursions available (fishing rods etc).

Diving

There is excellent snorkeling and diving sites in the area. Plettenberg Bay has two diving shops which offer advice to all tourists. They are Beyond the Beach in the Beacon Island Hotel and diving International on Central Beach. One can snorkel between the Beacon Island Hotel and the black buoy (in the demarcated swimmer’s beach). Two diving and snorkeling trails are found in the Tsitsikamma National Park, but gear must be hired in Plettenberg Bay. Two shipwrecks are found in the area. For diving in Stormsrivier

Hiking

There are a number of hiking trails in the area between Plettenberg Bay and the Tsitsikamma, best known is the Otter Trail, extending from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley. All bookings for this trail are handled by the SA National Parks from Pretoria. Other trails and walks in the area include:

Garden of Eden Forest Walk

An easy cicular trail of 1 km / 30 minutes. Beautiful forest with streams, bridges and braai facilities.

Kranshoek Coastal Walk

Fairly difficult circular walks 3 km and 9 km respectively. No permits are required, but hikers are requested to complete the register. Forests, pine plantations, fynbos, coastal escarpment and beach. The route, in the Kruisfontein State Forest, begins and ends neat the picnic area.

Milkwood Scenic Trail

Two easy routes of 3 km and 5 km respectively. Forest, beach, wetlands, historical sites. No permits is required.

Nature’s Valley Network

Numerous trails varying in difficulty and range. Forest, fynbos, seashore, estuaries, beaches, rivers and breathtaking views. This is a bird watcher’s paradise, with rare species such as the elusive Narina Trogan (Adaloderma narina, Afr. Bosloerie). Permits and maps are obtainable from the De Vasselot campsite.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Easy to difficult walks of 2,2 km, 5,6 km and 9,2 km respectively. Permits are obtainable from the entrance gate to the reserve. Coastal dune fynbos and marine life.

Rugbos Forest Walk

Starting point: Parking Area – Bloukrans Pass. Distance / Duration: 1 km / 30 minutes. Rating: Easy. Circular route. Beautiful forest.

Stinkhoutkloof Trail

A moderate 8,4 km route. Plantations, forests, valleys and beautiful streams. The trail starts near the Bloukrans Forest Station. Hikers must sign the register at the forest station.

Storms River Mouth Trails

There are four day walks namely the Mouth Trail (1 km), the Waterfall Trail (3 km), the circular Loerie trail (1,5 km) and the circular Blue Duiker Trail. The Knysna Loerie can be seen on the Lourie Trail. Maps on the trails are available from the Information Centre. There is a curion shop and restaurant.

The Big & Tree Trail

Starting point: Parking area 3 km west of Stormsriver Bridge on the R102. Distance / Duration: 4,2 km / 1 hour. Circular route. Rating: average. One of the largest Yellowwood trees in the country, beautiful indigenous forest.

Wittedrift Nature Reserve

A number of trails along the Bietou River, varying in duration from two hours to eight hours. Wetlands, river, geological features, fynbos, wetland birds. No permits are required. There is one overnight hut – book at the Wittedrift Butchery. Dogs and horses are allowed.

Horse Riding

There are two companies in and around Plettenberg Bay which take visitors and tourists on rides in the forest. The trails range from one hour to half a day and even overnight trails.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

There are various trails in the area.

The Harkerville Trail

Being the most popular. Permits and maps are available at the Garden of Eden on the N2 towards Knysna. The trails range from easy to difficult (24 km long).

The Diepwalle Cycle Route

Is a linear route and is moderate inn difficulty. The permits are available for the forest station.

The Homtini Cycle Route

Is also situated in the forest past Knysna. Take the Rheenendal turn off to your right and the cycling trail starts at Jubilee Creek. This is quite a difficult ride as there is quite an uphill. There is a new trail at the Storm’s River Village, which starts at the gate right at the end of the main road into the village. Self issued permits are available at no cost. The trail varies in length from 5 km to 22 km. Guided cycle tours are conducted by Outeniqua Biking Trails and Stormsriver Adventures.

Paragliding / Hang gliding

Two seater glider flights from Stanley Island / Microlight flight over Plettenberg Bay, Glider Flights, Parasailing

Scenic Flights

African Ramble Air Safaris

Scenic flights over the bay and whale watching. Charter flights to Shamwari, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Oudtshoorn and George

Sea Kayaking

Enjoy the unique thrill of paddling on the ocean and chance encounters with dolphins, seals, many sea birds – including the endangered Black Oystercatcher and penguins.

Sport

Golf Courses

There are three golf courses in Plettenberg Bay.

Plett Country Club

Is the only 18 hole golf course and is situated off Piesang Valley Road.

Rietvlei Golf Course

Is situated on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth, approximately 4 km out of town. This is a 9 hole golf course.

Goose Valley Resort

Is also situated on the N2 to Port Elizabeth. This is a 9 hole golf course and is quite challenging. It has an 18 hole rating. The driving range is situated on Robberg Road

Surfing

Wild Waters Park

This is a adventure park especially for children. It has a supertube, mini golf, jumping castle, kiosk, take away, picnic pots and braai areas. Open from 09:00 until 18:00 and situated off Piesang Valley Road.

Whale Watching

The area offers visitors the wonderful opportunity of viewing these gentle giants from the deep, especially during the winter and spring when whales visit these waters to calf. Plettenberg Bay has outstanding whale watching facilities with view points along the coastline and a ‘Whale Hotline’ offering information about the whereabouts of the whales. Species include the Southern Right, humpback, Brydes, Minke and Killer (Orca) whales. The best view points are at Robberg Circular walks, Robberg Beach, Beacon Island, lookout rocks, lookout viewpoint, keurbooms beach, nature’s valley beach and storms river mouth.

Accommodation in and around Plettenberg Bay