The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route is beautiful, especially the Keurboom Lagoon area. Visiting this town in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, you’ll find sandy beaches (like the beautiful Robberg and Poortjies beaches) and fabulous surf spots as well as excellent accommodation. Here is a quick travel guide to Plettenberg Bay giving you interesting options on things to do and places to stay.
Plettenberg Bay is a beautiful coastal town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Here are the top 3 things to do in Plettenberg Bay:
Visit Robberg Nature Reserve – This nature reserve is a must-visit when you’re in Plettenberg Bay. The reserve has beautiful hiking trails, a stunning beach, and plenty of wildlife to see. You can hike the trails to see the Cape fur seal colony or take a boat tour to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
Explore the beaches – Plettenberg Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa. The most popular ones are Central Beach, Lookout Beach, and Robberg Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Visit Monkeyland and Birds of Eden – These two sanctuaries are located next to each other and offer a unique opportunity to see monkeys and birds up close. Monkeyland is home to over 550 primates, including gibbons, lemurs, and capuchin monkeys, while Birds of Eden is the world’s largest free-flight aviary, home to over 3,500 birds from over 200 species.
Overall, Plettenberg Bay offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and wildlife, making it a great destination for all types of travelers.
Monkeyland is the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary
A unique two-hectare dome (the world’s largest) that spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. Their main focus is African birds. You can visit Birds of Eden and explore self-guided, however, guided walks are offered on request.
Follow on Instagram (Photo from the Instagram account, which display many more stunning photos of the sanctuary.)
Offering wonderful hiking opportunities. (We suggest you definitely book a guided tour.)
The park encompasses an area of approximately 80 km of rugged coastline, ancient forests, and fynbos vegetation, and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna.
Take a photo at Arch Rock: Situated at Main Street, Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay
If you go at the right time, you’ll have the opportunity to take magical photos.
Here is the link to the high and low tide timetable for the area: Tide information – Plettenberg Bay
Arch Rock is a popular attraction located on the beach in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Here’s how to get there:
By car: The easiest way to get to Arch Rock is by car. From the center of Plettenberg Bay, head towards Robberg Nature Reserve. Before you reach the reserve, you’ll see a sign for the Arch Rock viewpoint. Turn left here and follow the signs to the parking area. The parking area is located a short walk from the viewpoint.
By foot: If you’re already at Robberg Nature Reserve, you can hike to Arch Rock from there. The walk takes about 30-45 minutes, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the reserve. The trail is well-marked, and you’ll have beautiful views of the coastline along the way.
Once you arrive at the Arch Rock viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the natural rock formation in the ocean. Please note that swimming or climbing on the rocks is not allowed due to the strong currents and potential danger. Enjoy the stunning views from the viewpoint and take plenty of photos!
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Brenton-on-Sea is a small coastal town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and partake in various outdoor activities. Here are some things to do in Brenton-on-Sea:
Beach activities: Brenton-on-Sea has a beautiful, long beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach is also ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and kiteboarding.
Hiking: The town is surrounded by nature reserves and has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding forests.
Birdwatching: Brenton-on-Sea is home to a diverse range of bird species, and birdwatching is a popular activity in the area.
Fishing: The area is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, with many anglers flocking to Brenton-on-Sea to catch fish such as kob, yellowtail, and blacktail.
Water sports: In addition to surfing and kiteboarding, Brenton-on-Sea is also popular for other water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Whale watching: During the winter months, Brenton-on-Sea is a popular destination for whale watching, with southern right whales often spotted in the waters off the coast.
Golfing: The area has several excellent golf courses, including the Simola Golf and Country Estate, which is a short drive away.
Dining: Brenton-on-Sea has several excellent restaurants and cafes that offer delicious food and stunning views of the ocean.
Knysna is a charming town situated in the heart of the Garden Route, along the coast of South Africa. With its picturesque lagoon, rugged coastline, lush forests, and abundant marine life, Knysna has a lot to offer visitors. Here are ten of the top things to do in Knysna:
Explore the Knysna Heads: These towering sandstone cliffs mark the entrance to the lagoon, and offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline.
Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is only accessible by ferry, and offers visitors a chance to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region, including ancient milkwood trees, wildflowers, and a variety of bird species.
Take a sunset cruise on the lagoon: A sunset cruise is a great way to see the lagoon and surrounding areas from a different perspective. Look out for the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Visit the Knysna Elephant Park: The park is home to several rescued elephants, and visitors can learn about these magnificent creatures and even feed them.
Take a hike in the forests: The surrounding forests are home to several hiking trails, including the famous Otter Trail, which takes hikers along the rugged coastline.
Go mountain biking: Knysna is known for its mountain biking trails, which offer a variety of terrains, including forest tracks and challenging climbs.
Enjoy the beaches: Knysna has several beautiful beaches, including Brenton-on-Sea and Noetzie, which are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Visit the Knysna Heads Viewpoint: This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the lagoon and the Knysna Heads.
Sample the local cuisine: Knysna has several excellent restaurants and cafes, serving a variety of local and international cuisine.
Visit the Knysna Waterfront: This lively hub is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, and is a great place to soak up the local culture and atmosphere
Wilderness is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Here are the top three things to do in Wilderness:
Canoeing on the Touw River: The Touw River runs through Wilderness and is perfect for a peaceful paddle in a canoe. Enjoy the scenic views of the riverbanks and spot some of the birdlife and fish in the water.
Hiking in the Wilderness National Park: The national park boasts several hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the area, including indigenous forests, fynbos, and stunning coastal views. The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail and the Map of Africa Viewpoint are particularly popular.
Beach activities: Wilderness has a long and picturesque beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also great for long walks or runs, and you can often spot dolphins and whales in the distance.
Honorable mention: Paragliding: Wilderness is known for its excellent conditions, and several operators in the area offer tandem flights and courses for beginners. It’s a great way to experience the stunning views of the coastline from above.
There are more than 400 fabulous family-friendly places to stay in Plettenberg Bay (or Plett as the locals refer to it). Places like:
Camping in Plettenberg Bay: Located 16 miles from Robberg Nature Reserve, AfriCamps at Ingwe offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
Keurbooms Lagoon Camping site is also a nice option for a weekend getaway. This spot is particularly popular during December months, so you best book well in advance.
The campsite offers easy access to the stunning river and sandy lagoon beach.
The people in Plettenberg Bay speak both Afrikaans and English.
Plettenberg Bay is often the starting point of the coastal and famous Otter Trail.
The nearest airport is Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) however you can drive up the Garden Route from Cape Town and visit all the beautiful places along the way as part of your holiday experience. Taking the N2 from Cape Town International Airport (Cpt), Plettenberg Bay is a 5 hr. 36 min (504,6 km) drive. I would suggest stopping for an overnight at least one place along the way.
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