Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay
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Plettenberg Bay, or Plett, as it is more familiarly known, is the most fashionable spot on the Garden…
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Animal Parks
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Harkerville Founded in 1994, and the first of its kind in South Africa, the Knysna Elephant Park provides a home for orphaned elephants and offers visitors a glimpse of a bygone era when vast elephant herds once roamed.
Join the elephants in their controlled free-range environment where you will be able to appreciate their magnificent presence up-close-and-personal. Whether you chose a daily tour, elephant back ride; exclusive safari or overnight accommodation; this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
The Knysna Elephant Park is open every day of the year. Guided daily tours take you to the elephants every half hour from 08:30 to 16:30. Here you will have the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. There are no barriers or fences to spoil your close encounter, and when the elephants chose to wander off again into the field, you are welcome to walk with them and watch them for as long as you wish.
Elephant back rides offer the once in a lifetime opportunity to sit atop these incredible creatures. As you traverse through indigenous Cape fynbos, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Outeniqua Mountain range. Booking is essential.
Popular Attractions
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Plettenberg Bay Explore Plettenberg Bay’s stunning coastline looking for whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, seabirds and other marine life from a twin-hull ski boat.
Ocean Safaris offer exciting whale and dolphin watching trips guided by knowledgeable qualified skippers. They are permitted to conduct close encounters with whales and are Fair Trade accredited.
Pop in to their interesting office in Hopwood Street to find out more. You'll find a warm welcome, reconstructed skeletons, whalebones, free Internet and coffee.
Animal Parks
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Plettenberg Bay If you’re travelling with kids on the Garden Route, wing them straight to Radical Raptors.
Guaranteed to thrill the kids, a visit to Radical Raptors bird of prey sanctuary is a fun educational experience suitable for the whole family.
Time your visit to coincide with the flying displays that take place three times a day. Several trained birds of prey are free flown around and to you. This presents a wonderful opportunity for you to watch, interact and photograph these amazing birds in the outdoors.
Radical Raptors is a non-profit organisation and rehabilitation centre that focuses on community awareness and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey.
+27 (0) 44 532 7537
Show times – 11:00, 13:00, 15:00
Closed on Mondays except public and school holidays.
Popular Attractions
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Plettenberg Bay Climb aboard Ocean Rhythm and explore the beautiful Plettenberg Bay coastline. Experience the power of the wind in the sails and the sound of the ocean lapping at the bows.
Spot whales, dolphins and seals at play in breathtaking surroundings. Take the helm and learn the basics of sailing, put out a line and see what bites or kick back, glass of bubbly in hand.
This Knysna-built 44 foot sailing catamaran offers a high level of luxury, comfort and space. Options include sunset cruises, day cruises, overnight charters, fishing, and exclusive parties and functions. For more info contact 082 881 2937.
Mountain Biking Trails
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Harkerville Get on your bike to experience the stunning scenic single track and jeep track trails through indigenous forest, plantations, fragrant fynbos and dramatic cliff tops overlooking the ocean.
The four colour-coded Harkerville routes offer a range of routes to suit all levels of riders ranging from an easy family ride to fast-flowing single track through plantations, costal fynbos and indigenous forest.
The 14-kilometre Yellow Route is an easy ride along fairly flat gravel roads and is just right for slackers. The Blue Route is also an easy 12-kilometre option with some single track, through indigenous forest and a section of enormous redwood trees.
The more difficult 15-kilometre Green Route offers exhilarating glimpses of the craggy coastline and dense coastal forest. Diehard cyclists can’t resist the 24-kilometre Red Route for the incredibly scenic and dizzying coastal cliff top cruise with some downhills and uphills that guarantee to get your pulse racing.
Cyclists have the option of a two-day ride with a stay at an overnight hut. Please be aware that all the trails except the Yellow Route may be closed if heavy rain has fallen.
All routes start on the N2 opposite the Garden of Eden Department of Water Affairs and Forestry kiosk. Maps are available at the Garden of Eden kiosk.
Garden of Eden Department of Water Affairs and Forestry +27 (0) 44 382 5863
Village Marketplaces
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Plettenberg Bay The Old Nick Mid-Week Market is a produce market selling organic veggies and fruit, plants and homemade goodies.
The market takes place on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 17:00. There is also a coffee shop and restaurant on site.
Hiking Trail
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Plettenberg Bay The Witsand Circuit is an undulating circular trail on Robberg's northern ridge looking out over the seal colony. Follow the large dune down to a boardwalk leading to a colony of kelp gulls. From here, the route back via the Gap is easy stroll to the parking area.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.5 km
Hiking Trail
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Plettenberg Bay The 2.1 km Gap Circuit is the shortest route on Robberg Nature Reserve and usually takes half an hour to complete. The trail is marked by an amazing geological site – the incredible evidence in Cretaceous rock of the split of Gondwanaland.
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.1 km
Hiking Trail
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Robberg Nature Reserve For a blissful Man Friday experience hike to Point Shack on the far eastern point of Robberg Nature Reserve. The rustic overnight hut on the rocks invokes an appreciation for the simple things in life and ‘treading lightly on the Earth’.
Marked with a seal icon, the walk starts at the Robberg Nature Reserve parking area. Unrivaled sea views, dolphin and whale sightings and a seal colony characterize this wonderful trail. Hikers have the option to return along the same path or continue with the longer circular route.
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Shopping Malls
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Plettenberg Bay The Market Square layout is a strip mall with a wide selection of shops and restaurants.There are two supermarkets stocked with food and fresh produce, clothing and home-ware. Another 53 shops offer a comprehensive range of quality goods to satisfy the most discerning shopper.
Popular Attractions
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Plettenberg Bay Sea kayaking is especially for those who like to combine a marine encounter with activity.
Both experienced and inexperienced kayakers can go on the trip, where dolphins, seals and even hammerhead sharks are often seen throughout the year. Whales are seen in season from June to November. Dolphin Adventures fully kits you out with your essential equipment. Don't worry, guides with be with you throughout the tour.
The tour will last about 2 hours and refreshments will be supplied to keep your energy levels up. No previous paddling experience is necessary.
Hiking Trail
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Plettenberg Bay Hike on the wild side just 8 km south of Plettenberg Bay.
The brochure carries this warning – 'beware of freak waves and strong currents at all times. The peninsula is dangerous. Please do not wander off to lookout points especially when strong winds prevail'.
Well if your credo is ‘lead me not into temptation; I can find it myself’, this will appeal to you. The rugged peninsula of Robberg Nature Reserve offers a shot of the great outdoors un-distilled – crashing waves, barking Cape fur seals, stunning scenery and beaches – and that feeling of being far from the madding crowds. It’s worth the effort for the breathtaking views alone. You can see Plettenberg Bay and up the entire coastline to Nature’s Valley.
The demarcated walking trails offer three options ranging from a quick 45 minute walk to the Point Circuit, a five-hour hike that is fairly strenuous. This round trip leads one right to the dramatic Robberg point. Timing is important as sections of the route are rocky and dangerous to traverse at high tide. It is not recommended for little ones.
If you choose to walk all the way around Robberg Peninsula, you can overnight at the secluded wooden Fountain Shack. CapeNature provides braai and cleaning utensils in a bag at the gate. Water bottles, good hiking shoes, hats and clothing for sudden weather changes are crucial.
Hiking Trail
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Harkerville No time for the two-day Harkerville or five-day Otter Trail? The stunning nine-kilometre Kranshoek Coastal Walk echoes much to be seen on the Harkerville Trail.
Prepare to be dazzled as you thread your way through the indigenous temperate forest. A kaleidoscope of ferns, leaf-litter, colourful fungi and lichens, spider webs and backlit foliage will embrace you.
Clearly demarcated paths lead through the forest to deep kloofs and crystal streams, perfect for a dip on a hot day. Knysna turacos (loeries) flit and caw among the treetops and you might spot an otter fishing in the pools.
Viewpoints along the path offer breathtaking views of the seashore. Look out for whales or dolphins frolicking in the surf below. The first beach is gorgeous and sheltered – perfect for a picnic.
Start walking early when the day is still cool and chill out on the seashore over midday. Along with a two-litre water bottle, sunblock and hat, take your camera and snorkelling gear - the rock pools are magic to explore.
The trail starts and ends at the Kranshoek picnic site. There is a small fee during school holidays, at other times it’s free.
Hiking Trail
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Harkerville The Harkerville Forest Trail starts and ends at the Kranshoek picnic site and is easily accessible from the N2. Indigenous trees are marked with National Tree Numbers and many other plants are numbered for easy identification.
Trees that you will encounter include Ironwood, Yellowwood, White Pear and Cape Beech. Take a close look at interesting onderbos climbers, mosses, ferns and colourful fungi on the forest floor.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 km
Hiking Trail
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Robberg Nature Reserve The 9.2 km Point Circuit is the longest trail on Robberg Nature Reserve and is not recommended for young kids. Hundreds of swift terns, gannets and cormorants can be seen roosting at the Point. Aim to do this hike on a spring low tide for a fascinating glimpe of marine life in the rock pools. Make a quick 20-minute detour to Nelson Bay Cave, a significant Middle and Later Stone Age archaeological site.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 9.2 km