Plettenberg Bay has unrivalled natural beauty! Majestic mountains, sparkling seas, pristine beaches with safe swimming, mysterious forests, tranquil lagoons, nature reserves, wildlife, including the big five, dolphins, whales, Fynbos vegetation and hiking trails are all waiting to be discovered. Here is a selection of our favorite activities.
Boat-based Whale and Dolphin Watching
Boats launch from Central Beach offering an exhilarating trip out onto the ocean to catch close-up sightings of dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, Minke Whales, Orca (Killer Whales) and Bryde's Whales which may be sighted throughout the year. The migratory whales, Southern Right and Humpback visit the shallow, protected bays of the region to calve and mate from June to November; October being the height of the whale watching season. The costs range from R275 to R300 per person which includes soft drinks. The following companies can be contacted:
Ocean Blue Adventures at Tel/fax no 044-53 35083
Ocean Safari’s at Tel/fax 044-53 34963
The Explorer at Cell 082 377 3348
African Fishing Charters at Cell 083 701 5793 from boat based fly fishing to leisure trips
Plett Fishing Charters at Cell 082 940 7062 from deep sea fishing to sun downer cruises
Helicopter Flips
What better way to see the beauty of Plett than to take a short helicopter flip around Robberg Nature Reserve , or see the ravaged Lookout Beach from the air.
Skydiving
Experience the thrill of human flight over the most scenic dropzone in the world. After a short briefing enjoy a 20 min scenic and often whale watching, plane ride to altitude over the stunning Plettenberg Bay Coastline. Then the pleasure flight stops and the Adrenaline starts as you exit the plane with your Tandem Master and experience the rush of a 35 second Freefall at 220KPH from 10,000ft! Once under Canopy, YOU get to fly the parachute back down to earth. On request, your entire experience is captured on camera for you to take home on DVD.
Contact: Dropzone 082 905 7440
Fishing
There is a great rock sites right next to us at Beacon Island and Robberg Beach, Lookout Rocks, Keurbooms and Nature's Valley are not far off. Common catches are Galjoen, Elf, Roman and Steenbras. Tuna, Leervis, Hake and Calamari (seasonal) may be caught by Deep Sea anglers.
Matata Fishing 044 533 1230 Albie Moller 044 533 4351 or Cell: 084 550 2943
African Fishing Charters at Cell 083 701 5793 from boat based fly fishing to leisure trips
Plett Fishing Charters at Cell 082 940 7062 from deep sea fishing to sundowner cruises
Bungy Jumping
The worlds highest Bungy Jumping at Bloukrans - 206 metres - the ultimate thrill!
Flying Fox -A 200 m cable slide out onto the archway of the bridge
Bridge Walk - see one of Africa's marvels up close as you walk along a specially designed catwalk to the top of the arch or the bridge
Face Adrenalin Tel: +27(0)42 281 1458
Bowls and Tennis at Plettenberg Bay Country Club
Near Sell Ultra City. Three greens, clubhouse and bar facilities, visitors welcome.
Tel: +27(0)44 533 1060
Canoeing and Kayaking
Experience the thrill of kayaking on the sea with the dolphins.
Dolphin Adventures (Cell 083 590 3405)Real Cape Adventures (Cell 082 556 2520) Ocean Blue Adventures at Tel/fax no 044-533 5083 Canoeing on the Keurbooms River If you are keen on canoeing, you can hire a canoe from the Angling Club (Tel 044-5359740) or from the Aventura Resort (Tel 044-5359309) and canoe up the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve. Canoes can also be hired for day trips on the river from the entrance to the Keurbooms Nature Reserve at the N2 bridge (tel 044-5332125). The two day Keurbooms Canoe Trail is an easy 7km (14km in total) flatwater experience. A fully equipped overnight hut can sleep 10 people and can be booked at 044-3830042.
Cycling
Probably the most scenically diverse mountain biking routes are found along the Garden Route. The Harkerville Forest has 4 routes to suite all levels of riders, ranging from an easy family ride to fast-flowing singletracks as the routes take the rider through shady plantations, coastal Fynbos and indigenous forest.
Permits and maps for this trail are available at the "Garden of Eden" which is situated ±17 km from Plett on the N2 to Knysna. The trails range from easy to difficult.
Guided biking trails by Outeniqua biking trails at Tel no 044-5327644. There is also a mountain biking route at Storms River Tel 042-281 1609. Closer to Knysna is the Diepwalle Forest Cycle Route. Permits are available at the Diepwalle Forest Station. Contact the Forestry Dept. in Knysna for more details - Tel 044-3825466.
Boating and other Watersports
The Bay is an excellent venue for Hobie Cat sailing, Surfing, Wave Ski and Bathing. Launching of power boats is permitted on Central Beach (contact the Ski Boat Club ph.533 2941) and sailing boats may launch off Hobie Beach. The Keurbooms River is an ideal water-skiing and canoeing venue. The river is zoned regarding watersports. Contact Nature Conservation (ph.533 2125) for more details or if you would like to hire canoes for the overnight canoe trail and stay-over in the Whiskey Creek hut. This overnight canoe trail is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. Boats may be launched at the river slipway situated next to the N2 bridge that crosses the river (Stanley Island turn-off). A sunset cruise on the river or out to sea is a must.
Keurbooms River Ferries
Keurbooms River Ferry and Angling Club The Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is situated 5 km from Plett, direction P.E. This nature reserve stretches up the river for about 5-6km. To experience the beauty of the reserve you can either take a ferry trip which lasts 2½ hours (cost: R70 per adult, R35 per child under 12 years old. Make a booking at Tel No: 044-5327876) or you can hire a boat with engine from the Angling Club (Tel 044-5359740) at the river, and travel up the river by yourselves. There are a number of picnic spots next to the river with little beaches where you can spent your whole day swimming, tanning, fishing etc.
Game Safaris
Enjoy a game drive or horse safari through indigenous terrain in a malaria-free environment just 15 minutes from the town.
BUFFALO HILLS GAME FARM Go on a game drive to see rhino, leopard, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, kudu etc. and more than 150 species of birds in this unique Malaria-free game farm. Tel: +27 (0)44 535 9739 PLETTENBERG BAY GAME RESERVE / RHINO BASE CAMP This exclusive game reserve offers 1300 hectares of indigenous beauty just minutes away from Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. Take a two hour game drive and see our large variety of wildlife up close from an open landrover. dinners, bar facilities, tea garden. More than 30 animal species and over 400 animals in the reserve. Game drives: R120 pp (adults) and R60 pp (children). Tel +27 (0)44 535 0000 Other animal activities unique to the area are:
Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary - a guided tour viewing indigenous and exotic snakes
Monkeyland - the world's first multi-species free-roaming primate sanctuary. Enjoy a 1 hour guided safari expect to see many species of monkeys, apes and lemurs living in the forested sanctuary.
Trumilk Dairy - Take the family for a scenic drive up the pristine Bitou Valley for cheese & wine tastings. Trumilk Dairy was recently awarded for the best feta cheese in South Africa. Their production includes cheddar cheese and a handmade French style camembert. Carefully selected wines from the Cape and Klein Karoo compliments the high quality cheese and can be tasted and bought at our fine shop & tasting room on the farm. Tel +27 (0)44 535 9564 or
535 9776. trumilk@cybertrade.co.za
The Elephant Sanctuary - An Elephant Experience for Life! We are situated right next to Monkeyland in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay. We specialize in up close and personal educational tours. Our focus is on interaction, so our guests do not only learn a lot about elephants, they also get to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand and even ride these magnificent animals. Open 7 days a week.
Booking recommended 044 534 8145 cragelephant@telkomsa.net http://www.elephantsanctuary.co.za/
TENIKWA Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a truly unique Wildcat Experience. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred furry felines, living in a semi-natural environment. So close, you can hear them purr… Step into the world of the charismatic Cheetah. Enjoy a cat and mouse game with South Africa’s seldom seen Lesser indigenous cats, and meet the rare Anthill Tiger. At Tenikwa, our animals speak for those who have no say. Learn about their struggle for survival in the wild. Your support funds our Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Give us an hour of your time and we will change your life.
Open daily from 9am. Last tour departs 4.30pm. Tel +27(0)44 5348170 Cell: 082-4144416 / 082-4861515. Email : info@tenikwa.co.za Website : http://www.tenikwa.co.za/
BIRDS OF EDEN, IS THE GARDEN ROUTE’S VERY OWN WORLD CLASS FREE FLIGHT BIRD SANCTUARY. - The unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors. The sanctuary’s dome incorporates the ability to synthesise thunder and create short spells of rain from an irrigation system in the dome structure. Roofed viewpoints within the gorge have been erected for use during these brief rain storms.
Phone: +27 (0)44 534 8906 • Fax: +27 (0)44 534 8907
Postal Address
PO. BOX 1190, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa
Email: birdsofeden@monkeyland.co.za
Horse Riding
Trails - 2 hour, full and half day or moonlight trails, accompanied by experienced guides may be enjoyed through indigenous Fynbos, a game park and farmlands.
VALLEY RIDING CENTRE - horse riding trails in beautiful Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy the best scenery along the Garden Route. Phone Ian for bookings. Cell: 082 767 7427
PLETTENBERG BAY GAME RESERVE / RHINO BASE CAMP This exclusive game reserve offers 1300 hectares of indigenous beauty just minutes away from Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. Take a two hour game drive and see our large variety of wildlife up close from an open landrover. dinners, bar facilities, tea garden. More than 30 animal species and over 400 animals in the reserve. Game drives: R120 pp (adults) and R60 pp (children). Tel +27 (0)44 535 0000 SOUTHERN COMFORT HORSE RANCH for Horse Rides (Daily and overnight forest rides) Tel: +27(0)44 532 7885 EQUITRAILING is situated on the Wittedrift Road and does 1 hour to overnight trails. (Tel 044-53 30599)Polo
Plett is South Africa's Mecca of Polo. Exciting polo tournaments are being played at Bitou House and Kurland during Easter, December and January with polo practices throughout the year.The first international polo test match was held on 1 Jan 2003 between SA and England . The aim is to host an annual test match each year to showcase this most beautiful and exciting sport.
Kurland Polo tel 044-53 48448
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There is a great snorkeling spot off the Beacon Isle rocks, and at "the wreck". Diving charters also start just down the road at the Beacon Isle.
BEACON ISLE ADVENTURE CENTRE: PADI Scuba Dive courses, fun diving, fills, tours and snorkel Tel: +27(0)44 533 1158 Arts and Crafts
Plettenberg Bay is an artists inspiration and many well known artists have their art work on display.
Beaches
Plettenberg Bay is well known for its beautiful, unspoilt, pristine stretches of clean, white sandy beaches. Visitors are spoilt for choice as there are 16 kms of beaches to enjoy.
Birding
Four unique habitats, forests, Fynbos, wetlands and the coastal region attract a diversity of birds, with more than 260 species having been sighted in the area making the Garden Route famous and a birders' delight. Special birds include the Knysna Loerie, Narina Trogan (both found in indigenous forests), the African Black Oystercatcher (coastal), and the Orangebreasted sunbird (Fynbos).
Cultural Tours
Community based tours are offererd into the Qolweni Community settlement:
Woodcutters Journey
Journey down the old Storms River pass, and experience the indigenous forest from the comfort of a specially designed vehicle.
Quad Bike Tours - Enjoy leisurely or fast paced fun, adventure and nature.
Golf Courses and Driving Ranges
Golf courses designed by some of the golfing greats are scattered from Tsisikamma to Mossel Bay make this region a golfer's delight. Many of the top-quality courses boast spectacular sea, mountain and river views.
Plettenberg Bay Country Club - Tel 044-5332132 - 18 holesRietvlei Mashie Course -
Tel 044-5359262 - 9 holesGoose Valley - Tel 044-5335082 - 18 holesOther golf courses in the area include:
Pezula Championship Course in Knysna Knysna Golf Club Simola Golf Estate
Health, Beauty, Spas and Fitness Centres
Pamper yourself - Plett boasts a number of day spas, massage therapists, internationally qualified hair stylists and gyms.
Historical Sites
Archeological findings in Nelson's Bay Cave situated on the Robberg Nature Reserve and and Matjies River Cave at Keurbooms indicate that these caves were inhabited for over 100000 years by Middle Stone Age man and then later by ancestors of the Khoisan.
For further information on historical sites, visit http://www.plettenbergbay.co.za/
Pansy Shell Hunting
Although fewer in number now, the emblem of Plettenberg Bay, the Pansy Shell may be found along the beaches and nothing puts the pinnacle on a visit better than actually finding an undamaged pansy shell yourself. The Pansy Shell is distinguishable as flat, white discs with the pattern of a pansy with five petals embossed on the top surface. The outline of the petals is made of many holes that perforate the shell.
Scenic Routes and Drives
The scenery of the area is unrivalled, the choice of scenic routes to drive numerous:
Kranshoek - 12kms from Plettenberg Bay on the N2 towards Knysna, a delightful picnic site which overlooks the sea and krans. Keurbooms - About 10km on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth take the turnoff to Keurboomsstrand. There is where the magnificent cathedral-size arch of rock and the Matjies River Cave are found. Grootrivier Pass to Nature's Valley - The road winds down through indigenous forest to the little seaside village and De Vasselot Nature Reserve.
Bloukrans Pass - This beautiful tarred pass road winds through indigenous forests.
Tsitsikamma and Storms River - Stop at the Big Tree or the Storms River Bridge.
Storms River Village - A delightful small country village (1km off the N2) Prince Albert Pass - Follow the R340 Willedrift / Uniondale road. This historic pass is a gravel road that winds up the Outeniqua mountains with stunning views.
Day Hiking
The Robberg Peninsula, by far the most popular, is a nature reserve and national monument. The Reserve offers a choice of three circular routes of increasing difficulty with distance.
The Garden of Eden Forest Walk alongside the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay is a very short, pleasant walk of 1 km offering a good introduction to the forests. Kranshoek Coastal Trail - offers a choice of two circular routes. Fairly rough terrain is covered, offering magnificent views of the coastline, passing through forest, pine plantation and Fynbos, along a beautiful rocky beach and climbs an escarpment overlooking the sea. Nature's Valley - offers a network of trails traversing a wide diversity of geographical features - sea, lagoons, estuaries, rivers, Fynbos, forests, valleys and mountains. Tsitsikamma - "place of abundant or sparkling water" This enchanting area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest and Fynbos and is rich in animal and bird life. The Tskitsikamma National Park encompasses a marine reserve made up of 80km of rugged coastline and offers the visitor magnificent scenery, walks and hiking trails.
Guided Walking
Robberg Guided Walks on Tel 044-53 32632.Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail and Mountain Adventures-042 2811 712 or 072 704 5640Hans van Ameyde- Personal Hiking Guide. All forest trails. German and English speaking. Contact mailto:info@plettenbergbay.co.zaThis%20e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Plettenberg Bay, National Tourist Guide (German,English & Afrikaans speaking)
Contact:Arne Adler Tel:044-533 9069 Hiking Trails
The most popular trail towards Tsitsikamma is the Otter Trail which is 44 km long and which lasts 5 days. Bookings for this trail can be made at the National Parks Board Offices in either Pretoria or Cape Town.
Harvest Time Saturday Farmers Market
Local producers sell direct to the public at this open air country meeting place - each Saturday 08h00 - 12h00. Be there!
Umthombo Theatre Group and township tours
The Umthombo Theatre Group was formed four years ago in Qolweni Township. The aim of the group was to raise funds for the community as to improve conditions in the townships, pay school fees etc. For more information on performances and bookings Contact 044-5335083.
Wild Waters Park
This is an adventure park especially for children. It has a supertube, mini-golf, jumping castle, kiosk, picnic spots and braai areas. Situated in the Piesang River Valley, it is next door to the Plettenberg Bay Health Centre and swimming pool. Tel: +27(0)44 533 3815
Zip Lining & Abseiling
Treetop Canopy Tours - Platforms, built high up in the Outeniqua Yellowwoods, provide an unbelievable view of this enchanting new world. Tsitsikamma Adventures - A "foefie slide" zipline tour on 8 cable rides over river, ravine and waterfalls. Each section has its own surprises, adventure, wonders and beautiful views. Abseil, Rapjump and Caving in the Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay or take a trip to Knysna for abseiling at the Featherbed nature Reserve on Knysna's Western Head. Gravity Zone Abseiling (Tel 0 42 280 3770)
Enjoy Your Stay In Plettenberg Bay.
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