Local Garden Route Activities
Being on the Garden Route Plettenberg Bay is extremely well located for dozens upon dozens of different and interesting activities. Some may involve a relatively short travel while others are somewhat further away. Just doing your own thing exploring the area will keep you busy for several days on end and with the help of the Plettenberg Bay Tourism website your choices are wide.
THE ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE
The Robberg Nature Reserve is a National Monument encompassing the Robberg Peninsula. It is a major attraction affording hikers a choice of three circular routes – the longest being a challenging 11 km circular trail to the point and back. At Spring Low one encounters plentiful marine life found in the numerous rock pools. Several bird species including the Oyster Catcher, Cormorants, Cape Gulls and Swift Terns nest on Robberg or Bird Island, an extension thereof.
WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING
Whale and dolphin watching. South Africa has to be one of the most incredible destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals. In early June, southern right whales leave their Antarctic feeding ground to frolic in the warm waters of the Cape coast.
BUNGEE JUMPING
The world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans. The Bloukrans Bridge is 216 meters (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River. The bungy jump is open 365 days of the year during all weather conditions (except gale force winds).
GOLF
Then of course there is golf. Within 35 kms one has the choice of playing at no less than five different courses, some of which highly rated.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking is a popular pastime given that the Knysna and Tsitsikama Forests are on Plettenberg Bay’s doorstep. Besides venturing off into the forests on your own Buffalo Hills offers a scenic 14 km 2-hour mountain bike trail on their reserve either on a guided tour basis or, for a minimum of three persons, a self-guided excursion.
CATAMARAN CHARTERS
Catamaran Charters depart from the Central Beach at Plettenberg Bay, operating daily from 8:30 am to 17:30 pm although booking needs to be done through the Knysna office. Cruising along the coastline from Plettenberg Bay on a catamaran is a most pleasant experience.
SEAL SPOTTING
Over the past few years the seal population at Robberg has increased substantially. Robberg literally means “Seal Mountain” in Afrikaans. Adventure Island operators will take you out by boat and provide wetsuits, masks, snorkels and fins for guests wanting to swim amongst the most inquisitive creatures in the sea there.
PLETTENBERG BAY GAME RESERVE
Not to be out-done there is a Big Four Game Reserve within 35 kms at the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. Here a two hour game drive in an open Landrover with an experienced game ranger is offered. Opportunities exist to view Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and Lion including giraffe, zebra a range of antelope, crocodiles and hippo at the Reserve.
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing in the famous Tsitsikamma Forest and at Storms River mouth. Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water” and is the Garden of the Garden Route.
KNYSNA ZIPLINES
A mere 25 km drive from Sondel an unforgettable experience awaits you. Ziplining, 200 meters up, across the gorge at Kranshoek, but not for the faint-hearted, is a new activity that is but one of so many other activities that can be found in Plettenberg Bay.