Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
The town of Plettenberg Bay lies almost on the border of the Western and Eastern Cape. Built on the hillside, most of the town is on a steep slope leading down to the sea, which means that regardless of where you find yourself accommodated, you will be treated to spectacular views of the bay and surrounding hills and mountains.
Plettenberg Bay has a relatively long history for a South African town, having been regularly visited by Portuguese explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries. Signs of their visits abound, and history enthusiasts can view artifacts such as the remains of the Gonzales Wreck in the town.Early European settlers to the area arrived in the late 1700’s, and have also left behind many fascinating historical relics, for example the Old Rectory, built by the Dutch East India Trading company in 1776, and Forest Hall, a privately owned stately home, built in 1864 by William Henry Newdgate.
In modern times, Plettenberg Bay has gained somewhat of a reputation as a pleasure seeker hotspot, and has many leisure activities on offer. From polo at Kurland, to yachting at the Keurbooms River mouth and marina, to less high brow activities like swimming and water sports in the warm, gentle waters. In fact, when you enter the town proper, a monument to one of the symbols of this lush, almost tropical bay greets you: a bronze statue of the dolphins that play in the warm waters just off the coast.
For the adventurous palate, trips to the Mampoer and Witblits distillery are available, where one can view the making of, and sample, these very strong locally produced alcoholic beverages.
While on the topic of culinary and other indulgences, and while there are many fine restaurants, café’s and other eateries to choose from in the town, one of the most memorable must surely be the restaurant at the Beacon Isle Hotel. Built literally straddling a small strip of land between a lagoon and the sea, it almost seems when seated in the restaurant, that the hotel is floating on the water.
While at the bridge, whether or not you decide to take the plunge, it is worth visiting the Khoisan Village, which offers insights into the lives of the native peoples of the area, as well as opportunities to buy local arts and crafts.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Plettenberg Bay
Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary
The world’s largest single span aviary, just a few kilometres east of Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route, where birds are free to fly free provides an incredible experience for those who visit, and a wonderful way of life for over 2000 previously caged birds.The completely unique venture of Birds of Eden is... more information
Garden Route National Park
The new Garden Route National Park, established by SANParks and also known as GRNP, spans an impressive 121 000 hectares and includes the existing Wilderness and Tsitsikamma national parks, the Knysna Lakes area and roughly 52 000 hectares of newly proclaimed land. Still regarded as 'new' the ... more information
Goose Valley Golf Club
Originally a 9 hole course set at the heart of a real estate development, The Gary Player Design Company has created an 18 hole layout of note only 2km from Plettenberg Bay and bordering on the Keurbooms Lagoon. The Keurbooms River nature reserve borders many of the holes that allow for... more information
Goukamma Nature Reserve
The glorious Goukamma Nature Reserve is one of those unrivalled hideaways that, despite being on the popular Garden Route, manages to remain relatively obscure and unknown - a treasure trove near the mouth of the Goukamma River. Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve, just 20 kilometres west of Knysna... more information
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve
Head off towards Nature’s Valley from Plettenberg Bay on the N2 and Keurbooms River Nature Valley lies roughly 8 km along the major route of the N2. The beautiful Keurbooms River nature reserve that stretches over a distance of 2500 hectares, is bisected by the Keurbooms River and overlooks the estuary... more information
Knysna Elephant Park
Get up-close-and-personal with nature at Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of our resident African elephants and our well-informed guides- you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The park offers a rare opportunity to get close to these gentle giants... more information
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Monkeyland, is unique in that the sanctuary caters for several species of primate, and they are not caged, they are free to move about the forest, and do so in harmony. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is a modern primate sanctuary... more information
Plettenberg Bay Country Club
This is no little seaside golf course, it is a magnificent 18-hole layout in the most lovely of settings. All greens and bunkers are to USGA specifications. All greens and fairways are on automatic sprinkler systems - the result is a golf course you will remember. Unique features at the Plettenberg Bay Country... more information
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the biggest game reserve in the Southern Cape, with more than 2200 ha, a diversity of biomes and an abundance of wildlife. Previously known as Rhino Base Camp, it is still the largest sanctuary for white rhino in the area with five adults on the property ... more information
Robberg Nature Reserve
Just outside Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route is a beautiful, remote rocky peninsula touted as the most popular walking destination in and around Plettenberg Bay. Robberg Nature Reserve is a charged booster of outdoor living - incredible scenery, views over shoreline and sea, a thriving Cape fur seal colony... more information
The Otter Trail
Undoubtedly the best known and most popular of the South African hiking trails, the Otter Trail must rank alongside the best trails in the world. The Otter Trail follows the spectacular Garden Route coastline from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley in the Tsitsikamma National Park, in the Eastern Cape. The trail takes 5 days ... more information
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Things To Do in Plettenberg Bay
Visit Birds of Eden
Where: Plettenberg Bay
How much (per person): R101 to R200
Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay is the world’s largest single span aviary, just a few kilometres east of Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Rout ... more information
Sea Kayaking in Plettenberg Bay
Where: Plettenberg Bay
How much (per person): On Request
Kayak with an experienced guide from Central Beach to Robberg Nature Reserve (Plettenberg Bay). This is an amazing experience and often you ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Plettenberg Bay
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On Holiday in Plettenberg Bay
• Plettenberg Bay Map
• Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay
• Plettenberg Bay Accommodation
• Plettenberg Bay Hotels
• Garden Route Accommodation
• Garden Route Hotels
• Western Cape Accommodation
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