‘Plett’ means different things depending on your age. If you’ve just finished matric, it probably means freedom, rage and parties, and doing the sorts of things that teenagers – who have been worrying about their exams for the last few months but are now free from that stress – do.
If you’re a bit more advanced from those teenage years – that was subtle, right? It probably also means a place to escape, but perhaps differently, getting away to the Garden Route to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature…the sea, the views, the markets, the wildlife. Well, whatever your age, there’s plenty to see and do in Plettenberg Bay.
Originally named Bahia Formosa (Beautiful Bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay sits on the Garden Route 210 km from Gqeberha and about 600 km from Cape Town. While the first European inhabitants were 100 Portuguese sailors marooned here for nine months when the São Gonçalo sank in the bay in 1630, discoveries of tools, ornaments and food debris in Nelson Bay Cave on Robberg and Matjes River Cave at Keurboomstrand show that this area was inhabited for over 100 000 years by Middle Stone Age man and then later by ancestors of the Khoisan.
When in Plett, explore this:
Robberg Nature Reserve
This is not only a nature reserve; it’s a World Heritage Site. Some rocks here date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland. Situated 8 km south of Plett, the nature reserve is not only worth visiting for the history buffs, but it’s one for adventure enthusiasts, too.
087 087 3937
capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve
Robberg’s rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs and pristine landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable abseiling experience.
Expert guides ensure the safety of experienced thrill-seekers and first-time adventurers alike.
072 274 8259
[email protected]
Heritage Walking Tour
A walking tour is just the ticket for those who desire something more laid-back. This tour starts at the 70 000-year-old Nelson’s Bay Cave on the Robberg Peninsula and heads for the Bitou Municipality HQ for a display on the aforementioned São Gonçalo.
From there, you visit the boundary stone set up by the Dutch Governor of the Cape Colony, Baron von Plettenberg, in the 1770s, followed by a visit to his Timber Shed, built in 1778.
The Old Rectory Hotel is next, followed by the Anglican Church of St Peter’s and a visit to the Beacon Island Resort to examine the navigational beacon, harpoon gun and blubber pots of the short-lived whaling station.
Mike Kantey
072 628 5131
[email protected]
Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Plett boasts plenty of animal sanctuaries, including Lawnwood, a 15-minute drive from town, which has an indigenous snake pit, outdoor exhibits and a large dome housing South African and exotic snakes. You can see them all if you participate in a one-hour guided tour, which will give you a view of 100 snakes and reptiles, including enormous pythons, lizards and crocodiles.
044 534 8056
[email protected]
lawnwoodsnakesanctuary.co.za
The Mohair Mill Shop
We’re always looking for something out of the ordinary here at Getaway, and The Mohair Mill Shop is just that. It’s along the road towards Monkeyland – when driving through The Crags.
The colour, natural displays and array of the most beautiful mohair blankets will draw you in, and you’ll struggle to depart without buying something from the large selection of natural mohair, merino and bamboo socks.
Deborah
087 821 7668
[email protected]
mohairmillshop.com
Birds of Eden
This is the largest single-span free-flight aviary in the world – an experience you will find nowhere else. It encompasses an area of 2.3 ha of forest waterways with 1.2 km of walkways. Enjoy the thrill of spotting an abundance of birds flying free and living natural lives at your own pace.
Home to over 3 500 birds, Birds of Eden boasts several species of parrot, turaco, waterfowl, finches, cranes, hornbills and more, many of which were previously caged birds.
There’s plenty here to keep young and old entertained.
044 534 8906
[email protected]
birdsofeden.co.za
Harkerville Hop
The Harkerville Hop – between Plett and Knysna on the N2 – grabbed our attention, and we would have loved to see more. Alas, we were pushed for time – and deadlines – but we’ll be back to see what secrets lie in store.
We’ve already mentioned some activities in this article, but there’s a downloadable map, and we’d urge you to pop online and have a look, as there’s a lot to see.
The Hop includes places to stay, activities and great places to eat.
[email protected]
plett-tourism.co.za/harkerville-hop
This article was written by Alan Valkenburg for Getaway’s April 2024 print edition. Find us on shelves for more!
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