History of Plettenberg Bay

Middle and Later Stone Age

Nelson Bay Cave on Robberg and Matjies River Cave at nearby Keurboomstrand was inhabited for over 100,000 years by Middle Stone Age man and then later by ancestors of the Khoisan, who were possibly the same people who traded with the Portuguese survivors of the Sao Goncalves shipwreck. Their tools, ornaments and food debris can be viewed in these caves, which are still being excavated.

The bay housed a barracks for the Dutch East India Company in 1776. The Governor of the Cape, Baron Joachim van Plettenberg, renamed the town Plettenberg Bay in 1779. In 1869 the barracks were bought by St Peters Church and used as a rectory for the next 70 years. Today it is the privately owned Old Rectory hotel & spa.

In 1787/88 Johann Jerling erected a timber shed commissioned by the Dutch East India Company; the remains can still be seen and are preserved as a provincial heritage site. In the 1830s, Plettenberg Bay was a stopping point for ships travelling through during the winter time, heading to India.

As of 1833, the population of Plettenberg Bay was estimated around 400, with half being white, according to diplomat Edmund Roberts who visited the area. Edmund Roberts noted that the bay had a large abundance of cattle and sheep. He also recognized "the excellence of its butter" and a timber industry.

New Horizons, across the N2, was designated as a settlement area for coloured people in 1968. As the 1980s progressed informalsettlements of Xhosa natives grew up around the edges of New Horizons and in the area of KwaNokuthula which became a town.

Although Plettenberg Bay escaped most of the violence associated with the end of apartheid, the assassination of Chris Hani in April 1993 led to a protest march into the town from KwaNokuthula, during which industrial premises on the outskirts of the town were burnt to the ground. Formal segregation ceased with the repeal of the apartheid laws, but the consequences of the previously segregated property ownership remain highly visible to this day.

Robberg Hiking Trails

The Robberg Peninsula is a natural national monument, due to its prehistoric rocks and Stone Age sites. It's also an incredibly beautiful, pristine place to go for a walk, with its rugged coastline, stunning sea views and diverse landscapes. You'll encounter seabird and seal colonies, see dolphins and whales (in season) and might just spot a rare blue duiker (as tall as a 30cm ruler!). Along the three hiking trails, you'll encounter ancient caves, a lighthouse, picnic /viewing decks, a shipwreck, rock pools and the majestic Witsand dune.

Contact 087 087 8250 (permits, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm).
Where to find it: Robberg Road, off N2/Piesang Valley turn-off.

Birds of Eden

A rainbow nation of birds of all colours and sizes live in Eden, the largest free-flight aviary in the world (50 metres high and two hectares). There are more than 220 exotic and indigenous species here, from African grey parrots to zebra doves. All formerly caged or pet birds, they now fly free in this protected forest, which includes a deep gorge and waterfall. Wandering along boardwalks, visitors can enjoy the birdsong of more than 3 500 birds, and encounter anything from a black swan, scarlet ibis or Knysna loerie to a go-away bird.

Good to know: Birds of Eden has a strict, ethical policy of no touching, feeding or posing with the birds.
Where to find it: Monkeyland Road (off the N2), The Crags.

River Canyon Adventure

Equal parts action-adventure and loads of fun, this kloofing trip navigates a river gorge in several different ways - from floating through the shallows and swimming in rock pools to leaping off boulders, manoeuvring down water slides and abseiling in and around waterfalls. The cherry on the top is sure to be the zipline… It's suitable for anyone from age 8 upwards, as the professional river guides keep an eye on everything. You'll be kitted out with a wetsuit, helmet, lifejacket, and optional aqua shoes, and then it's game on!

Where to find it: The Mill Centre, Monkeyland Road, The Crags.

Dolphin Cruise

To get even further out to sea, book a cruise in a custom-built marine safari boat (designed to handle the Indian Ocean with maximum passenger comfort and safety). As you explore some of the best spots on this coastline, sightings are likely to include dolphins, seals, sharks and other large fish, pelagic birds (some rare ones), penguins and octopus. The views will be glorious, too, and the feeling of ocean spray on your face exhilarating.

Good to know: This same trip is focused on whale watching from 1 June - 30 November.
Where to find it: Central Beach parking lot, Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay.

Jet Ski

There aren't many places you can rent a jet-ski, but Plett is one of them. Indulge your 007 fantasy and whiz around in the waves off Central Beach, to the envy of all on the beach. They're super-fast and super-fun. You'll be kitted out with a wetsuit and life jacket, then you can “piggy-back” with a qualified skipper, or take the controls yourself if you have a skippers license (a temporary one can be issued for R50). You must be 16 years or older to drive the jet-ski

Where to find it: Central Beach car park, Hopwood Street, Plett.

Tandem Skydiving

What may have seemed like a beyond-your-skills dream can now come true: jumping out of a plane, then free falling, floating and flying like a bird. It starts with a 20-minute flight up to 10 000-feet altitude, where you'll be attached to the harness of a skydiving instructor, exit the plane together and experience the rush of freefall at 200km/h for 35 seconds before the parachute opens. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery from up there before landing - either back at the airport or on the beach.

Good to know: There is a weight limit of 100kg for safety reasons.
Where to find it: Plettenberg Bay Airport, Airport Road, off Robberg Road.

Tsitsikamma, Kayak and Lilo on Storms River

Head through the magnificent Storms River Gorge and discover the quiet pools, caves and ancient forests of this hidden and mostly inaccessible world. The adventure begins with an ocean paddle underneath the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge, then heads upriver between spectacular cliffs and into a small cave. When the water gets shallower, you swap the kayak for a lilo and simply float deeper into the gorge. On the way back, there's a stop-off to try some cliff jumping into deep pools. It's suitable for all fitness levels and children aged from 5 years.

Where to find it: Untouched Adventures, Storms River small boat harbour (via entry gate to Tsitsikamma.

Segway Tours

Glide through the Tsitsikamma forest on a two-wheeled, battery-powered personal transporter - they're self-balancing, eco-friendly and easy to operate (a short training session is provided). The tour kicks off in the quaint village of Storms River - the best way to get around town! - before heading into the forest. There are a variety of paths to explore, and the longer two-hour tour includes a visit to the famous 1 000-year-old Big Tree. It's a great family adventure, and children go for half-price. Tip: the early-morning slots are R50 cheaper.

Where to find it: 54 Formosa Street, Storms River Village.

Goose Valley Golf Club

This superb golf club offers a splendid Gary Player designed 72-par, 18-hole signature golf course in the heart of the Garden Route.

Golfers will experience breath-taking views of the Keurbooms lagoon, the Indian ocean, the spectacular Tsitsikamma mountains, and the famous Robberg peninsula. The beauty of the natural fynbos, indigenous trees and an abundance of animal and bird life add a special dimension to your golfing.

The unique sitting of the golf course on a sand dune allows for easy draining of the course and provides the perfect base for year-round play, even after heavy rains.

View the Goose Valley Golf Club's website.

Sea Ecology

Plettenberg Bay hosts one of the largest seagull breeding colonies along the South African coast at the mouth of the Keurbooms River, named after the indigenous keurboom tree. There are many pelagic birds in the area as well as the endangered African oystercatcher which live along the shores.

The Robberg Peninsula is home to a large Cape fur seal colony, seals can often be seen in the surf off Robberg Beach. Great white sharks, attracted by the seal colony, can also be spotted from the high ground of Robberg Peninsula. Southern right whales are a common sight in the bay during their breeding season from July to December. Bryde's whales frequent the bay throughout the year being the most sighted during the summer months. Humpback whales migrate past during July and December. Killer whales (orca) and sei whales are occasionally sighted. Whales can be viewed from various viewpoints in the town as well as from the Robberg Peninsula. Plettenberg Bay also boasts three species of dolphins which visit the bay throughout the year, these being the bottlenose dolphin, the common dolphin and the endangered humpback dolphin.

Climate and Geography

Plettenberg Bay is typified by an extremely mild maritime temperate climate with very few rainfalls or temperature extremes. It is located within the Knysna Afromontane Forest biome, containing temperate gallery forest, supported by mild temperatures and high, evenly distributed rainfall.

Rainfall: 945 mm per annum.

Tourism

The town is highly seasonal, with a large proportion of second homes used exclusively during peak holiday periods. Popular with domestic and foreign tourists alike, many make it a stop along the garden route to visit local attractions such as Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve, the world's largest free-flight aviary Birds of Eden, Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching, as a base to start the coastal Otter Trail, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary or a host of other outdoor activities on offer. Although George and Port Elizabeth Airports are both within 1 and 2.5 hours drive away and offer frequent domestic and select international flights, CemAir also restarted regular direct flights from Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome to Cape Town International Airport and Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport in 2014, enhancing accessibility by air.

Rainfall: 945 mm per annum.

Taxi services

Airport Transfers and Tours. Flat rate per hour not km. Customer may drive. Shared ride saving option. Bike racks, kiddy car seats, trailers, etc. Back-up drivers and vehicles on call.