Need a reason to take advantage of affordable SAA flights to Plettenberg Bay? Well, you’re about to get a few! Plettenberg Bay is more than just a sleepy surfer’s paradise. In fact, this seaside town, nestled snugly into the Garden Route, has a whole lot more on offer than its sandy shores and crashing waves. Once you’ve set your surf board down, dried the salty sea water from your skin and moved into the shade, you will find a whole lot more in Plett to keep you entertained.
To the South of Plett lies the Robberg Nature Reserve,a jagged peninsula complete with trails for the energetic traveller. It’s here in this scenic reserve that you can wander into the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves (also known as Wagenaar’s Cave), where there is evidence of human occupation dating back as far as 125,000 years ago!
Not too far away, in the Northeast, lies an indigenous forest which serves as a free-flight bird sanctuary called ‘Birds of Eden’ and quite unexpectedly, an elephant sanctuary too. And just when you’re starting to be impressed by what Plett has to offer, there are migrating humpback whales to see, if your visit coincides with the right time of year (June-November). The smaller Bryde whale can be seen all year round if you’re lucky.
Having the holiday of a lifetime and memories that refuse to fade is easy when you book a trip to Plett, and we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of what Plettenberg Bay really has to offer! We look at all the hot spots in Plettthat will make your next trip one that can only be aptly described as exquisite.
Where to Eat in Plettenberg Bay
Whether you are a fine dining connoisseur or a champion budget street food kind of foodie, Plettenberg Bay has just the restaurant or takeaway spot for you. Below are a few spots that come highly recommended:
Situated in the Plettenberg Bay Angling Club, The Burnt Orange serves delectable meals with the type of presentation that elicits a genuine “wow” each and every time. Dishes include a selection of seafood, meat, and vegetables.
The Nguni Restaurant in Crescent Street, is not your regular fine dining spot. Dishes served are African fine dining cuisine, which gives this restaurant a creative, yet local edge. The outstanding reviews speak for themselves.
If more casual and laid back dining (with a view) is for you, Moby Dick’s is the place to go. The menu is predominantly seafood and meals are served with cocktails and the sound of crashing waves.
If you are looking for a cultural township experience, the EndaweniTshisayama, in the Qolweni informal settlement, is the place to go. Here you can expect to experience an authentic township vibe with extremely welcoming locals. For those who like to try local street food while traveling, EndaweniTshisanyama is known to be the spot to do just that.The menu features items like boerewors, chicken wings, lamb chops, pap &vleis – all with the option of being smothered in South Africa’s very own spicy relish called “Chakalaka”.
Where to Sleep in Plettenberg Bay
If you are ready to rest your weary head and put up your sandy feet, there are plenty of great spots to sleep in Plettenberg Bay. You will find a whole host of exclusive homes, shared accommodation and apartments on Airbnb, but here are just a few highly recommended spots:
Don’t want to spend more than 200 bucks per night? AmaKaya Backpackers has accommodation starting from just R160p/n (correct at time of publishing). AmaKaya is a popular spot for regular backpackers and is just 300m from the shops, bars and restaurants in the Main Street,and just 800m from Central Beach. When staying at AmaKaya, you will be provided with free Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, and a television (TVs are in private rooms only).
If 5-star luxury is more your style; the Plettenberg Hotel in Church Street is a good choice. The hotel is aptly described as “polished” and offers hotel rooms, a villa, and a beach house as accommodation options. Guests can also enjoy great dining, a glistening pool, and plenty of spa treatments to choose from.
If funky self-catering accommodation is what you are looking for; the Plett Beachfront Apartments are a great choice. These self-catering suites are found right on Central Beach and have spacious terraces and braai facilities. All self-catering units come with DSTV and free Wi-Fi. Of course, the location of these apartments is simply outstanding, so book early if you want to avoid disappointment.
Where to Play in Plettenberg Bay
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work on having fun in Plettenberg Bay? Here’s a list (non-exhaustive) of some of the top spots for fun in Plettenberg Bay.
The Beaches
Plett’s beaches simply cannot go unmentioned. There’s a reason why Plett is known as a sleepy surfer’s paradise and that’s because the beaches are beautiful, safe, and social. If you want to swim, surf, or laze around catching a tan, the best places to do that are: Robberg Beach, Sanctuary Beach, Central Beach, Wedge Beach, and Lookout Beach.
Robberg Nature Reserve
Here you can enjoy a picnic, hiking, and dramatic coastal views. Hiking trails range from the easy 2kms to the more challenging 11kms.
Plett Puzzle Park
Looking for a bit of fun for the whole family? Plett Puzzle Park will keep you and the kids busy. There are puzzle walks through the forest and an impressive 3-D maze to get lost in.
Goose Valley Golf Estate
The fairways and greens at Goose Valley are renowned for their beauty. The course is relatively challenging and well worth a round or two.
Wine Tasting
Plettenberg Bay plays host to some excellent wine estates. Spend some time wining and dining at any of the following estates:
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Go on safari at Plettenberg Game Reserve where you can see a plethora of flora and fauna, including Lion, Leopard, Rhino, and Buffalo.
Are You Ready to Visit Plett?
Plettenberg Bay with its beautiful beaches, wine estates, and activities awaits you. The only thing left to do is to book your SAA flights, pack your bags, and get to Plett, but do it soon as it’s a popular spot!