Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay — affectionately nicknamed “Plett” by South Africans — is arguably the most glamorous and vibrant seaside resort along the entire Garden Route. It is a place that combines sublime beaches, exceptional wildlife and a sun-drenched lifestyle.

Plett’s reputation Plett has long been the favourite holiday destination for wealthy families from Cape Town and Johannesburg, particularly during the December holidays. It has a reputation as a chic and lively spot, with beautiful villas, great restaurants and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Think of it as the St-Tropez of the Garden Route.

The beaches This is arguably Plett’s greatest draw. The bay offers several magnificent beaches with relatively warmer waters than the rest of the South African coast, thanks to the growing influence of the Indian Ocean. Lookout Beach is the most popular, with its spectacular setting at the foot of the cliffs. Robberg Beach is longer and wilder. The water quality and stunning surroundings make it one of the most beautiful bays in the country.

The Robberg Peninsula This is one of the region’s natural jewels. This rocky peninsula jutting out into the ocean is a nature reserve and a World Heritage Site. A spectacular circular hike (around 4 hours for the full circuit) takes you along the clifftops with breathtaking views over the ocean. Most notably, the peninsula is home to a truly impressive Cape fur seal colony — several thousand individuals gather here, making for an unforgettable spectacle.

Marine wildlife Plett is one of the best places along the Garden Route for ocean wildlife watching. Boat trips regularly offer sightings of dolphins (bottlenose and common dolphins), whales (particularly the Southern Right Whale, which comes to breed between June and November), and occasionally orcas. Scuba diving is also popular in waters teeming with marine life.

Wildlife sanctuaries Several notable reserves and sanctuaries can be found in the area surrounding Plett. The Knysna Elephant Park is nearby and offers ethical interactions with elephants. There are also Big Five reserves close by for those wishing to combine beach and safari.

Food and nightlife For a town of its size, Plett boasts an impressive culinary scene, with excellent seafood restaurants, trendy cafés and a lively summer nightlife. The atmosphere is young and dynamic in season, and considerably quieter off-season.

Off-season Outside of December and January, Plett settles into a very pleasant calm. Prices drop, the beaches empty out and the town reveals a more authentic side. This is also the best time to spot whales, during the austral winter from June to November.