Plettenberg Bay is a magical destination in South Africa that has a special place in many people’s hearts. This gorgeous seaside town on the Garden Route was originally called Bahia Formosa (beautiful bay) by the early Portuguese explorers and today retains much of its original beauty. Plett, as it is known locally, has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Plettenberg Bay – whether you are visiting for a day or for longer.
Things to do in Plettenberg Bay
Visit the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
Plettenberg Bay is home to some of Africa’s best wildlife species and you can see them all at the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, which provides a safe haven and focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating animals. Situated at The Crags, just outside Plett, the wildlife centre has conservation-based wildlife tours where visitors can see cheetah, caracal, serval, leopard and lion. There are a wide variety of programmes visitors can enjoy including marine wildlife programmes and a Meerkat Meander.
Location: The Craggs, Plettenberg Bay
Try a French treat at Le Fournil de Plett
If you are looking for a sweet temptation, then head to Le Fournil de Plett. This quintessential, quaint French-style bakery is loved by locals and visitors alike who come searching for delicious meals and treats made from the freshest ingredients. Ideal for families, it features a play area for young children and free WiFi.
Location: Lookout Centre, The Courtyard, corner of Main and Church Street, Plettenberg Bay
Walk on the wild side with wolves
Wolves are not animals that you readily come upon in South Africa. At Noah’s Park Wolf Sanctuary you can make eye contact with a wolf and begin to understand what makes the rare African Wild Dog and Black Backed Jackal so unusual. There is also an array of farm animals for you to interact with – keeping both adults and children entertained!
Location: N2, Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay
Hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve
The Robberg Nature Reserve brings you the best of the outdoors from incredible scenery to diverse birdlife and a thriving colony of the Cape fur seal. The reserve offers three trails that range from 45 minutes to five hours, ranging from relatively easy to moderately difficult. The Robberg Nature Reserve is a showcase of everything that is beautiful in the Garden Route and not surprisingly it’s also a World Heritage Site and a national monument. Wildlife that you may spot while you are hiking include whales, dolphins dassies, grey buck, duiker and bushbuck.
Location: Plettenberg Bay
Interact with the elephants
The Elephant Sanctuary at Plettenberg Bay is a special place to visit and offers you a unique experience with a fully-guided educational program that allows you enjoy maximum elephant interaction. Visitors are limited to small groups so you can truly experience these magnificent animals – and you’ll even be allowed to touch, feed and walk trunk-in-hand with them. The sanctuary is a temporary home for young African elephants in need, who are then released into the wild when they no longer require special care. The sanctuary has a children’s play area for younger visitors.
Location: The Craggs, Plettenberg Bay
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