Things to do in Plettenberg Bay

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Eastern Cape

The Garden Route

The Garden Routeis a highly iconic scenic route, stretching from Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms River area of Tsitsikamma in the east, with a total length of about 300 km. The route features a mild climate and abundant rainfall, with mountains and the coast remaining lush and green all year round. Forests, lagoons, lakes, estuaries, and beaches are interspersed throughout, creating distinct natural scenery. Most of the roads at this attraction run parallel to the coastline. While driving, you can see golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and dense forests along the coast on one side, and the mountainous backdrop formed by the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains on the other. As the road continues forward, the mountain and sea views constantly change, making it especially suitable for parking at any time during a self-drive trip to enjoy the natural scenery. The natural scenery facilities along the route mainly consist of forest trails, coastal exploration routes, and viewing areas.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Knysna Elephant Park

This attraction is an animal reserve located in South Africa that is dedicated to protecting various endangered elephants. It also features a cute elephant park where visitors can have close encounters with elephants and enjoy happy times with these lovely animals.

No. 7 of Cool Water Escapes in South Africa

Knysna River

Knysna Riveris an estuary lagoon connected to the Indian Ocean, located next to the town of Knysna along the Garden Route in South Africa. At high tide, the water is vast and calm, resembling a giant mirror. As the tides change, sandbars are exposed in some areas, subtly altering the shoreline. Two headlands facing each other extend toward the center of the lagoon, causing the wide water surface to narrow abruptly here, forming a natural channel that connects the inner lagoon to the open sea. The headlands not only shape the unique spatial layout of the lagoon area but also act as a natural barrier, blocking some of the Indian Ocean's waves and keeping the waters inside relatively calm. Therefore, compared to the open sea, the interior of the lagoon is more suitable for water activities, with boat tours, kayaking, and sunset cruises all concentrated in this area. During the voyage, you can observe the natural view composed of the shoreline, headlands, and the open lagoon from the water.

Bloukrans Bridge

Bloukrans Bridge is a concrete arch bridge spanning the Bloukrans River valley, with the river below forming the boundary between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. Built in the early 1980s, the bridge deck is approx. 216m above the valley floor, with a main span of approx. 272m. The grayish-white bridge spans the ocher-red cliffs, with lush forests at the bottom of the valley. Since 1997, the bridge has hosted bungee jumping activities. Before jumping, you need to walk along the suspended walkway under the bridge to the platform in the center of the gorge. After leaping, you will experience a free fall before swinging in the gorge. In addition to bungee jumping, you can also experience the suspended walkway to watch the bungee jumping process up close from under the bridge, or try the zip-line across the gorge. There are viewing spots on the side of the bridge where you can see the complete arch bridge structure as well as the views of the valley, forest, and distant mountains below. Even if you do not participate in activities like bungee jumping, you can still enjoy the view of the bridge and the surrounding valley from the walkway and viewing spots.

Robberg Hiking Trail

Knysna Heads

Knysna Heads are two sandstone headlands facing each other where the Knysna River flows into the Indian Ocean. The east and west headlands flank the outlet from the lagoon to the open sea, with calm lagoon waters inside and crashing waves outside, creating a coastal view of both tranquility and motion. The channel at the head is narrow and the tides are swift, and ships surveying the waterway in the early 19th century encountered danger here. In the shallow waters of Fountain Point on the east side, you can still see the wreckage of the Paquita, which contrasts with the steep cliffs. The tour mainly focuses on the eastern headland. The observation deck at the summit offers an overlook of the lagoon and distant mountains, as well as the vast Indian Ocean. Walking along the trail below the cliffs, you can observe the shipwreck remains up close. The nearby small bay is shaded by milkwood trees, and the water is relatively clear, making it suitable for snorkeling and fish watching. You can also take a boat through the lagoon and the head to admire the cliffs on both sides from the water. The western headland belongs to a private nature reserve and requires a guided tour to access. The currents at the head are swift, so swimming is not recommended except in designated areas.

Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary

Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary

ProDive Seal Swims