Plettenberg Bay, one of the primary towns of Bitou local Municipality in South Africa is known well all over the world for numerous animal reserves and vegetative regions present here.
The population of the town is over 29000 according to 2001 census and the exact location is 210 km away from Port Elizabeth and 600 km away from Cape Town.
Earlier the name of this place was Bahia Formosa provided by the Portuguese explorers may be because of naturally elegant environment of the place.
In 1916, a whaling station was situated in the town which has been replaced by the iconic Beacon Isle Southern Sun resort.
This beautiful building has been designed by Andre Hoffe.
During the end of apartheid, this place escaped most of the violence but could not save some useful industrial premises located at the outskirts of the city.
The area is also known well as the house of special pelagic birds and endangered African Oystercatcher who lives along the shore.
An important attraction of the Plettenberg Bay is seagull breeding colonies at the mouth of the river Keurbooms, this river has been named after the Keurboom tree.
Coastal regions also represent a distinctive pansy shell possessing flower shape; this shell has become a symbolic representation of the town.
Best time to visit Plettenberg Bay ?
Plett is reputed for its hot still pleasant summers while winters are wet and mild.
The characteristic weather of the place is sunshine summers from October to March, representing average temperature 27 degree Celsius.
You should be ready to even bear 30 degree Celsius temperature eventually.
January should be avoided for the trip as this is the warmest month there while July can offer you pleasant visits representing the coolest month.
The cape coastal area becomes a nice place during winters bearing mild and clear weather.
In general, Plett’s weather greets you with sunshine and temperance. Even sunny days become pleasant here when you plan a noon besides the beach.
In this way, introducing an extreme mild temperate climate with scarce rainfall, Plettenberg Bay occasionally faces temperature extremes.
Still location of vegetative regions, biomes and beaches make the weather suitable for tourists. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the region.
What are the Best things to do in Plettenberg Bay?
Here is a rundown of all the exciting activities to do in here, in addition I will show you my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
Radical Raptors
A well developed educational birds of prey sanctuary on the way to Plettenberg Bay. The owner of this sanctuary is Dennis, who utilizes the birds for teaching people the importance of these birds.
In order to offer good information about every bird, a well managed flying display is run in the sanctuary.
If you are going to the city with children, don’t forget to book your time with the Radical Raptors as your kids will learn a lot here. Spending a perfect afternoon knowing about local birds is a great idea to secure nice memories.
The staff here is so friendly that you will enjoy watching an interactive show on birds and holding them in your hands. The facility of café and souvenir shop inside the sanctuary is ready to beat the hunger.
The idea of keeping birds with great love and care here will definitely touch your heart. Getting the best photo with your favorite bird on your hands is a superb idea.
Zoologists and falconers get great ideas from this bird reserve about writing thesis on birds. Apart from learning much about birds of prey here, you will also be able to have lots of fun and joy.
You can even ask questions to Denis and he will answer every query with great expertise and care. Your kids will love to watch cute and adorable dogs also.
Fun things to do in Plettenberg Bay
Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
So, you are willing to have a Cheetah walking experience in Plettenberg Bay? Well, you will be able to discover an amazing experience in Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre.
Collecting an unforgettable experience while walking through this place, you will learn many knowledgeable things about various kinds of African cats.
After knowing well about these cats, you can go on safari; trip to Tenikwa will help you understand more about the behavior of these cats which is a little different from other western cats.
This reserve is situated about 5 hours drive from cape town on hike, but the way to Cape Town from Plettenberg Bay offers you a scenic route with many attractive things.
Catch a photo opportunity to capture cheetah without cage; also you will get the chance to learn about cheetah closely.
You are even allowed to scratch behind their ears to hear a loud purring noise.
Planning a walk through garden route is a good idea for nature lovers, but definitely nobody will like to miss the adventurous opportunity of standing beside those wild animals without any wire and bars between you.
Popular Plettenberg Bay tourist attractions
Lawnwood Snake Park
Want to be embraced by a python? If yes, visit to the Lawnwood snake park for thrilling moments.
Knowledgeable and expert guides are ready to offer company to you in this park where you will know a lot about the variety of snakes in Africa, their behavior, venom and the idea of safety in case of an encounter.
Python and other non venomous reptiles are harmless to you so you can definitely plan a photo shoot with them.
It is fascinating to learn good facts about each and every snake and hold them closely to overcome all the fears. You will learn to respect those magnificent creatures in wildlife.
Listening passionately about snakes from your guide is a good idea to spend an afternoon in Plettenberg Bay.
Focusing primarily on snakes, the Lawnwood Snake Park also represents other reptiles such as crocodile, lizard and few animals of Africa.
A visit to this place offers you great opportunity of watching indigenous, non – indigenous, toxic and very toxic snakes.
A person with high ambition and wish to discover real adventures in life should definitely enjoy touching a snake or feeling one moving on the hand.
More to know here is about those special snakes who behave in a weird manner; for instance, the puff adder, it behaves peacefully and tries to avoid humans. Catching their different expressions after the warning is an awesome thing to experience.
The order of visit is generally introduction to the local snakes, then South African and at last international snakes.
What else to do in Plettenberg Bay ?
Dolphins’ Playground Beachfront B&B
Catching very nice time and place for entertainment is not a tough task in Plettenberg Bay; in this series the Dolphins’ Playground Beachfront B&B is known for its outstanding structure.
When you visit to the place, a warm lady wishes you and suggests lovely activities and food zones to enjoy there.
Rooms are well managed and clean in this place; many of them are designed to offer you a wide sea view making your morning beautiful. Occasionally, you can have a watch of whale during your breakfast outside.
Offering you great homely environment, Dolphins’ Playground Beachfront B&B has become one of the most favorite attractions for visitors in Plettenberg Bay.
Helpful and elite class hostesses in the place are ready to serve you in an outstanding manner during your stay there.
During good weather, you can plan enjoying breakfast on the terrace as a perk coming out of big, spacious and clean bright rooms. This destination makes the city very comfortable for relaxing.
You won’t find furniture with state of the art technology but they are clean and comfortable. You will find a team of hearty and friendly hosts possessing great knowledge of good walking trails through Robberg Island and Tsitsikamma Island.
The wonderfully located guest house beside the beach and awesome view from terrace makes your experience better than your expectation.
If you are willing to discover some panoramic views to beach, the big sized patio in the guest house is ready to introduce great delight during your trip. You are offered with the choice of hot and cold breakfast.
Is Plettenberg Bay worth visiting?
The answer is Yes. Plettenberg Bay is worth visiting. This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and magic.
Don’t forget to visit the following incredible park:
Plett Puzzle Park
During the time you are on garden route, you will love passing through various puzzle parks.
Many times people think that this place is more suitable for kids, but by visiting there actually, you will find that adults will also love the place equally.
When you have some extra time to explore more in Plettenberg, visiting this Plett Puzzle Park is the best idea to snatch nice time. Couples can have an adventure trip by competing for solving the maze within short time.
There are lots of mazes for people of all ages and you will find separate tiny mazes for small kids.
This family park has a lot to give to everyone with unique events and fun time. The only thing to be kept in mind is that avoid going there in a rainy day.
Whether you visit there with your partner or you are willing to have company of your children, it’s not impossible to catch the best time from your busy schedule in Plett Puzzle Park.
The facility of eating in tea garden is good as well as you can have an entertaining outing enjoying nice service from waiters.
Mazes and riddles seem to be easier to see but when you really try to solve them out, it really takes more time than your expectation.
Must see places in Plettenberg Bay
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
This is one of the best places in the world to explore for cat lovers. The idea of owners and staff of Jukani is really appreciable for the great outcome affiliated with them. The beautiful cats are looked after with great love and care in this place.
Tour guides bear good knowledge about their eating habit, behavior and lifestyle; on the basis of this information, they look after all the cats in a good manner.
Thus, in Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, you will be able to discover a great combination of interesting guides, ethical treatment and lovely places here.
The beautiful garden route and wild animals such as tigers, Lions and Buksie kept in cages can be seen from closer as they are really impressive animals.
If you are doing research in real life of animals, it is a good idea to visit this place and meet with knowledgeable guides who have spent much time with these wonderful animals.
Unfortunately, some of the species are endangered, but the Jukani animal sanctuary is making all the possible efforts for educating visitors to protect the wildlife.
The kind of species kept here include the Siberian tiger, the lions, cheetahs, pumas, large cats, lowly wild dogs, hyenas, honey badgers and the white tigers.
A simple snake tent in the sanctuary offers you view to a small collection of various kinds of snakes.
What else to see in Plettenberg Bay ?
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Offering you the chance of horseback riding, the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is good for having closer view of animals.
Finding a nice and friendly guide to collect information is possible her. Enjoying stay in a wonderful room, dining out, sipping red wine and having a nice game drive together worth enjoying in Plettenberg Bay.
Nice view to lions, dogs and cheetahs in enclosure is possible to explore in this game reserve but you don’t find it better than a zoo.
On the other hand, lots of Giraffes and Zebras are there to be discovered in the Savanna region.
Definitely, you will find a limited range of food there but of good quality. This fabulous location has been made customer friendly with set up of attractive restaurants offering something special.
Well trained staff, nice venue, catchy décor and great game experience here will offer you many lovable memories to cherish.
Spacious rooms with log fire, facility of delicious meals and breakfast and cozy atmosphere makes your visit to the game reserve far enjoyable.
Experienced rangers offer you very informative description during the safari drive.
Popular places to visit in Plettenberg Bay
Robberg Nature Reserve
A wonderful place for picnic, outing and hiking. People looking for an excellent destination for sightseeing will love to explore nice landscapes possessing sea birds, seals, whales, sharks and dolphins.
Going to the place with perfect kit, swim suit and stuffs for warming, wind proofing and rock climbing etc. is important.
Although, you will like to visit to the place with children, it is to be kept in mind that the area is full of sandy dunes, rocks and stairs.
Kids will surely love to visit the place as they will get many adventurous things to do here.
Planning a full walk there is also a challenge because the farthest point is a little complicated to be reached due to existence of clambering over rocks.
Rest to know is that views are stunning and definitely worth watching. If you are lucky enough to have a piece of fortune in your life, you can spot whales also.
On the other hand, watching multiple hyrax and seals together and lots of butterflies and chameleons will offer you a picturesque experience.
Don’t forget to bring good jogging shoes with you with adequate amount of water for a walk here as well as avoid rock climbing and moving on stairs if you don’t possess a reasonable level of fitness.
The Robberg Peninsula in which this nature reserve is situated hosts a big Cape fur seal colony which can be seen in the surf off Robberg Beach.
Bryde’s whale, Southern Right Whales and the Great White Sharks can be seen in this peninsula while the Sei whales and killer whales are occasionally viewed.
Three main species of dolphins found in the place include the common dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin and Humpback dolphin.
Things to do in Plettenberg Bay with kids
Elephant Sanctuary
Are you crazy of taking pictures of elephants? If yes, you can have an unforgettable experience in the elephant sanctuary.
You will find the best outcome of your investment here as you are provided with complimentary refreshments earlier than you start the tour.
The customer friendly and knowledgeable staff supports you fully for taking photos.
If you are fond of elephant ride, you can definitely choose the one but it is not recommended if you pay for this only for fun purpose.
Actually, the costly elephant ride isn’t worth that much as the ride is short and doesn’t offer the real value of your money. You can touch elephants and experience feeling different parts of this big sized creature.
Despite of being expensive, this garden visit offers you one of the most memorable and unique experience during your South Africa trip.
If you want to have a series of videos about your trip to the Elephant Sanctuary, you can purchase the DVD of your visit for R200.
Elephants in the sanctuary are rescued and some of them are injured but living better life now than they had in the past.
Plettenberg Bay is all about the natural sunny regions covered with white sand. Wildlife lovers and adventure seekers will find magnetic attractions here.
On the other hand, topmost attractions are equally catchy for families, children and couples.