Local attractions
Beaches
For sun and water lovers, there are four main beaches in the Plettenberg Bay area. All provide good swimming but each has its own individuality and attraction;
Lookout Beach
- Robberg Beach. A mile of golden sand, ideal for long walks or jogging and where you are likely to find a pansy shell (Plettenberg's emblem).
- Central (or Hobie) Beach, Plettenberg's most commercial beach with restaurants, shops and kiosks. The dolphin and whale cruises leave from here and it is the main beach for sports activities on the water. The Piesang river estuary area of the beach provides safer swimming for small children.
- Lookout Beach. A recent (2007) victim of nature's cruelty. This was a favourite 'blue flag' beach until a storm washed away the beach again, a regular 70 year(ish) occurence. But nature being nature, one beauty has only been replaced by another. For the very young at heart the return to one of the worlds best beaches has already begun.
- The Lagoon. A peaceful little beach, popular with families with infants who prefer the calmer and shallower waters.
Nature reserves
There are several national parks and game reserves in the local area, all within easy reach of the apartment.
- Tsitsikamma National Park.
Located east of Plettenberg this park offers spectacular river gorges, waterfalls, rain forest, fynbos unique to the region and one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. - The Wilderness National Park.
Located west of Plettenberg
this park has five rivers, four lakes, two estuaries and a 28km
coastline, together with forests and is home to a wealth of water birds. - Addo Elephant Park.
This is located just north
of Port Elizabeth. Despite its name it also offers the chance to view
black rhino, the endangered Cape buffalo, zebra, jackal, warthog,
numerous species of antelope and over 150 species of birds. - Monkey Land and Birds of Eden.
Monkey Land and its sister eco-tourism attraction Birds of Eden is a popular primate
sanctuary located about 16km east of Plettenberg. Tours around Monkey Land with
experienced game rangers offer the chance to see many species of
monkeys returned to a more natural environment. Birds of Eden is within walking distance and is the largest free flight bird aviary in the world. This is an ideal trip
for adults and children alike. Food and drink are also available from
the lovely lodge buildings within the sanctuaries. - Knysna Elephant Park.
This elephant conservation
farm is located on the road from Plettenberg toward Knysna. Here you
can safely hug, touch and feed the elephants. A short lecture about the
park elephants and the unique Knysna elephant is given by a park
ranger. By arrangement, you can even accompany the elephants on their
morning and evening walks (2-3 miles). - Ostrich Show Farm.
An Ostrich farm is located
inland at the town of Oudtshoorn. It is the world's foremost supplier
of ostrich related products. The farm offers the chance to view ostrich
in their natural habitat and also to see an ostrich race. Near the farm
is the Cango Wildlife Ranch and also the famous Congo Caves.
Useful websites:
Steam Trains
There are a couple of steam train services in the area that are well worth a visit:
- Outeniqua Choe-Tjoe.
This steam hauled train
operates on the Outeniqualand Preserved Railway between George and
Mossel Bay. A very scenic route and a must for rail enthusiasts and
sightseers alike. During peak tourist seasons the train is usually run
as a passenger train. During off-peak periods the trains also convey
freight. The steam locomotives were built between 1896 to 1948. The
Outeniqua Rail Museum is located at George and is well worth a visit. - Rovos Rail.
Experience the extravagant
elegance of rail travel on one of the most luxurious trains in the
world. Rovos Rail's unique train safaris through the heart of Africa
combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and
excitement of the golden age of steam travel. These beautifully
restored trains offer accommodation of the highest standard, combining
the opulence of pre-war travel with subtle modern innovations. A
leisurely 24 hour journey is available from Cape Town to George that
could be incorporated into your journey towards the apartment and your
stay in Plettenberg.
Useful websites:
Boat cruises and ocean safaris
Whether you wish to go whale and dolphin watching, have a leisurely cruise up the Keurbooms river, fishing or even a glider flight, in fact almost anything to do with the water then contact either Ocean Blue Adventures or Ocean Safaris. For whale and dolphin watching, try Explorer Ocean Adventure.
Note: for close-up whale viewing, boat operators need a special license!
.Useful websites:
Shopping
Anybody in need of retail therapy will not be disappointed. From roadside native curio stalls, to boutiques and shopping malls - all are available. The larger stores can be found in the larger towns of George and Port Elizabeth. Knysna also has very pleasant shopping precincts, both in the town centre and at its lagoon/waterfront area.
Plettenberg itself has all types of shopping along Main Street and also sports a new shopping centre with cinema.
