| Welcome to Plettenberg Bay and surrounds, the heart of the
world renowned Cape Garden Route in the Western Cape . Often
remarked that "Nature has made an enchanted abode of this
beautiful place", it is truly a spectacular destination.
Only an hour from George Airport and two hours from Port
Elizabeth Airport , Plettenberg Bay is well situated to
explore the tourism offerings and activities of our
surrounding towns from Knysna to Oudtshoorn along Route 62
and the N2.
Plettenberg Bay and environs stretches from Harkerville just
outside Knysna through to Nature's Valley along the N2. This
spectacular area also includes the towns of Keurbooms with
miles of unspoilt golden beaches and excellent land based
whale watching along the coast, the Crags which is the
artistic heart and Polo mecca of the area, KwaNokuthula, New
Horizons and Kranshoek for a fusion of tourism and
conservation of diverse and charismatic cultures and nature
and where you will be ensured a warm and friendly welcome.
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| The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime climate, with
moderately hot summers, and mild to chilly winters. It
is one of the richest rainfall areas, most of which occurs
in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds from
the Indian ocean. Any time of the year is good for
visiting the area, depending if you enjoy a peaceful retreat
during the winter months or a bustling holiday destination
during the summer.
Originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by
early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay can now be
accessed by first class national roads, by sea or by
scheduled air flights.
The great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua
and Tsitsikamma mountains are the gateway to the incredible
indigenous African wealth of Plettenberg Bay, which lies on
South Africa's spectacular south coast 210 kms from Port
Elizabeth and +/- 600 km from Cape Town. The
Outeniqua-Tsitsikamma indigenous forests are a unique
mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate forest and offer the
nature lover world-renowned hiking trails and an exciting
opportunity to see the last remaining forest elephants of
South Africa. The entire area teems with birdlife.
Nearly 300 species are to be found in the great variety of
habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands.
No less than ten important nature reserves embrace the
varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine
reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a
host of other marine life. The bay itself is Nursery
to the endangered Southern Right Whale which come here to
calve in the winter and spring (July to December).
The area is of course a sports paradise and boasts fabulous
trails for hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and
canoeists. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly
the rivers, beaches and the bay with its ideal conditions
for all facets of watersports, including sailing in the safe
waters of the Bay, superb rock and surf fishing and scuba
diving spots. Alternately one can simply stroll along
its clean, sandy beaches stretching for miles along the
Indian Ocean or enjoy its safe swimming areas. At
night, Plettenberg Bay is alive with pubs, night-spots and
fine restaurants. A wide range of accommodation offers
luxury hotels, exclusive country retreats, cosy bed and
breakfasts, self-catering chalets and excellent camping
facilities. |
