Plettenberg Bay Tourism (2024) - South Africa > Top Places, Travel Guide

Plettenberg Bay Travel Packages

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9 Days / 8 Nights

South Africa Luxury Tour Package: A Honeymoon &...

Cape Town(3N) → Franschhoek(3N) → Oudtshoorn(1N) → Plettenberg Bay(2N)

$ 1,930

6% off

$1,803/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

South Africa - Sightseeing to Wines

Cape Town(2N) → Stellenbosch(2N) → Garden Route(2N) → Plettenberg Bay(1N) → Johannesburg(1N)

$ 1,336

10% off

$1,191/person

4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Day Garden Route Adventure

Cape Town (0N) → Oudtshoorn (1N) → Knysna (0N) → Plettenberg Bay (1N) → Tsitsikamma (0N) → Albertinia (1N) → Hermanus (0N) → Cape Town (0N)

$ 683

15% off

$577/person

12 Days / 11 Nights

South African Essence with Tsitsikamma: 12-Day ...

Johannesburg (1N) → Kruger (2N) → Johannesburg (1N) → George (3N) → Tsitsikamma (0N) → Plettenberg Bay (0N) → Oudtshoorn (0N) → Cape Town (4N)

$ 2,280

11% off

$2,027/person

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Plettenberg Bay Travel Essentials

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - September Read More

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"Garden Route Gem and Pristine Beaches"

Plettenberg Bay Tourism

Plettenberg Bay, located on the Southern Cape coast of South Africa, is a popular holiday spot known for its beautiful golden beaches, including the iconic Robberg Peninsula. Positioned along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay showcases its horseshoe-shaped bay and views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Plettenberg Bay is famous for its rich marine life, with dolphins as well as whale watching often seen near the local beaches.

The town is surrounded by lagoons, forests, and clean rivers. The area also has vineyards, offering diverse experiences. The town's three main beaches – Robberg, Lookout, and Central – cater to different preferences. Robberg Nature Reserve offers hiking trails and wildlife encounters. Visitors can enjoy nature at attractions like the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary and Birds of Eden. In short, Plettenberg Bay offers a relaxing holiday with beaches, wildlife, and the beauty of the Southern Cape coast.

Journey from Cape Town: For the ones travelling from Cape Town, it is recommended to rent a car and drive to Plettenberg Bay to enjoy the scenic drive through vineyards and quaint towns.
Commuting within the Town: Getting around town on foot is simple, but for exploring the surrounding area and the Garden Route without any trouble, having a car is a good idea.
Expensive Town: When it comes to food and places to stay, Plettenberg Bay is a bit pricier than nearby towns.
Beach Town on Garden Route: For those seeking a beach-focused destination other than and closer to Knysna along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay is a favourable choice.
Drinking Water: The tap water in Plettenberg Bay is completely safe for drinking.
Festival: The Plett Arts Festival in June can add an exciting arts and culture dimension to your trip.

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Shopping in Plettenberg Bay

Shopping in Plettenberg Bay is special and has things that show the town's character. Main Street boasts boutiques and craft shops, while the Old Nick Village features speciality stores and art studios. The Lookout Centre provides options for beachwear and coastal decor, and The Market Square Shopping Centre offers a mix of retail and dining opportunities. Notable shopping destinations include Plettenberg Mall, Woolworths Plettenberg Bay, The Old House Shop, Elephant Walk Farm Stall, and Harkerville Saturday Market. The Courtyard is favoured by art enthusiasts.

Nightlife in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay's nightlife offers diversity to suit various preferences. The Lookout Deck features drinks, live music, and waterfront views. The Fat Fish is known for its seafood and relaxed ambience. Flashbacks is a local hotspot for dancing, and The Grand Café & Rooms offers sophistication in a cosy setting. For a trendy lounge bar experience, head to The Sun Lounge.

History of Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay's history is a blend of indigenous Khoi-San presence and European settlers. Named after Dutch Governor Joachim van Plettenberg in the 18th century, it was a key trading stop. Fort Frederick was built for protection. The 19th century saw a thriving timber industry, using the forests. In the 20th century, it became a popular holiday spot for its natural beauty, beaches, and marine life.

Best Time to Visit Plettenberg Bay

Nearby Places

Knysna

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George

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Featherbed Nature Reserve

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How to Reach Plettenberg Bay

How to Reach Overview

Reaching the park from nearby cities involves various transportation options. By air, George Airport (GRJ) is the closest major airport, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) away. Plettenberg Bay is accessible via the N2 highway, with a roughly 500-kilometer (311 miles) journey from Cape Town taking about 5 to 6 hours. It is also well-connected to other major cities like Johannesburg, and George. Many bus service providers offer routes from major cities like Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay.

How to reach Plettenberg Bay by flight

The nearest major airport to Plettenberg Bay is George Airport (GRJ), located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) away. From the airport, visitors can reach Plettenberg Bay by renting a car or taking a taxi. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

A flight from Johannesburg to George takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and from Cape Town to George, it takes about 50 minutes. These flights cost between $160 - $350 for a round trip. Flights can be booked through AirLink, CemAir, and FlySafair.

How to reach Plettenberg Bay by road

Plettenberg Bay is reachable by road from various cities via the N2 highway, a primary route linking the town. When travelling from Cape Town, the distance covers approximately 500 kilometres (311 miles), with an estimated driving time of 5 to 6 hours. Taking the N2 eastward from Cape Town for approximately 500km will lead to Plettenberg Bay. If departing from Port Elizabeth, the N2 westward route spans around 230km (2.5 hours). Travelling from Johannesburg involves a southbound journey on the N1 and N9, taking roughly 11 hours to cover a distance of about 1,150km.

How to reach Plettenberg Bay by train

Currently, there is no direct rail connection to Plettenberg Bay. The nearest major train station is in George. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to reach Plettenberg Bay, which is about 100 kilometres (62 miles) away.

How to reach Plettenberg Bay by bus

Travelers can take popular bus service providers like Intercape and Greyhound from major cities like Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay.

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