Robberg Peninsula in Plettenberg Bay is one of our most recommended of all activities to our guests and also a favourite spot for us to spend time, when we get a gap. It’s a wonderful place to visit for photographs across the bay to the Tsitsikamma Mountains, offers visitors three circular hikes and is just about the best picnic spot in the Plett area.
Robberg is not only a nature reserve, covered in endemic Fynbos, but is also a national monument and World Heritage Site. The rocks on the peninsula date back 120 million years with evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation found in a few of caves along the peninsula, including the Nelson Bay Cave.
Our reasons for loving Robberg as a hiking and picnic spot includes:
The birding opportunities,
The lovely peach sunsets from both the western and eastern sides of the peninsula,
The beautiful Witsand sanddune, which is one of only seven climbing-falling dunes on the Cape coastline
The Cape Fur Seal colony
…and this picnic deck looking out over the bay.
Convinced? Here are our tips for planning the perfect picnic on Robberg:
Plett wine: grab some local wine or bubbly from one of the Plett wine estates (www.plettwinelands.co.za)
There isn’t water on the trails, so it’s best to bring your own water, why not get some Tsitsikamma Crystal, which is sourced and bottled in Tsitsikamma (you can see the mountains where this water is found from Robberg)
Cape Nature manage the reserve and opening and closing hours are sunrise to sunset so they change with the seasons. Check before you head up here: Cape Nature
If you’re in Plett over a weekend, stop at the Harkerville Farmer’s Market for some fresh bread, artesanal cheese and organic goodies for your picnic. Or choose one of these options for a prepared feast:
Le Fournil de Plett for fresh bread, French pastries and delicious sandwich options
The Table Restaurant for an easy, crispy pizza
Off the hook for a finger-licking Lebanese Tapas platter