If you are a backpacker travelling South Africa and the Garden Route, you will be most disappointed if you don’t put aside time to spend in Plettenberg Bay. Our beaches are some of the best in the country (including 3 International Blue Flag Beaches), our watersports and activities encompass pretty much anything you can imagine and our animal encounters are second to none! We all know that backpackers are often travelling on a bit of a tight budget, so we have put together some tips to ensure that you get the most out of your time in Plett.
Must See & Do
Robberg Peninsula is one of Plett’s most iconic sights and it is even better up close! The dramatic peninsula sweeps a protective arm around the bay, with dramatic cliffs and crashing waves surrounding it. Covered in the indigenous fynbos of the area, there a 3 major hikes on Robberg, a seal colony, an island and it’s one of the best places for whale, shark and dolphin spotting. R40 will get you a day pass onto Robberg and an unforgettable day it will be!
A Horseriding Safari in the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is a must for animal lovers. Re-imagine Africa as it once was, silent except for the sounds of birds and hooves. The Game Reserve is home to giraffes, zebra, buffalo, buck, rhino and more. A truely magnificent experience for only R425pp, real value for money!
Swim with the Seals of Robberg! “Robberg” means “Seal Mountain” and the Capre Fur Seals of Plett range from friendly, nimble little pups to giant adult males gliding through the water. Plett is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to get up close and personal with these graceful mammals! R500pp, including all equipment
Kloofing in the Crags; in other parts of the world, “kloofing” is known as “canyoning” and is the process of traversing a gorge or waterway by any way possible – abseiling, swimming, climbing, jumping, sliding – a complete adventure for those who enjoy a challenge!
Eating Out on Budget
The Skaf’tin Pizzeria & Takeaways is just across the road from Amakaya Backpackers and is most popular for delicious wood-fired pizza, and calzones that can be taken away and enjoyed on the beach or hike, but also do mouthwatering flame grilled chicken and other specialities – excellent food for really good prices.
The Table Restaurant is located one street down from the Skaf’tin, in Plett’s Main Street – with street-side seating, the Table is one of Plett’s trendiest hangouts. They also serve pizza and pasta and a number of specialities including a chilli-chocolate ostrich steak and prawns in a pizza basket. Their most popular offering would have to be “Street Hour” – cocktails specials on Wednesdays and Fridays that would suit most backpacking budgets.
The Fat Fish and Indigo Bay: We feel that you should spoil yourself with our views and seafood at least once while visiting Plettenberg Bay and the Fat Fish (located at Plett’s Main Beach) and the Indigo Bay (at the iconic Beacon Island) are both excellent choices for value, breathtaking sea views and good food!
