Nestled along South Africa’s stunning Garden Route lies Robberg Nature Reserve just outside Plettenberg Bay (also known as Plett). This is a gem along the coast and the magnificent peninsula offers a combination of rugged coastline, rich biodiversity, and panoramic views. Therefore it is the perfect destination for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
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Information about the reserve
Entrance Fee: (2024)
- R60 Adult
- R40 Children (4-17 years)
Operating Hours:
- 7 am to 8 pm (October to April)
- 7 am to 6 pm (May to September)
Where to park?
- There is enough parking for everyone. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, you drive straight until you reach the parking area. Here you’ll also have a great viewpoint of the ocean below.
- Location – 📍
The trails
Robberg Nature Reserve boasts three main circular hiking trails, each varying in length and difficulty, ensuring something for everyone, from coastal walkers to seasoned hikers.
All three trails start at the same spot where you’ll see a map of all the different trails. These trails are also clearly marked with seal signs.
Gap Trail
The Gap Trail is ideal for those short on time or looking for a leisurely stroll. This short 2-kilometer trail takes about half an hour to an hour to complete and offers stunning views of the vast ocean.
The trail leads to a natural gap in the peninsula. There are some great lookout points at the start of the trail. You’ll continue on a wooden pathway indicating a right turn for the Gap Trail. From here, you’ll lead into a mudstone cleft with evidence of Gondwanaland’s prehistoric break-up, which dates back about 120 million years.
- Distance: 2 km
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Witsand Trail
A bit more challenging is the Witsand Trail. This is a 5.5-kilometre route that takes around 2 hours to complete. This trail covers diverse terrain, including sandy dunes and coastal fynbos. Hikers are treated with breathtaking vistas.
Once you’ve started the trail, you’ll walk along the wooden boardwalk, then you continue over the rocky surface and over the dunes. Then continue until you see a sign indicating the turn-off for the Gap Trail, here you continue straight. Before you reach the turn-off for this trail that leads towards the dunes, you’ll first encounter the Cape Fur Seal colony that will be dancing in the waves below. You’ll hear them once you get close.
From here you follow the sign for the Witsand trail where you’ll continue to the right and upwards towards the Witsand dunes (hence the name of the trail). Once at the top, you’ll see the beautiful beach stretched out below. Make your way down towards the beach where you can take a well-deserved break and enjoy the stunning scenery. From here you continue back to the parking area.
- Distance: 5.5 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Point Trail
The most extensive and adventurous of the trails is the Point Trail. It spans around 9.2 kilometres and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. This route takes you to the very tip of the peninsula, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the chance to see dolphins and, during the right season, even whales. The trail can be strenuous at some points with steep climbs and uneven terrain, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Be on the lookout for freak waves at the point and also some strong winds that might occur at Strydom’s Loop. Don’t worry, there are signs up where you have to be careful.
Once you’ve passed the Strydom’s Loop, you’ll reach the overnight accommodation (booking is essential for this!) and then just make your way towards the beach. Here you can explore ‘The Island’, where you can walk along the wooden boardwalk.
- Distance: 9.2 km
- Duration: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Stay over at Robberg Nature Reserve
Did you know you can stay over at the nature reserve? There is one wooden cabin called the ‘Fountain Shack’ and it sleeps 8 people on four double bunk beds.
You cannot drive to the accommodation, therefore you’ll have to hike about 4km to reach the cabin.
The Fountain Shack has a fully equipped kitchen with a gas cooker and it uses solar power for electricity.
It will be worth it to spend a night, or two…
Check out their website for tariffs and to book.
After the hike
Once you are done with your hike, you can buy yourself something to drink at Robberg Café located in the parking lot.
I had an iced coffee and it was definitely what I needed after the hike. There are also braai facilities available at the parking lot, which also provides you with some great ocean views.
Afterwards, you can explore more of the Garden Route area.
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