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.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more: Privacy Policy
PIN it for later!
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.
READ MORE:
Incredible things to do in Wilderness
Tucked away along South Africa‘s southern coast lies a slice of paradise – Wilderness. It is located on the Garden Route and this stretch of...
Read More
Canoeing in the Wilderness
One of my all-time favourite activities on the Garden Route was canoeing in the Wilderness. Now there are many things to do in the Garden Route, but here you...
Read More
Ultimate Garden Route Travel Guide
Welcome to the Garden Route, one of my favourite places to visit in South Africa! Nestled along the southeastern coast of South Africa, this breathtaking...
Read More
What to do in Mossel Bay
Nestled along South Africa‘s renowned Garden Route lies Mossel Bay, a coastal town brimming with natural beauty and many activities for visitors to enjoy. From...
Read More
The best beaches on the Garden Route
Stretching along the southern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems and pristine beaches. To be honest,...
Read More
A day trip to Cape Agulhas
Standing proudly at the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas beckons travellers with its rugged beauty in South Africa. Learn about the rich...
Read More
1 Week itinerary for the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa. Where nature’s bounty unfolds in breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences....
Read More
Mossel Bay Zipline – The longest zipline over the ocean
You can find the longest zipline over the ocean located in Mossel Bay, which forms part of the Garden Route area. This was one of...
Read More
Things to do in Knysna
Nestled in the heart of South Africa‘s Garden Route lies Knysna, a picturesque town renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultural...
Read More
Top things to do in the Garden Route
Nestled within South Africa‘s captivating landscapes lies one of my favourite places – the Garden Route, a breathtaking stretch along the country’s southern coast. Renowned...
Read More
Great coffee spots on the Garden Route
The Garden Route in South Africa is not just about breathtaking coastal views and lush forests; it’s also home to some fantastic coffee spots. If...
Read More
Flower season in South Africa
When is flower season in South Africa? When the wildflower season blooms, the country’s landscapes transform into a vivid kaleidoscope of colours. Every year from...
Read More
Karoo Stay En Route to the Garden Route
The Karoo is the perfect stop when travelling to the Garden Route and nestled within the sweeping landscape of the Karoo in South Africa lies the enchanting village of...
Read More
Visiting Camdeboo National Park
The Camdeboo National Park is located in the Eastern Cape Province and surrounds the Karoo village called Graaff-Reinet. This is the perfect stop when making...
Read More
Sandboarding in Mossel Bay
Nestled along the breathtaking coastline of Mossel Bay, lies an adrenaline-seeker’s paradise: Dragon Dune. And yes, we slayed the Dragon! If there is one activity...
Read More
The best time to visit South Africa
When is the best time to visit South Africa? This is a question I get asked quite often, and my response is always, “It depends...
Read More
What to do in Nieu-Bethesda?
Nieu-Bethesda is a quaint village situated in the Eastern Cape. This Karoo village is the perfect spot to stop at when you make your way...
Read More
Hiking the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
Nestled within the lush embrace of South Africa’s Garden Route lies a trail that beckons adventures and nature enthusiasts alike – the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail. An...
READ MORE
Visit the Glentana Shipwreck
Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Garden Route lies the Glentana Shipwreck. This hauntingly beautiful and eerie site attracts adventurers, history buffs, and photographers...
READ MORE
St Blaize Hiking Trail
The St Blaize Trail is a popular hiking trail located in the Garden Route area in Mossel Bay. The trail hugs along the rugged coastline...
READ MORE
Hike to Gericke’s Point
I’ve wanted to visit Gericke’s Point for quite some time now, and when we visited this beach back in April, we, unfortunately, went during high...
READ MORE
Hiking at the Garden Route National Park | Tsitsikamma
Nestled along South Africa‘s captivating Garden Route lies a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike – The Garden Route National Park. Situated in...
READ MOREWant to read it again later? PIN IT!
