Robberg Nature Reserve
The Robberg Nature Reserve is a showcase of the pristine natural beauty of the Garden Route. High cliffs offer panoramic views over the bay and mountains.
They are also an excellent vantage point from which to watch the Cape Seal Fur colony, more than 3000 strong and any whales, dolphins or sharks swimming in the bay.
The indigenous fynbos and shoreline is home to a thriving bird population of over 100 species and the point hosts a gull roost. Dassies are common sightings, but you may be lucky enough to see other wildlife, including grysbok, duiker, bushbuck, Cape clawless otters and mongooses.
How would you like to enjoy your Robberg Experience?
Chilled and relaxed?
Pack sundowners in your car in a chilled ice-box. Park in the car park area and take the quick walk along the boardwalk and back to the car again (45 minutes, 2.2 km).
Then find a spot at the car park which overlooks the sea, or walk back to the path overlooking the bay and enjoy your sundowner.
There are also braai facilities at the car park.
A bit more effort?
Stroll the slightly longer walk through the Gap and back again (2 hours, 5.6 km) and get to see the marine life from the cliffs. Takes photos of the seals or just watch the sharks circling around. If you brought a cooler box, relax and enjoy it on your return to the car park, soaking in the views over the sea.
A spectacular hike?
The round trip hike (9.2 kms) via the Point is one of the top rated hikes in South Africa. It is fairly difficult and takes about four hours. Take a break at the point and eat your packed snack, see the gull roost and make your way back along the lichen covered cliffs. Between May and November, look out for the many Southern Right and Humpback whales that will breach and lobtail on both sides of the peninsula.
This walk is best done in the early morning, especially in summer. Take water, hat and sunblock and binoculars. Please note: This hike is dangerous at high tide and not recommended for young children. Water, hiking shoes and hats are essential. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. There is an overnight hut at the point. To make a booking please contact our reservations office
Fishing?
Only rock and surf angling are allowed inside the marine reserve, with available permit from Marine and Coastal Management via Post Offices. Bait-collecting, fishing from boats and spearfishing are prohibited. See our article on Fishing in Plettenberg Bay.
Open daily 7am to 5pm. Open till 8pm in December/January.
View from Robberg Cliffs
Directions: From town centre, take Strand Street; you’ll go down a steep decline and cross a bridge over the Piesang River. Turn right immediately after the bridge onto Piesang Valley Road, and then 200 metres further, turn left into Robberg Road.
Continue on this road for 3.5 kilometres and then turn left towards Whale Rock Ridge and Robberg Nature Reserve.
Brochures available in English, Afrikaans, French and German.
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