Our Beaches
Plettenberg Bay ... affectionately and commonly known as "Plett" by South Africans is one of the favourite play grounds of the nation, it is also known and loved by the World's rich and famous. Plett has 11 stunning beaches, measuring a total of more than 14kms in length in which you can, explore .. let your hair down and relax! Plett boasts four beaches which are ranked as "Blue Flag", which means they have been graded and are amongst some of the best beaches in the World! They all have different characteristics and whatever it is that you are looking for in a beach, each beach offers something for everyone ... here they are;
Central Beach
Central Beach or Main Beach is often the busiest beach in Plett. Considered a family beach but also the beach where the “movers and shakers” and beautiful tanned and toned bodies, look to strut their stuff and show off honed bodies. Life guards are on duty in season. This beach is the launch site for Marine Safaris, dive charters and ocean kayaking tours. Central Beaches facilities include restaurants, bars, public toilets and it also houses the local National Sea Rescue Station. Central Beach has lifeguards all year round and plenty of activities take place on and from this famous beach, especially during high seasons. Central Beach has the estuary of the Piesang River as it flows into the ocean.
Central Beach is situated 2 km (2 minutes) from Central Plett.
Hobie Beach
Just a little further down the same stretch of sand of central beach past the Ski Boat club and the ski-boat launch area, you will find Hobie Beach, where you can hire a hobie cat or a jet ski, and beyond that you will find The Wedge – this is one of South Africa’s best body-boarding surf breaks, and is the venue for the longest running body-boarding event in South Africa – The SABA Wedge Classic. An ideal body-boarding spot, The Wedge generates a unique wave, a wave that can seriously challenge even the most skilled of surfers.
Lookout Beach
Lookout beach, was washed away and disappeared with the floods of 2007 when the Keurbooms river decimated Lookout beach and carved a new path for itself. The Beach however started to reform in 2013 when the Keurbooms original river mouth once again re-opened, allowing the pristine sands of Lookout beach to re-appear. This famous beach lives again in 2015! Lookout beach is once again popular during the day, with sunbathers and surfers and the adjoining lagoon throngs with kite surfers and SUP paddlers. At sunset, the waves and mountains at this beautiful beach are highlighted by the setting sun, creating an achingly lovely palate of colours. Lookout Beach is 1km from Plett Central. On the 6th October 2014, Lookout Beach was once again awarded Blue Flag status.
Robberg Beach
Popular for long walks and jogging, kayaking and paddle skiing. Robberg Beach stretches for 4 kilometres between the Robberg Peninsula and the Beacon Island Hotel. It is quite common to have wonderful sightings of dolphins, whales and seals either in or just behind the waves breaking onto the beach. On Robberg beach where the beach and the Robberg Peninsula meet and at low tide it is possible to spot a piece of Plett history, the Wreck of the Athena, a Greek trawler that sank here in 1967. The Facilities include public toilets and various parking areas. Robberg beach is 2 km (2 Minutes) from Central Plett.
Solar Beach
Solar Beach is actually an extension of Robberg Beach. Sometimes referred to as Sanctuary Beach by the locals. Solar beach is 4 km (4 Minutes) from Central Plett.
Robberg 5 Beach
Located in the central area of Robberg Beach, this beach is popular for surfing and body boarding. There are also life guards stationed here at peak holiday times. Facilities include wheelchair access, public toilets and a parking area. Robberg 5 beach is 4 km (4 minutes) from Central Plett.
Keurbooms Lagoon Beach
This beach fronts the lagoon mouth – and varies in size from a strip of sand to a broad stretch of beach depending on the tides. The size of the beach is also determined by a couple of other factors such as the tides and how much rainfall there has been and the flow of water into the river from the mountains. The water colour can vary from a deep senna colour (this is caused by tannins in the water, but it is still very clean) to crystal clear, sometimes in summer the river bottom is so shallow and the water so white that it is easy to imagine you have been transported to a pristine desert island. There are often wide sandbanks with shallow water covering them and on a hot day these waters heat up rapidly to a wonderful tepid warmth. Safe for little ones to wade and splash about in it's shallow depths, it is one of the safest spots to take your kiddies as far as water environments are concerned. It is interesting as well with row-boats, colourful yachts and ski boats cruising up and down the deeper boat channel over the other side and the ocean waves breaking beyond. This lagoon beach is accessed from the residential area of Poortjies. There are public toilets there but no other public amenities.
Keurbooms Beach
Keurbooms beach is a little wilder but is equally and majestically beautiful with white sands that seem to stretch on forever. Some exciting activities and eco-adventures can be arranged on this beach. Facilities include a restaurant, public toilets, wheelchair access and it offers ample parking. Keurboomstrand beach is 10 km (15 minutes) from Plett Central.
Kettle Beach
Kettle beach, is an extension of Keurbooms Beach.
Arch Rock Beach
Arch Rock beach, so called because of a large arch shaped rock which is situated close to a cliff near the Maatjies river mouth. Local Legend has it that if you throw a rock through the middle of the top hole in the rock without it touching either side you will have everlasting good luck! This beach can be found following on from the end of Kettle Beach. This beach offers a great walk at low tide. Facilities include a restaurant, public toilets and parking. Arch Rock Beach is 14,6kms (19 minutes) from Plett Central.
Natures Valley Beach
Situated alongside the mouth of the Groot River at the bottom of the Groot River pass and the Groot River estuary, this beach forms part of the Tsitsikamma De Vasselot nature reserve and is about 6kms long. The beach includes a beautiful lagoon which flows into the Indian Ocean, surrounded by mountainous foresst that are rich in both fauna and flora and offers South Africa's indigenous birds a wonderful habitat. A feature of this untouched beach is Pigs head, a rock face so named because of its striking appearance to a pigs head! Natures Valley Beach is 32km (32 minutes) from Plett Central.
Things to See
Harkerville Farmers Market
A delightful farmers market that happens every Saturday in Plett. Fresh farmers produce, delicious foods, clothing, hand made goods, semi-precious stones, books, holistic goodies and so much more. Saturdays 8am-12pm: N2, Harkerville; Entrance free.
Old Nicks Mid-Week Market
Another delightful farmers and home made goodies mid-week market every Wednesday at Old Nicks Village in Plett. Fresh farmers produce, delicious foods, hand made goods, books, music and much more. There is a coffee shop and restaurant on site. Wednesdays 10am-2pm; N2, Old Nicks Village about 2km from the Market Square; Entrance free.
The Possessional Stone
In 1778, The Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Baron Van Plettenberg of the VOC visited the Bay. Deciding to name this bay after him-self, he erected the possessional stone of the Dutch East India Company on the hill that overlooks Central Beach. It can still be viewed today and it looks down over the old timber store. The Stone has recently been restored. There is a beautiful lookout point here as well. Visit during daylight; Cnr Hopwood and Meeding Streets; Entrance free.
The Old Timber Store
In 1786 the Dutch East India Company contracted Johann Jacob Jerling to build a Timber Shed for storage of the timber. Today the remains of the Old Timber Shed can be found in Meeding Street. The remains have been partially restored twice. It is one of the oldest buildings in Plettenberg Bay and was declared a National Monument in 1936. Permissions have been received to restore it again in 2014. Visit during daylight; Meeding Streets; Entrance free.
The Old Rectory
The complex was originally two separate structures linked by a yard with a cookhouse. The buildings were constructed in 1789 by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) as barracks for troops stationed in Plettenberg Bay. In the early 1900s the barracks, cookhouse and yard were combined to create a single, large T-shaped building. Close by is a rough outbuilding, the School House, and the Old Timber Shed built for the VOC by Johann Jerling in 1788. The Old Rectory is in a state of neglect. Visit during daylight; Cnr Bull & Meeding Str; Entrance free.
The Navigational Beacon
The navigational beacon was first erected on the Beacon Island in 1771. The original one was a square block of stinkwood, inscribed with the latitude and longitude of Plettenberg Bay, and was erected to enable mariners to check their location. It was replaced by a stone one by Captain Sewell in 1881 and can be seen in the Gardens of the current Beacon Island Hotel. Visit during daylight; Beacon Island Hotel; Entrance free.
First Recorded European Habitation in South Africa
In the winter of 1630 a large Portuguese ship the São Gonçales broke up in a severe storm while anchored for repairs off Robberg Beach. All that were on board during the storm perished. About 100 others that had been encamped on the beach, became South Africa’s first recorded European inhabitants. They built small boats which enabled them to depart nine months later, but left behind porcelain and other relics that are now on permanent public display at the Municipality offices in Sewell Street. Monday to Friday; Municipal Offices, Sewell Street; Entrance free.
Activities & Adventures
There is a wide range of outdoor activities in and around Plettenberg Bay, Some that can be enjoyed by every member of the family – suitable for all age groups – and other adrenalin adventure activities for those looking for more than just a touch of thrill. Activities are guided, or led, by experienced facilitators or staff, who are all experts in their respective fields.
More mild than wild!
Tsitsikamma Segway Experiences
Tsitsikamma Segway tours is located in Stormsriver Village at Tsitsikamma Backpackers, along the Garden Route in the Tsitsikamma. Bordering the Tsitsikamma National Park this is a scenic location and an awesome stop over. Your tour starts with a 20 minute training session; from there we depart out of the village and into the local indigenous forests.
Ocean Sailing Charters
Ocean Sailing Charters offers the ultimate in luxury catamaran sailing. Enjoy a thrilling entry into the surf by tender, then board Ocean Rhythm, our 44ft yacht. Explore the beauty of Plettenberg Bay’s coastline and marine life as you sail into the sunset. Take the helm and learn the basics of sailing.
Adventure Land
At Adventure Land we offer good clean fun in the sun. The daring can enjoy really exciting slides, while gentler folk can elect to move a little slower. From mild to wild, the water park offers a 75m Super-tube, a 25m Mini-tube, the Raging Rapid tube ride, an aptly named Kamakaze slide and more.
More wild than mild!
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours
A first in Africa. Enjoy the unequaled beauty of the indigenous forest high up on ten treetop platforms. Gently glide along in a harness, on steel cables 30 meters above the forest floor. Birdlife is abundant (including Knysna Loeries and the elusive Narina Trojan), and your guides will explain the ecology of the lush primeval forests.
Africanyon Adventures
Kloofing in South Africa is known elsewhere as Canyoning or Canyoneering. Canyoning — n “the sport of travelling down a river situated in a canyon by a variety of means including scrambling, floating, swimming and abseiling”.
Offshore Adventures
Swim among bundles of inquisitive playful seals in their natural environment and experience one of the best animal encounters of your life! No experience is required, suitable for children! All equipment supplied including wetsuits in wide range of sizes.
Face Adrenalin Bloukrans Bungy
‘We are here to give you the most amazing experience of your life!’ That pretty much sums up why we are doing what we do. How we do that is by keeping everyone safe, treating everyone with respect and helping people have fun! We do all this with a long bungy cord attached to Africa’s largest bridge.
Untouched Adventure’s
Kayak and Lilo Adventure If you crave adventure and the thrill of exploring what the great outdoors have to offer, then Storms River Mouth is waiting to send you on a ride of your life. Kayak across the ocean, then end up the glorious Storms River and finally end off on the Lilo’s where you can relax and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Animal Encounters
Plettenberg Bay’s animal sanctuaries and animal rehabilitation centers are ‘must-do’s’ for visitors to the Garden Route.
Knysna Elephant Park
Extraordinary Elephant Encounters The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Today, it has become a world class facility, having cared for and raised more than forty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals.
Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Experience a one hour guided tour with over 100 snakes and reptiles to see, including an indigenous snake pit, outdoor exhibits, a large Dome to house South African and exotic snakes. There are enormous pythons, lizards and crocodiles. Only 15 minutes from Plett.
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Experience a hidden gem, where abundant wildlife roam the plains, where the distant lion roars pierce the black dark of night and where the African sunset leaves an unforgetable memory. And all this just a few minutes drive outside Plettenberg Bay.
Ocean Blue Adventures
Close and personal encounters with the fascinating majestic whales in the bay. Interaction and fun with our wonderful dolphin species, while learning all about their phenomenal abilities and lifestyle. The opportunity to experience the many other wonders of the bay: pelagic birds, seals, sharks, history, geology and lots more.
Radical Raptors
Radical Raptors is a Bird of Prey rehabilitation and awareness center that aims at the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured/problem birds of prey back into the wild. Birds unable to be released are cared for on an ongoing basis and become a crucial part of their awareness program.
The Elephant Sanctuary
The Elephant Sanctuary, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, has African elephants and offers an interactive elephant experience, elephant back riding and overnight accommodation. They offer hands-on educational elephant interactions which provides guests with a far more intimate experience with the elephants. Their dedicated staff is committed to the use of positive reinforcement elephant training methods.
Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
Tenikwa offers guests the opportunity for a close, safe encounter with the lesser cats of South Africa (African Wild Cat, Serval, Caracal), Cheetahs and Leopard, as well as Chacma baboons and penguins. Some of the more exclusive packages permit inter-action with the animals. The Tenikwa encounter is a great follow-on to a game reserve / safari experience.
Monkeyland
Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Monkeyland has as one of its aims, to create awareness about the plight of primates and to show that with a greater understanding of our primate cousins, we can all live in harmony.
Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden's unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheater, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors. .Birds of Eden opened its doors to the public in December 2005. Currently, over 3,500 birds live at the sanctuary.
Jukani Wild Life Sanctuary
Jukani is one of the greatest experiences with the world's fearsome hunters. Jukani is dedicated to the preservation and well being of carnivores by changing attitudes and minds of people. In this sanctuary you will find carnivores of all shapes and sizes like the mighty Tiger of Asia or the cunning jackal. The main purpose of Jukani is to change people's perception of these animals.
Hiking Trails
Plettenberg Bay is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. This is where the coastal platform narrows on the Garden Route; which brings the mountains close to the ocean and bays. Offering trail enthusiasts beautiful marine vistas as well as sightings of whales and dolphins. Added to this, are deep green forests, vast stretches of fynbos, river gorges and craggy mountains.
Kranshoek Coastal Walk
Distance: 3 kilometres or 9 kilometres
The walk begins in the Kruisfontein State Forest and features coastal escarpment dotted with fynbos and rocky beach. Follow the white footprints painted on trees and rocks.
Robberg Nature Reserve
Distance: 2.2 kilometres, 5.6 kilometres and 9.2 kilometres
There are three circular trails to choose from, each boasting a variety of coastal dune fynbos and good opportunities to spot both dolphins and whales. All trails are routed with seal markers.
Milkwood Scenic Trail
Distance: 3 kilometres or 5 kilometres
These unique trails will take you through forest, beaches, wetlands as well as historical and scenic town sites. Follow the yellow footprints.
Hiker’s Paradise Trails
Distance: 2 kilometres, 3.5 kilometres, 5 kilometres or 7 kilometres
Featuring four circular trails on a private farm, hikers can enjoy fynbos, views of rich marine life and interestingly caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
Stinkhoutkloof Trail
Distance: 8.4 kilometres
Begin the walk at Bloukrans Forest Station. Follow yellow footprint markers and wind through indigenous forest and river valleys lined with tree ferns.
The Otter Trail
Distance: The trail is 5 days and 4 nights
The Otter Hiking Trail is one of South Africa's most popular trails and is famed for its scenic beauty. It begins at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and stretches westward as far as the Groot River estuary at Nature's Valley. Overnight accommodation is provided in four beautifully appointed overnight camps. The trail features ravines and rivers, mountains and forests, with abundant birdlife and wildlife along the way.
Harkerville Hiking Trail
Distance: The trail is 2 days. Day 1- 14.6k.m Day 2 - 12km
The start point is about 1km off the N2, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. You can spend the first night in the Harkerville Hut. For the really tough hiker, Harkerville Hut is the ending place of the Outeniqua Trail and, although they are separate trails, they can be combined to form a 9-night trail. The terrain is rough and there is some steep, slippery rocks, inching along narrow exposed ledges.: The route is not for the faint hearted.
Day Walks
Perdekop Trail
Distance: 9.5km; 3 - 4 hours; circular route
GPS Coordinates: S34 02.848 E23 13.851
The trail starts from the Harkerville forestry station and follows an easy path along a circular route back to the station. Sections of the walk are shared with the Hakerville Coastal Hiking Trail. Green flag accredited hike by the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa (HOSA).
Elephant Trail
Distance:
Black: 9km; easy circular route; starts at the Diepwalle office
White: 8km from forest station or 6.5km from Diepwalle picnic site; easy circular route
Red: 7km; moderate circular route; starts in Diepwalle close to the office
GPS Coordinates: S33 56.909 E23 09.434
All three trails add up to just over 18 kilometres, Black (9km), white (8km) and red (7km). Green flag accredited hike by the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa (HOSA).
Terblanche Trail
Distance: 6.5km; circular route; also known as Wandelpad
GPS Coordinates: S33 56.716 E23 03.244
It starts and ends at the Grootdraai picnic site, ideal for a picnic before or after the hike. From the Grootdraai picnic site the trail heads in to the forest sharing the path with the Outeniqua overnight trail so be sure to keep right at the fork shortly after the start.
Kranshoek Trail
Distance: 9km; circular route
GPS Coordinates: S34 04.702 E23 13.672
It starts at the Kranshoek picnic site at the top of a tall waterfall, then winds it's way through the forest down into the gorge through which the waterfall's stream flows. It follows this stream towards the coast and then leads along the coast before going up the slopes to the plateau and back to the picnic site via the Kranshoek viewpoint.
Flora Trail
Distance: 1km; circular
GPS Coordinates: S34 04.696 E23 13.671
The educational walk starts in the Kranshoek picnic site. Check info boards for a flora guide of the trail.
Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden walk is approximately 500 m and starts and ends in the Garden of Eden, accessible from the N2.
Restaurants
Plett’s restaurants, cafes and eateries are a charming feature to the town. You will find a range of international, regional and local cuisines, some benefiting from the fresh produce and seafood from the area. They are diverse, each with its own charm and specialty dishes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, lunch while watching dolphins play in the surf or maybe witness a beautiful African sunset while enjoying cocktails and dinner on the verandah.
Off the Hook
Offthehook Seafood Café is a vibrant and trendy restaurant, with a homely touch – a place to sit back and relax. Owned and run by friendly Plett locals, this is a restaurant the whole family can enjoy. On the menu we have local seafood specialties, served with a choice of our various delicious side orders.
Yellowwood Spur
Since 1967, when founder and executive chairman, Allen Ambor opened the Golden Spur in Newlands, Cape Town, Spur Steak Ranches have been part of the South African family. In the years since then, Spur has helped create countless special memories and earned a reputation for tasty, nutritious, value-for-money meals.
The Fat Fish
The Fat Fish is ideally situated on Plettenberg Bay’s beautiful Central Beach, with amazing views of the Indian Ocean, the Piesang Valley River and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. With our casual and up-beat vibe you’ll know you have been swept away by what Plett locals know as home. Feel free to walk straight off the beach.
The Table
The Table “Simple food with serious taste” Designed around simplicity and warmth with a modern touch, The Table creates a comfortable, down-to-earth space where people come together to enjoy good company and celebrate a love of food. Indoor and al fresco dining, with a cosy play area for children.
The Lookout Deck
The Lookout Deck Restaurant is a “legend in its own right”. Nestled between The Lookout Rocks and The Look Out Nature Reserve, this Restaurant’s location is unique on our Planet. A must visit eatery for Breakfasts, Lunches, Light Snacks and Dinner.
Lemon Grass
Two sides of this in-house restaurant consist of glass panels that fold back, so Guests may fully enjoy the views. The terrace is lapped by the tidal waters of the Keurbooms Lagoon, high enough to swim in at one moment, and once retreated, six hours later, a beach to leisurely stroll along.
Moby Dick’s Restaurant
Moby Dick’s Restaurant is located on the beach front at Central Beach.
The View
The View Restaurant boasts stunning views from all directions, an affordable menu and friendly service, great for the whole family.
@Whalesong Restaurant
A gourmet dining experience awaits the entire family when visiting @Whales Restaurant. With a wonderful outside dining deck overlooking expansive views of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range, the Bitou River Valley and the Indian Ocean the sundeck is the ideal venue to enjoy light lunches, cocktails and sundowners. Breakfast is served in the Hotel’s Breakfast Room.
Nguni Restaurant
Nostalgic with an African flair, Nguni is historically located in one of Plett’s oldest buildings – an original dairy dating back over a hundred years. Nguni’s African menu is a reflection of traditional selections like Bobotie, game, biltong, springbok, Karoo lamb, ostrich and other local favorites. With its beautiful sunny veranda, or eclectic African interior.
The Med Seafood Bistro
This romantic, cozy family-run bistro, tucked away in Plettenberg Bay’s Main Street, is a Favorite haunt of both locals and visitors alike. Having being around for the last 20-odd years, The Med is part of the recent history of Plettenberg Bay.
Grand Cafe
Few places can transport you somewhere else in time & emotion. One of these are the GRAND Café & Rooms, where a sense of elegance and worldly charm reflects upon its setting over one of Africa’s most beautiful bays. Grand Café, with her 7 uniquely styled rooms, presents a beautifully appointed deck, Leopard Lounge and more
Le Fournil de Plett
Le Fournil de Plett is a charming French bakery & café situated at the heart of Plettenberg Bay’s Main Street in the Lookout Courtyard with al fresco seating in the courtyard and a deck with panoramic ocean views and cozy indoor café seating.
Emily’s Restaurant
Dine in one of the most exquisite of dining halls overlooking the Bitou wetlands in Plettenberg Bay. The spirit of Africa is in every curve of the archway, every antique table and in the collectors’ items which adorn every nook and cranny. Award-winning, Emily’s serves only the freshest local produce, preparing fine-dining.
Simon’s Bar at Emily Moon
Simon’s Bar is beautifully designed with vintage motorboat engine sand electric items decorating the walls and in the center is a wood-fire pizza oven that produces the best artisan pizzas n the Garden Route.
Zinzi’s Restaurant
Zinzi Restaurant is a masterpiece of architecture, interior design and some of the best food found on the Garden Route. Vibrant and casual with distinctive international flavours, Zinzi Restaurant offers an abundant and tasty menu, in an incredible forest setting.
History of Plett
Travelling back in time and looking at the history of Plettenberg Bay gives us an intriguing and colourful picture of the “Beautiful Bay”. Those that have gone before us have left us a legacy that has become the much loved town of Plett as we know it today!
History of Stone Age Plettenberg Bay
The history of human life in Plettenberg Bay stretches back to 120 000 BC with Stone Age Man inhabiting two caves which are still being excavated today. They are the Nelson Bay Cave on the Robberg Peninsula and the Matjies River Rock Shelter near Keurboomstand that were inhabited by middle and late stone age man and then later by the Khoisan. Tools, ornaments and other debris left by these inhabitants can still be viewed in these caves today.
History of Colonial Plettenberg Bay
In this, an era of discovery and adventure, as Europeans built their ships and travelled the world, and subsequently colonised it. As these early explorers travelled the African Coast Line they discovered our magical bay … which is Plett as we know it today. Let us take a look at how the dramatic events have unfolded over the years.
1487
165 years before Jan van Riebeeck landed at the Cape in 1652, Portuguese explorers charted the bay in the 15th and 16th centuries, the first being the famous Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias (Born 1451 – Died 29 May 1500), who opened the sea routes between Europe and Asia. He named Plettenberg Bay … “Bahia das Alagoas”, meaning “Bay of the Lagoons.” He named Robberg … “Cabo Talhado”, meaning “Sharp Cape” and on seeing the spectacular Outeniqua Mountains in the distance, he named the highest peak … “Pic Formosa”, meaning “Beautiful Peak”.
1576
Ninety years later Manuel da Perestrello arrived at the bay and aptly called it “Bahia Formosa” meaning “Beautiful Bay”.
1630
The first known Europeans to inhabit the area were a group of 100 sea man that were stranded in the bay when their ship the São Gonçalo sank, she was on her way back from India carrying a shipment of the precious cargo of pepper to Portugal. They stopped in the bay to repair some leaks, which were damaging their precious cargo, but before the repairs could be completed, a huge storm hit the bay and the ship sank. Tragically, 150 sailors drowned but 100 managed to swim to shore and they lived in the Piesang Valley for 8 months. They befriended the Khoisan and also built a church here. During this time they built two boats from the remains of the São Gonçalo and timber from the forest trees in the area. One of the Sailors left an account of this time in Plettenberg Bay;
“We built habitations of wood … and sowed various seeds to enjoy the fruit thereof, such as pumpkins, melons, onions and coriander … the soil is excellent, and free from stones ... though there are various hills. These, as also the valleys, abound with verdure and plants with sweet smelling flowers. The trees are numerous and large. In all parts it is watered by voluminous rivers and abundant and fine springs … There is an infinite number of wild animals of extraordinary size, such as deer, wolves, seals, buffaloes, wild boars, monkeys and also tigers and elephants.”
Theal G M, Records of Southern Africa, 8 vols, Struik Reprint, Cape Town, 1964.
The sailors eventually set out in the boats they had built and left behind a “padrao” or stone as a reminder of the original shipwreck which was re-discovered in 1980. The padrao, a crude block of sandstone, on which was inscribed in Portuguese “Here was lost the ship São Gonçalo in the year 1630”. The sailors were eventually picked up by other Portuguese vessels. Tragically one of these ships sank taking all men on board just as the ship entered the harbour at Lisbon, Portugal.
1763
When the Dutch East India Company (VOC) took over control of the trade route to the East, it set up a refreshment station at Cape Town in the 17th Century. It was not long before travellers from the new settlement became aware of the treasures and riches of the Southern Cape coast … which is today known as the Garden Route area. The first white settlers in the bay were stock farmers, hunters and frontiers men who travelled up from the Western Cape.
1771
A navigational beacon was first erected on the Beacon Island in 1771. The original beacon was a square block of stinkwood, inscribed with the latitude and longitude of Plettenberg Bay, and erected to enable mariners to check their location. It was replaced by a stone one by Captain Sewell in 1881 and can be seen in the Gardens of the current Beacon Isle Hotel.
1772
A Swedish botanist, Carl Peter Thunberg, (11 November 1743 – 8 August 1828), who has been called “The father of South African Botany” arrived in Bahia Formosa after a long inland trek to come and study the flora and fauna in the area. Thunberg’s visit to the area is the first recorded crossing of the Outeniqua Mountains. He came to the area via the Attaquas Kloof route, which had up until then been used mostly by the Khoisan people and elephants, this route would later become the Robinson Pass which was designed by Thomas Bain.
1776
It was around this time, that the first Dutch settlers started arriving in the Plettenberg Bay area. The first known Dutch settler in Plettenberg Bay was a farmer named Cornelis Botha and he became a substantial farmer in the area, (his farm is shown on a map dated 1777), in the Piesang Valley of Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay’s oldest surviving building was identified on a 1777 map as "verblyf voor het volk" (essentially meaning "visitors' accommodation"). It was later used as a rectory by the Anglican church in the wake of the English settlers and was occupied by five rectors in succession until the present Rectory was built in 1939.
1778
In 1778, The Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Baron Joachim Ammena van Plettenberg of the VOC visited the Bay. He spent his first night in Plettenberg Bay as a guest at the house of Cornelis Botha.Van Plettenberg decided to name this bay after him-self and as we all know, this name stuck. He erected the possessional stone of the Dutch East India Company on the hill that overlooks Central Beach. It can still be viewed today. Van Plettenberg on his visit to the area was worried about the Dutch settlers’ enthusiastic destruction of the natural surrounds, especially the forests. On his return to the Cape he proposed to the Lords XVII of the Dutch East India Company that a timber harbour and control post be erected to prevent the over-use of natural timber in the area. Consequently, a Commandant of the Swart River woodcutter’s post was appointed to manage the timber resources on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. JF Meeding was this person.
A traveller tells us of the rich timber reserves in the forests;
“The woods are very thick and produce some of the tallest trees I have ever beheld … The mountains are extremely steep and many of the most stately trees grow out of the naked strata of the rocks … These woods have their beginning at the north of Mossel Bay and extend almost 120 miles to the east ending in a place called Zitsikamma. Between the woods and the Indian Ocean lies an extensive plain inhabited by Europeans who traffic mostly in wood which they bring in planks to the Cape.”Lieutenant William Patterson, 1777, in Patterson, W. Paterson’s Cape Travels 1777-1779, e. Forbes V.S and Rourke J, Brenthurst, Johannesburg, 1980.
It was also around this time that the Dutch gave Robberg its modern name which we all know and recognise today, “Robberg” means “mountain of seals”, named for and after all the seals that live on and around it.
1787
A woodcutter’s post was established in 1787 when Johann Jacob Jerling, an early inhabitant, was commissioned by the Dutch East India Co. to build a storehouse for the timber that was felled and which was ear-marked to be exported. Today, this timber store, whose remains have twice been partially restored, still stands; it has been made a National Monument and is one of Plett’s oldest historical sites. There are some fascinating accounts of the hard and isolated life the woodcutters lived in the great forests. In these forests they cut the great stink wood, yellow wood, sneeze wood, iron wood and other massive trees down. They would fell them manually and once felled would again manually cut them into planks using hand saws. They would then use Percheron horses (a heavy draft horse of French Origin) to drag these planks to agents that dwelled in the forests. The wood was transported by sea with the great logs being loaded aboard the ships by oxen. In later years, the 18th and 19th centuries the logs were most often transported to Cape Town by wagon.
“The great bundles of logs were fastened together with chains, and attached to oxen. In front into the sea swam the toulier - a strong swimming ox – while from behind other men drove the rest of the oxen forward with whips and shouts. The oxen very soon accustomed to swimming into the breakers until they were alongside the boasts and the logs loaded.”
“Plettenberg Bay to Knysna – a trip through history”, in Kelley-Patterson, E, Looking back, June 1971.
1788
The woodcutters of the VOC provided Captain Francois Duminy with the first load of timber, which was shipped on the ship, De Meermin in 1788.
1797
While the Dutch East India Company had started commercial whaling in South Africa at the start of the 18th Century, it was only after they opened up the whaling to other foreigners that this industry started to take off along our coasts. An English merchant, John Murray started controlling the whaling industry in the area, and consequently, Plettenberg Bay was one of six places identified nationally and was, as a result one of the places where the industry flourished.
1800
Territorial disputes between the colonists, the Khoikoi and the Amakhosa were now in full swing. Most of the white settlers who had remained were now prepared to either fight or flee.
Some took shelter in Stofpad in the Wittedrift area, and some, like Cornelis Botha and his family, left for Cape Town, but got ambushed by about fifty Khoikhoi and Gqunukhwebes while making their way to Knysna. In this conflict, the women and children were unharmed but many men were killed.
1812
A large British military force drove the Gqunukhwebes and Ndlambes across the Fish River, killing everyone who resisted. Several forts were erected along the Fish River.
1826
Major Robert Charles Harker, son of General and Mrs Francis Harker of Swinford, England, was Government Resident of Plettenberg Bay from November 1826 until December 1847 until the post was abolished, a period of 21 years. In addition to being Government Resident, he was also Postmaster and a Justice of the Peace. On 16 March 1859, Robert Charles Harker died at Harkerville, an area roughly halfway between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna which has since been named after him, and he was laid to rest in the family graveyard. This family grave site was proclaimed a Historic Monument in 1963.
1845
Two more pioneers arrived in Plettenberg Bay. William and George Newdigate, two of the sons of the genteel British Proprietor Francis Newdigate, came to Plett to live and farm here in the Piesang valley. Over the course of a few years, they interviewed, and employed several English families who arrived by ship; these families all became part of the pastoral farming paradise that the Newdigates had described to them, and formed a substantial part of the community in the middle of the 19th Century. Over a century and a half later, many of these families’ descendants still live here. William Newdigate also went on to build the first church in Plettenberg Bay, St. Andrew’s Chapel. He was also deeply involved in the completion of both St Peter’s Church in the village, and the Holy Trinity Church in Belvidere. William Newdigate, who had set his sights on dealing in timber, bought 1620 hectares of forest land, and with the help of local labour and some skilled English craftsmen, he built the magnificent Forest Hall.
1862
William Henry Newdigate - the third son of Francis and Lady Barbara Newdigate of Astley Castle in Warwickshire, England. History tells us that he built the stately home for his beautiful bride, Caroline Duthie - the grand-daughter of George Rex of Knysna. With next to nothing available in the way of infrastructure and skills in the then still untamed and barely colonized part of Africa that is now known as The Garden Route, Newdigate imported masons and carpenters from England to build his 'gift'. The floors, door and window frames, ceiling supports and the grand central staircase were hewn from the ancient hardwoods of the surrounding forest. The Newdigates played host to many of the colonial pioneers of the day (including Bishop Grey and Thomas Bain), and the Estate, with its rolling lawns, croquet games, music and dances, finest china and family silver, was an 'island of gentility' in the middle of the dense Tsitsikamma - home to leopards, baboons and herds of elephant, bushbuck and water buffalo. While the women - corseted and with parasols to keep off the African sun - 'took their tea' and the children chased butterflies, the men formed hunting parties and went on fishing expeditions. Forest Hall was an 'English Gentleman's Estate', a haven of civilization and – and so it is told - great joy, but five years after it was built, an unforeseen and dramatic page was added to its history, the great fire of 1869. Fortunately a dense cloud of fog rolled in and wind direction changed and Forest Hall was saved.
1868
As a direct result of the booming timber trade, the master pass-builder Thomas Bain built the Prince Alfred Pass, as well as a 90-kilometre forest road between Tsitsikamma and Humansdorp.
1869
The Great Fire of 1869 has gone down in the records of local history as possibly the most devastating and terrifying event of the times. It swept through the Fynbos and forest between the sea and the mountains with extraordinary ferocity, burning almost the entire area from what is now Humansdorp (near Port Elizabeth) all the way through to Mossel Bay. The loss of habitat and life was terrifying.
1880 – 1883
Three major passes were to be constructed: The Groot Rivier, Blauwkrantz and Storms River. The Great Fire of the 1868 is claimed to have made Thomas Bain’s task of building the coastal roads considerably easier. Bain started construction of the Groot River Pass in 1880, completing the work in 1883 with todays present road differing little from Bain’s original.
1910
In 1910 a Captain Sinclair set up the whaling station on Beacon Island in order to harvest the placid Southern Right whales but this operation ceased in 1916. Parts of the iron slipway are still visible today as well as the boiling pots and other memorabilia of this deplorable practise can still be viewed on the Island.
1922
Forest Hall, originally built by William Newdigate in 1862 was declared a National Monument by the South African Heritage authority.
1940
The first hotel was erected in Plettenberg Bay by Hugh Owen Grant in 1940 on the Beacon Island; this venue was built on the site of the former whaling station first mentioned in 1910 above.
1941
Andrew Abraham Stockenstrom Le Fleur (1867-1941); The First Leader of the Griquas dies in Plettenberg Bay. Le Fleur was a leader and visionary, a person looked upon as the new Messiah by his people. Le Fleur formed the Griqua Independent Church of South Africa in the Maitland Town Hall on the 6th of April 1920, as an offspring of the Griqua National Church in Kokstad, and eventually to Krantzhoek. Le Fleur believed his people to be the lost tribe of Israel. For the Griquas of today, Krantzhoek is their land beyond the River Jordan, Robberg their Holy Mount; and the tomb of Le Fleur their everlasting shrine. Le Fleur died in a little house adjacent to his tomb on Robberg on 11th July 1941. The Griqua Monument in Krantzhoek was erected 10th September 1942 in honour of De Fleur and other Griqua leaders. It also commemorates the birthday of Le Fleur’s wife, Rachel, lovingly remembered as “Oumiesies” and honoured as “Kroonmoeder” (“Crown Mother”). His tomb can be seen on the Robberg airport road today.
History of Modern Day Plettenberg Bay
Between 1960 and 1990 the Plettenberg Bay holiday town and resort expanded dramatically, and it extended along Robberg’s Beach ('Millionaire's Row') and went back towards the N2. During the Apartheid era property within Plettenberg Bay was designated for whites only, with segregation of the beaches and toilet facilities.
New Horizons was built in 1968 and was the first municipal town resulting from the apartheid group’s act. This township was opened without any infrastructure and the bucket system was utilised for amenities as water had to be delivered to New Horizons in tanks. Many of the residents were previously living in the main town of Plett and have colourful and poignant stories about their move. The first school built in New Horizons was Formosa Primary, which was built in 1969. Today it is still the only primary school in New Horizons. Theodora Crèche as well as Elim Crèche was built in 1970 with latter still being in operation.
As the 80's progressed informal settlements of Xhosa migrants grew up around the edges of New Horizons and in the area of KwaNokuthula which became a town. KwaNokuthula is home to a varied number of ethnic groups and is Xhosa word meaning “place of peace”. More than half the population of KwaNokuthula used to reside in either Bossiesgif/Qolweni, on the outskirts of Plett or even as far afield as the Eastern Cape. Statistics estimate the population to be roughly around 60 000. Street names in KwaNokuthula honour those who have been here since time immemorial, or political and social activists.
1949 – 1950
After a 70 year debate about the necessity of having a lighthouse between Mossel Bay and Cape St Francis, the lighthouse on Robberg was finally built. This lighthouse, called “The Cape Seal Lighthouse” is usually accessed and maintained by helicopter and is situated on the rocky peninsula of the Robberg Nature trail south of Plettenberg Bay. This lighthouse was commissioned on 11 May 1950 and at 146 meters above sea level is the highest light on the South African Coast. The light is mounted on a six meter lattice tower. Solar panels keep the lighthouse batteries charged. It is accessible along a 5km rocky foot path. The light is visible for 16 sea miles.
1970
Plettenberg Bay’s roads were tarred.
1972
In 1972 “The Sun King”, as Sol Kerzner became known and creator of other well-known South African land marks such as “Sun City” replaced the hotel with the current well known landmark on Beacon Island, the Beacon Island Hotel.
1980
Johan and Ingrid Jerling, part of the Jerling family who settled in Plettenberg Bay way back in the 18th century, were clearing their property above Robberg beach, when they discovered several relics, including pieces of blue and white pottery. Their property was consequently confirmed as the encampment site of the São Gonçalo survivor’s way back in 1670. These relics are currently on display at the municipality.
Another discovery was a padrao, a crude block of sandstone, on which was inscribed in Portuguese “Here was lost the ship São Gonçalo in the year 1630”. The Van Plettenberg stone was discovered near the end of the sandy beach and about three miles from the beacon set up by Governor Joachim van Plettenberg. It is housed in the Cape Town museum with a replica at the Beacon Island Hotel.
Today this modern town is an exquisite jewel sitting on the azure-blue shores of the Indian Ocean; it rests between enchanted old villages and legends, an area steeped in some of Southern Africas oldest and richest history.
Plett offers over 300 days of sunshine a year and boasts a temperate climate.
Plett celebrates its history and revels in the joy of living and life with a passionate culture, spectacular surroundings, delicious cuisine and sublime beaches. Plett offers all the traveller, explorer or resident both restoration of the mind and body, many exciting and adventurous activities and is utter solace for the soul.