Just outside Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route is a beautiful, remote rocky peninsula touted as the most popular walking destination in and around Plettenberg Bay.

Vegetation varies from thickets to coastal scrub and mammals in the reserve include the common Duiker and Grysbok.
The self-guided trails mainly follow the cliff edges and include a pristine white beach at Percy’s Bank and a number or rock pools at The Point. The view from the cliff affords trailists an expansive view of the beaches to Plettenberg Bay and a spectacular view of the coastline to the west.

Robberg Nature Reserve is a marine reserve and national monument roughly 4 kilometres in length that sweeps out into the ocean, something like a mini Cape peninsular. Rocks here date back to the early Cretaceous period - roughly 110 million years old - and during the whale season the point is an ideal place to spot whales and dolphins.

There is a boardwalk which crosses the reserve to protect and rehabilitate the vegetation as well as breeding sea birds. Trailists are urged to follow the boardwalk in the interest of conservation.

The 2,1 kilometre circular self-guided trail via The Gap, forms part of the greater Point Trail and crosses challenging rocky terrain and high cliffs. As such inexperienced trailists are advised to take exceptional care as the terrain may be dangerous. Due to strong currents and rogue waves, swimming is not advisable. The trail provides no shade, water or ablution facilities. Trailists need to bring their own water and prepare for protection against sunburn.

Distance: 2,1 km

Duration: ½ hour

Difficulty: Moderate

Features: Spectacular scenery, coastal views, an opportunity to encounter mammals such as the common Duiker and Grysbok, abundant bird life and indigenous flora.

Permits: Bookings for the trail can be made online and permits are available online from Cape Nature at www.capenature.co.za. A sketch map of the trails is also available.

Facilities: Picnic sites and an interpretative centre as well as braai facilities on a wooden deck, offering spectacular sea views. Should trailists choose to overnight, facilities are available at the Point Shack. Reservations may be made at +27 44 802 5300.

Kranshoek Hiking Trail, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

The Kranshoek Walk is laid out along a portion of the Harkerville coast. The walk starts at the Kranshoek Picnic Spot, the hiker moves through a range of contrasting environments: a picturesque cliff coast, the ever-changing sea and shoreline, quiet, forested valleys and waterfalls. Information boards which interpret certain aspects of the local environment are to be found along the route.

This trail has a couple of steep ups and downs, so be careful here and wear appropriate footwear.