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.

The walk along the railway line from Wilderness to Victoria Bay is one of the easiest around.

From the N2 take the last/first exit in Wilderness (nearest to the Kaaimans river) and follow Sands Road to the carpark at the end, right next to the beach.

Make your way up the bank to the railwail line and follow it all the way to Victoria Bay. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe used to travel this route before the line was badly damaged during the 2006 floods. The walk crosses the bridge over the Kaaimans river mouth and may be challenging for those with severe vertigo.

The walk is very scenic with plenty of photo opportunities - on occasion even whales and dolphins may be spotted.

The route meanders through a couple of tunnels and past an old restaurant tucked snugly into a cave. The beautifully kept premise is both eery and surreal. If Neptune or Ariel should show up, nobody would be too surprised. A special train cart used to deliver passengers to the restaurant and then return them to Wilderness station but now the tables only hint at the memories of merry.

The last tunnel brings a beautiful view of Victoria Bay spread at your feet and you will find a path down to the bay just past the forlorn sign announcing that you arrived at Victoria Bay. Make your way down and enjoy some refreshments, swim if the weather is nice and relax a little before you make your way back to Wilderness.

Remember to pack some water and plenty of sunscreen for this walk!

Should you be interested in more information about the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe: http://www.friendsofthechoo-tjoe.co.za

Millwood Mine hiking Trail, Plettenberg Bay, Garden route

A short easy but incredibly interesting walk with outstanding examples of mountain fynbos and moist high forest. The site where gold was first discovered in RSA in the middle of the Knysna Forests. Explore old shafts in the forest nestled behind little water falls, listen to the famous loeries and then visit the old mining museum and original site the Millwood village.

Garden of Eden, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

The Garden of Eden in Harkeville Forest offers the visitor a chance to explore the moister forest tree species from the vantage point of a picturesque picnic spot.

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.

Koumanshoek Trail Mossel Bay is a Circular route.
Starting point: A stile next to a green gate opposite the picnic table in Robinson Pass.
End: The top of the Robinson Pass or back at the start.
Distance / Duration: 16,5 km / 7 hours.
Rating: Average.
Permit: None. Features include fynbos and small animals. Beautiful river trail with rich birdlife. Stunning coastal scenery, whale and dolphin watching.

The Starting Point is at Bat's Cave and ends in Dana Bay. The distance is 15 km one way. The duration 4 hrs. Rating is average, high cliffs on one side. No permit needed, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cape St Blaize Hiking Trail features coastal views with towering cliffs and rocks and a number of bays and coves.

Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is situated in Wilderness and enters the indigenous forest. Lots of birdlife and very scenic. Permits at SAN Parks offices and at Ebb & Flow.

Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail is situated close to Island Lake and enters the indigenous forest. This is a mild 2km walk to the waterfall. Lots of birdlife and very scenic with a fairy-like feel. Permits at SAN Parks offices.

Elephant Walk Knysna is a quick 600m walk just to stretch the legs. Here you'll find a 600 yr old "Real Yellow Wood" tree. Self issued permits at the start.