Robberg Nature Reserve-Hiking Trails Plettenberg Bay

Description:

Robberg Peninsula in Plettenberg Bay is a Nature Reserve that offers great walking and hiking trails and is an excellent site for whale and dolphin sightings. There are a choice of three circular routes of increasing difficulty and distance. Some highlight features of a visit here include spotting the rare blue duiker, the Western Cape’s smallest antelope; walking alongside one of the seven climbing-falling dunes on the Cape coastline; and viewing the highest navigational light on the South African coastline, at the Cape Seal Lighthouse (146m above sea level).

The reserve also extends 1.8km offshore, providing protection to a range of vulnerable fish species. Visitors can expect inspiring landscapes, exciting dolphin and whale sightings in season, and to be accompanied on their walks or hikes by a variety of bird species and the occasional seal. An overnight hut is available for those who want to spend more time on this beautiful reserve.

Hiking and Walking:

The three circular routes on offer vary in terms of distance and difficulty. Regardless of the route, visitors must always wear hiking shoes, sunblock and hats. Water and warm clothing is essential, as the weather can change suddenly. The three trails on offer range in time from a 30-minute stroll to a four-hour hike. All offer fantastic views, brisk sea air and sightings of the birds of the peninsula. Help us protect nature No littering/no pets/no fires except at designated spots/no fishing without a permit. Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations.

Trail preparation:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
• Do not hike alone.
• Carry enough food and water with you.
• Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
• Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
• Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
• Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
• Obey all signage.
• Stay in a group and on the trails.

Gap Circuit Trail distance: 2.1km Estimated time: 30 minutes The shortest and easiest route that heads straight into a mudstone cleft, which has evidence of the prehistoric break-up of Gondwanaland 120 million years ago. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong.

Witsand Circuit Trail distance: 5.5km Estimated time: 2 hours The trail leads along the northern ridge of the peninsula and onto the wind-shadow of the climbing-falling dune, before heading down to the tombolo and boardwalk. Hikers will pass above the resident seal colony along the way and encounter a colony of kelp gulls at the end of the trail.

Point Circuit Trail distance: 9.2km Estimated time: 4 hours This is a fairly strenuous walk and not recommended for young children. The trail heads up the north ridge to the Point and then back along the southern rocky shoreline. A highlight is encountering the hundreds of gannets, cormorants and terns at the Point.

Other activities:

Angling: This is a protected marine reserve – only rock and surf angling are allowed. Fishing from boats, spear fishing and bait collecting is forbidden. Permits must be obtained prior to arrival from Marine and Coastal Management permit providers, for example, post offices.

Bird Watching: Robberg has a seagull nursery of kelp gulls. The success of this initiative has been greatly improved by the moving of boardwalks away from their nesting areas. Visitors should take care not to disturb these birds when on walks and hikes around the peninsula.

Picnicking: There are three viewing decks on the reserve with picnic facilities. Water points are available at all three sites. Visitors should not feed animals or birds.

Whale Watching: Southern right whales can be observed from the reserve during the breeding and calving months from June to November. Those that want to get closer to these majestic animals can sign up for private charters.

Swimming: It is possible to swim in the ocean; however, there are strong currents and visitors must take care. Children should not be allowed to swim unsupervised.

How to get there:

From Cape Town: Take the N2 highway towards Plettenberg Bay. On approaching, take the Piesang Valley turn-off. Follow for 3km until you get to Robberg Road. Continue for 4kms towards the Plettenberg Airport. Turn left at the “Robberg” sign and continue until you reach the entrance gate.

Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay is most definitely a breath taking activity worth doing and has one of the best hiking trails!

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