9 Best Things To Do In Plettenberg Bay, South Africa - Updated 2024

Li Anne
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 7 min read
things to do in plettenburg bay sa

Scroll down and find out about the top 9 things to do in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.

Are you on the search for something out of the ordinary to set your sights? Looking for an adventure into the wilds of nature, while tantalizing your senses in every way? Plettenberg Bay, situated in the Garden Route of South Africa, is the perfect destination for you, if adventure is what you seek. Here are some popular attractions and activities to get stuck in when visiting Plettenberg Bay.

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1. Enjoy paradise at the Birds of Eden

I just love the colours of this Macaw!

Posted by Monkeyland and Birds of Eden on Thursday, 9 February 2017


Have yourself a grand ol’ time when you stop by the Birds of Eden sanctuary and step foot inside the ‘largest single span free-flight aviary’ in the world. Spanning across a vast 2.3 hectares (6 acres) of forests and waterways, as well as boasting a further 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) of walkways, this bird sanctuary is unlike any other and is a must visit for sure. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that at Birds of Eden, there are at present well over 3500 birds in the sanctuary, boasting over 200 species of birds, some of which have recently been released into this free-flight aviary, having previously been caged.

Opening its doors to the public, daily from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., bird watching enthusiasts will no doubt have ample time to get well acquainted with the birds at Birds of Eden. Aside from the wealth of birds on display, in their natural habits, one is also able to experience what it is like to walk behind a waterfall, as well as being able to enjoy some light entertainment in the amphitheater that seats 200 visitors. At Birds of Eden, you’d be forgiven if you decided you wanted to stay to enjoy the freedom displayed by the birds; left in their elements, to flit and fly about as they so choose.

Birds of Eden sanctuary

Address: The Crags, 6602 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Website: Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary

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2. Seek out Adventureland

things to do in plettenburg bay sa | seek out adventureland
Source: instagram

Grab your towel, your sunglasses, your suntan lotion and your swimming suit and get ready for a day of maximum frolicking, sun tanning, running, sliding, and swimming in the warmth of the sun, when you head on over to Adventureland in Plettenberg Bay. This aquatic dreamscape, designed to get any child’s heart to flutter, is a great idea for birthday parties, as well as just about any day that you’d like to fill with memories of maximum fun times, the sunshine, and smiles. Set in a pristine estate that comprises 24 hectares (60 acres), there is ample space for visitors to enjoy the expansive lawns and the immaculate wooden decks.

Of course, you will only be able to enjoy this facility during the summer months. Following that, you can frequent Adventureland any day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Be sure to make your child’s holiday ideas come to fruition, and get yourselves over to Adventureland right away.

Adventureland

Address: N2 Harkerville, 6600 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Website: Adventureland

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3. Don't monkey about: Check out Monkeyland

Why do hours tick by so slowly on a Friday? Well waste an hour staring at this stunning Howler monkey!

Posted by Monkeyland and Birds of Eden on Thursday, 9 February 2017


Monkeyland is a world-first, in that it is the very first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. Not only are the primates cared for and given top priority at this 12-hectare (20-acre) forested sanctuary, but it is also where they are able to roam around freely and naturally. At Monkeyland, visitors are also given the added benefit of being able to take a monkey safari, otherwise known as a guided tour, of the sanctuary.

Having opened its doors to the public in 1998, Monkeyland has only succeeded in growing its popularity in the 19 years of operating. The fact that Monkeyland offers patrons the choice of enjoying a monkey safari conducted in the patrons’ very own language just adds that extra touch. That really goes a long way in terms of creating a lasting impression and experience.The multilingual tour guides offer German, French, Dutch and Spanish visitors a unique way to experience the sanctuary (in a foreign land), with all the neat bits of information, facts, and anecdotes not getting lost in translation.

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4. Have yourself a howling time at the wolf sanctuary

things to do in plettenburg bay sa | have yourself a howling time at the wolf sanctuary
Source: instagram


As you meander down the national road along the Garden Route, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find our next top thing to do. The Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary is a perfect destination if looking to spend some time with wolves. Here you’re able to observe this intriguing creature in a natural habitat.

There is also the option of exploring the sanctuary extensively with the assistance of the interactive tour. Led by experienced guides, you will be able to experience a close encounter with the wolves living in the wolf sanctuary. For 8 USD per person, plus an additional 6 USD for the guided tour, you’ll be able to experience the mysteries of this cunning animal, while traversing the ins and outs of the Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary.

Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary

Address: N2 National Road, 6600 Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, South Africa

Facebook: Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary

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5. Slither into snake territory at the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary



Gather the kids together, and head on over to the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary in Plettenberg. Lawnwood offers visitors hourly interactive tours, suitable for all ages and offers a home to over 100 snakes and other reptiles. Get on over to Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary and get acquainted with the snakes, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and more. It’s definitely worth the gander.

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary

Address: Just off the N2, The Crags, 6602 Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Website: Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary

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6. Explore the finest wines and vineyards with Plett Wine Tours

Posted by Plett Wine Tours on Thursday, 20 October 2016


For tailor-made wine tours, into the heart of Plettenberg Bay’s vineyards, and an experience that can only be described as luxurious, Plett Wine Tours is the way to go. Offering guests a great service of discovery, adventure and fine wining and dining, Plett Wine Tours is a must do when in Plettenberg Bay. Wine connoisseurs and any individual interested in viticulture will be pleased to know that Plett Wine Tours has on offer educational tours, where the entire process of wine-making is showcased and integrated into the interactive tour.

Each knowledgeable guide or wine escort is able to provide ample information about each vineyard visited and location in general, as well as endeavoring to offer guests the luxury experience that PWT has become synonymous with. Plett Wine Tours has a rather direct motto: “You do the drinking, we’ll do the driving.” It’s straightforward and to-the-point, and we like that. We couldn’t think of a better way to explore, unwind, get educated and soak up the pristine surrounds.

Plett Wine Tours

Address: Airport Road, 6600 Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Website: Plett Wine Tours

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7. Go Exploring in the Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park

Stu Cooper / www.goinghomeless.co.za

Posted by Tsitsikamma on Thursday, 18 October 2012


A trip to Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route, in the Western Cape of South Africa, would be incomplete if you missed out on an adventure into the Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park. Tsitsikamma is taken from the indigenous Khoisan language, where ‘tse-tsesa’ means 'clear’ and 'gami’ means 'water.’ Therefore this region where we find the Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park was referred to by South Africa’s indigenous people (the Khoikhoi) as a continuation of the Tsitsikamma River (the clear water). other translations include: “place of much water” and “waters begin.”

Spend some time in this oasis of indigenous forestation, boasting ancient trees, while traipsing the pristine coastlines and traversing the famous Otto Trail. All is possible at the Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park. Activities to be enjoyed at the Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park include and are not limited to the Bloukrans Bungee (highest commercial bridge bungee jump), Hod Hollow Horse Trails, Segway Tours through the forest, hiking trails, walking trails and more.

Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park

Address: 6308 Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

Website: Tsitsikamma Forest and National Park

Tip from tour guide

Tsitsikamma

Walk the suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth at the Tsitsikamma National Park during a Garden Route tour.

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8. Set adrift and go canoeing into the heart of the Crags

Canoeing In Style
Source: Pexels

Set your sights on another great adventure day! This time you’ll be setting the course to follow the route to The Crags, where a day of canoeing is in order. Situated between Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley, The Crags is a great hub of tantalizing outdoor activities, nature reserves, and educational stop-overs. Should you wish to follow the well-traversed canoe trail along the Keurbooms River, it is quite simple to find. All you need to do is locate the Keurbooms River Bridge; just under the bridge, you’ll find the canoe and small boats’ launch spot. It is here that you will be able to launch your canoe into the river.

Following the Keurbooms River along its mountainous side, you’ll find a river gorge, making this particular part of the canoeing course along the Keurbooms quite starkly different to that of the course along the Keurbooms Estuary, which of course showcases the more beach landscaped surrounds. Don’t worry about missing out on any adventure. No matter the direction you decide to traverse, either way, you’re bound to be in for a treat, with either a fish eagles’ call to sweeten the day, or if you’re particularly lucky, you may even get to see the colorful plumage of the Knysna Loerie.

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9. Stretch your mind and limbs at Plett Puzzle Park


Now for something quite out of the ordinary, in fact, we could go so far as to say that this next top pick, is extraordinary indeed. Looking for a place that encourages guests to stretch their limbs, their minds, and their fun spectrums? Plett’s Puzzle Park is the exact place for that. Plett Puzzle Park offers the following to all visitors, daily between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Take a walk down the path that is known as the Forest Puzzle Walk. Use your navigational skills to puzzle your way back again. Next, you can get lost in the Amazing 3D Maze, a life-sized puzzle with a twist. Don’t expect anything less than giggles, laughs and good times aplenty.

Plett Puzzle Park

Address: N2 Highway, 6600 Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Website: Plett Puzzle Park

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Exploring Plettenberg Bay all the more

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Plettenberg Bay
Source: Pixabay

Following this brief ‘things to do’ guide for Plettenberg Bay is a good way to get yourself acquainted with the lay of the land, as it were, as you’ll find that most places of interest and attractions are situated in and around each other.

A perfect testament to the fact that Plett is a great, quaint beach town in the Western Cape of South Africa, with so much character, so many breath-taking vistas and surrounds, that one could opt to visit Plettenberg Bay time and time again - and yet never tire of it’s beauty continuous.

Perhaps not one or even two visits to Plett will suffice - you may find yourself coming back for more and more.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Li-Anne McGregor is a seasoned wordsmith and traveler. Constantly on a quest to capture the vivid imagery and diverse landscapes she encounters, she wields words like vibrant colors, tones,...Read more

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