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Portuguese sailors named it Bahia Formosa, meaning Beautiful Bay. This was too exotic for subsequent settlers who renamed it Plettenberg Bay. But the latest name had far too many syllables for subsequent locals who, to today, call their seaside town 'Plett'.
The posh town lies in the heart of the Garden Route against the backdrop of the Tsitsikamma and Langkloof Mountains while the town itself is spread across the shoreline of the Indian Ocean and Keurbooms River mouth. Plett (as it is affectionately known) has blossomed since its waters were first chartered by the Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias in the late-fifteenth century. Today, it is a popular coastal retreat frequented by young and old alike.
The nearby Tsitsikamma Forest is renowned for its magnificent hiking trails, which are best explored on the Otter Trail. The summer months see Plett become a booming hub of activity with visitors strewn across its beaches while its restaurants and select few wine farms fill with chatter, topped off by a rowdy nightlife that will suit visitors of all ages.
The Robberg Peninsula is home to a large breeding colony of Cape fur seals and the surrounding area is likely to bring sights of dolphins, whales, and sharks. The peninsula itself offers an incredible hike along its rocky outline and the beaches in the region are renowned for hidden pansy shells. Thrill-seekers will be pleased to know the world’s highest bungee jump is a short half-hour drive from Plett.
Plettenberg Bay Highlights
- Visitors can access Plett via George airport (1.5hr drive), PE airport (2.5hr drive), and Plett airport (5min drive)
- An array of exciting attractions including the highest bungee jump in the world, Tsitsikamma National Park, Birds of Eden, and the Robberg trail
- The summer months are excellent for dolphin spotting while the winter months see the waters populated with whales
- Plett is home to excellent beaches, hiking trails, and a number of other outdoor activities
Best time to go
Plettenberg Bay
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Frequently Asked Questions
We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Plettenberg Bay
As a self-drive destination, how you spend your time depends on what you're after. Here's a rough guide.
Two weeks or moreTwo weeks is ideal for covering the route in both directions: from Cape Town along Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, then the coast through Plettenberg Bay to an Eastern Cape safari, before returning via Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and the Whale Route.
One week or more
One week can work well if you prefer to linger in the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay with a wildlife finale. We'd suggest flying out from Port Elizabeth to save time.
Three to four nights
We generally recommend a minimum of three full nights on the route itself. A guided tour is usually the better option here. It takes the stress out of driving and lets you see more in less time.
Less than two nights
This isn't quite enough time to do the route justice. We'd suggest a shorter stay in Hermanus or the Winelands instead, since the Garden Route rewards a slower pace.
For warm beach weather, travel between November and March. For whale watching, July to November is best. Winter, from May to August, brings fewer visitors, cool evenings, and some of the most atmospheric light through the forests.
Most Garden Route road trips head east from Cape Town along the N2 towards Mossel Bay and Knysna. Hermanus sits off this route, reached by leaving the N2 and joining the R43. Domestic flights connect Cape Town with George Airport (the main gateway to the coastal towns) and Port Elizabeth (for the Eastern Cape safari end), which lets you fly into one point and drive out from the other.
Yes. The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most popular self-drive journeys. That said, road quality can vary in places, and we strongly recommend avoiding night driving. Our Travel Experts can arrange private transfers, a private guide and vehicle, or a combination of self-drive and guided sections depending on your route.
You can do either. Self-drive gives you flexibility and the freedom to stop when something catches your eye. A private guide gives you local insight, smoother logistics, and no need to think about routing or timing. Many of our guests choose a combination: self-driving the coastal section and switching to private guiding for the Eastern Cape safari.
This depends on your interests and travel style. Hermanus is the whale-watching anchor, especially between July and November when southern right whales can often be seen from the clifftop path. Knysna works well for lagoon activities, forest walks, and The Heads, while Plettenberg Bay is excellent for beach time, hiking in Robberg Nature Reserve, and a more polished coastal stay.
Tsitsikamma National Park brings more forest-and-ocean drama, but with no shortage of adventure activities. Oudtshoorn adds the inland contrast of the Klein Karoo, Cango Caves, Route 62, and wide, dry landscapes that feel very different from the coast. The Eastern Cape reserves give the route its Big 5 safari finish.You don’t need to include every stop for the journey to work. In fact, the Garden Route is often better when it’s edited with some confidence. Your Travel Expert will shape the route around your time, interests and pace, rather than forcing the entire map into one trip.
Yes, and we recommend it. Beyond the Garden Route proper, the Eastern Cape offers a natural safari finish, where Addo Elephant National Park and private reserves offer Big 5 luxury safaris, making the route a logical connector between Cape Town and a wildlife reserve.
Yes, the entire Garden Route is malaria-free, including the Eastern Cape luxury safari reserves at the route's eastern end. This makes it a strong choice for families with young children, pregnant guests, or anyone wishing to avoid South Africa’s malaria-risk regions.
The Garden Route is one of South Africa's most family-friendly journeys: malaria-free, a breeze to self-drive, and packed with activities suited to a wide age range, from beaches and lagoon kayaking to forest walks and Big 5 luxury safaris. Plus, several Eastern Cape reserves at the route's end offer dedicated children's programmes.
Where you stay depends on the kind of journey you have in mind. Knysna works well for lagoon views and a central position. Plettenberg Bay suits beach time, Robberg Nature Reserve hikes, and a more polished coastal stay. Tsitsikamma National Park is best for forest and outdoor activity, while the Eastern Cape reserves are the natural choice for a safari finale.
Our Travel Experts will recommend accommodation around your travel style and who you’re travelling with, whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family journey, a coastal road-trip, or simply a South Africa holiday that ends on safari.
