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Keurbooms Strand, Plettenberg Bay

Overview
The upmarket holiday town of Plettenberg Bay, about 380 miles (600km) from Cape Town and 125 miles (200km) from Port Elizabeth, was originally called 'Bahia Formosa' (Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers, and it is still possible to see why, despite explosive development of luxury homes, hotels and a thriving town centre. The town - familiarly known as 'Plett' - is a favourite holiday destination for South Africans and foreigners alike with its unspoilt golden beaches, year-round Mediterranean climate, dramatic rocky Robberg Peninsula, and vibrant nightlife. The bay is a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whales, which arrive each winter and spring to calve.

Shopping
Plettenberg Bay shopping malls and a variety of shops provide everything that is needed by holidaymakers and shoppers, including clothing and speciality goods at several boutiques, arts, crafts, and antiques.

• Nice shopping, lots of touristy type shops, Market Square shopping, old Nick Village on the N2 has stunning arts and crafts (on the way towards Wilderness). : Steve and Cat...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Restaurants
There are plenty of dining opportunities in Plettenberg Bay, from beach pubs, bistros and deli's to five star cuisine and award-winning à la carte menus. Foodies will find Thai, Italian, fresh seafood, steak and a variety of other choices on offer.

• The Lookout Deck is still going, although now the view is very different. Great food, good seafood. I love the spur for good value for money and the steaks are good too. Enrico's is awesome, but it's ALWAYS busy so you have to book in advance. We once waited a couple of hours just to get a table there. But it's worth it. : Richard and Kristin...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Nightlife
Although Plett is a small town, nightlife is fairly lively, yet laidback, however the choices are somewhat limited. In summer most action takes place on or near the beach, beginning with sundowners in typical South African style at one of the beach bars, but there are a few vibrant pubs and clubs for later evening entertainment with pool tables, live music and dancing.

Activities
The surroundings of Plettenberg Bay provide a playground for sports enthusiasts and the list of activities is almost endless. Between July and December the bay is home to Southern Right Whales that come to calve in the protected waters. The lagoon and the bay itself are perfect for all sorts of watersports and activities including boat cruises and sailing, paddling, fishing, swimming, and scuba diving, while the beaches allow for long solitary walks and surfing. The mountains and forests offer a variety of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders on holiday. Plett's golf courses are also highly regarded and provide plenty of challenges. There are thirteen polo grounds in and around Plettenberg Bay; the best known is at Kurland (20 minutes outside the town, heading towards Port Elizabeth) where major polo tournaments take place over Christmas and Easter. Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve is only 2.5 miles (4km) outside Plettenberg Bay, and offers the chance to view wildlife including penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Southern Right Whales, and the occasional Great White Shark.

• Eveybody loves Old Nick village on the N2. It's been there for donkeys years and is a great place to stop off. Go swimming, chill on Robberg beach near the Beacon Isle, Keurbooms beach nearby is also nice. : Richard and Kristin...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Negatives
Plettenberg Bay is best avoided over the Christmas holiday period when prices are double, accommodation is impossible to find and everything gets very crowded.

Activities

Bungy jumping
The historic Bloukrans River Bridge at Storms River, situated on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, is the setting for the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, at 525ft (160m). The actual bridge is higher, but jumpers gain access to the arch support below the road by way of a specially designed walkway, which is a breathtaking experience in itself. The jump is operated by Kiwi Extreme who have more than 10 years experience in bungy jumping.