This Reserve is our favourite place in the entire Garden Route! We just had such an incredible experience and couldn’t wait to share our why and how with you >> so here is our Robberg Nature Reserve Travel Guide.
The reserve is a World Heritage Site.
What to do in Robberg Nature Reserve
Trail walking or running to all the viewpoints
We woke up super early, threw a flask of coffee, some rusks and our swimming costumes into a backpack and headed off to the reserve. Getting to the gate as it opened allowed us enjoy the experience without the crowds or the sun. We took the trail from the carpark directly to the island. The pathway is rocky, sandy and often wobbly so proper trail shoes are a must.
There are three circular routes (see map above):
Gap Circuit: 2.1kms
Witsand Circuit: 5.5kms
Point Circuit: 9.2kms
Sunset braai / picnic with friends or family
As you enter the Cape Nature gate to Robberg Nature Reserve you will find the braai spots just across from the parking lot.
These designated braai/picnic areas come with tables, braai facilities, water points, bins and incredible sunset views across the ocean.
Fees & Times: You will pay R50 per adult conservation fee at the gate (unless you have a Wild Card), which opens at 08:00 to 20:00 (1 October – 30 April) and 8:00 to 18:00 (1 May to 31 September).
We took a quick walk further down from the braai area towards the island. Even though the view of the island was in the opposite direction of the sunset, the sky still lit up with pink hazy clouds in literally all directions!
Beach day on the tombolo
The split in the beach that connects the main reserve to the island is called the tombolo. That is where you want to be! The sand feels like velvet under your feet and the protected sea on either side is warm and often turquoise (depending on the sunshine).
After exploring all the views from up on the island as well as from the huge sand dune on the mainland, we settled down on the beach for a salty morning swim. Our swim was something out of an island postcard but the water and currents can get rough so be careful!
We would’ve stayed for hours if the tasty eggs benedict at our lodge wasn’t calling our names ;). Perhaps pack some food with or ask your hotel to pack you a picnic basket breakfast.
Morning wildlife walks
While on the beach we encountered a local seal sunbathing on the shore. This uncrowded reserve is the perfect spot to completely immerse yourself in nature. Dassies peak out through the rocks, dolphins swim past along the cliffside trails and the birdlife is everywhere.
Keep an eye out for the local kelp gulls, the rare and tiny blue duiker antelopes and the Southern Right Whales which can be spotted during season (June to November).
When to go exploring
Robberg Nature Reserve is located 8kms South of Plettenberg Bay and belongs to Cape Nature. The views in our opinion are the biggest draw card and so you can go any time during the year. In Summer you can swim but in Winter there will be less tourists so really it should be part of your Plett Itinerary either way.
Luxury Accommodation near Robberg Nature Reserve
Our favourite time to visit the reserve is first thing in the morning – so staying close by is our top recommendation!
Welcome to Christiana Lodge
We stayed at Christiana Lodge which is a 5 minute walk or a 10 minute drive away from the reserve gate, located on Solar Beach.
Our favourite feature had to be their gorgeous oval swimming pool.
View our top things to do and see in Plettenberg Bay!!
Or visit our South Africa page for all our favourite travel recommendations.
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