Other Hikes

The Plettenberg Bay region is surely home to one of the finest collections of hiking trails in the world. This is where the coastal platform narrows on the Garden Route , bringing the mountains near to the sea. Deep and ancient river gorges; evergreen forests; colourful fynbos and a spectacular stretch of coastline provide the ideal location for hiking enthusiasts.

There are a large variety of walks in this region ranging from under an hour to six days in duration.

Harkerville to Natures Valley

Harkerville to Natures Valley

KRANSHOEK COASTAL WALK

Grade: Fairly difficult Time: 2 hours or 5 hours Distance: 3 kms or 9 kms Features: Forests, pine plantation, fynbos, coastal escarpment, rocky beach. Permits: None. Please sign visitors book. Open 6am to 6 pm. The walk is in the Kruisfontein State Forest. The route begins near the map at the picnic site. Follow the white footprints painted on trees and rocks. Once on the beach look out for paths on your left which return to the parking area.

ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE

Grade: Easy to difficult Time: 45min, 2 hours or 4 hours Distance: 2.2kms, 5.6kms and 9.2kms Features: Coastal escarpments, geological highlights, fynbos, dolphins and whales. Permits: Obtained at entrance gate. The Robberg Peninsula has 3 circular trails. One can enjoy the large variety of coastal dune fynbos and rich marine life. The Informative Board describes the geological evolution of the Robberg. It is advisable to do this walk in cooler weather. Follow the “seal” markers.

MILKWOOD SCENIC TRAIL

Grade: Easy Time: 1 hour or 2 hours Distance: 3kms or 5 kms Features: Forest, beaches, wetlands, historical and scenic town sites. Permits: None. These routes can be started at any point along the trail. Follow the yellow footprints as the trail takes you past many historical and interesting sites. This unique trail highlights the ecological beauty within this town. En-route are various restaurants to stop for tea or lunch. For more indepth info on the trail, contact the Info Centre.

HIKERS PARADISE TRAIL

Grade: Easy to difficult Time: 45 min, 2hours, 3 hours or 4 Distance: 2 kms, 3.5 kms, 5 kms or 7 kms Features: Fynbos, rocky sea shores, coastal escarpment, tiergat with stalactites and stalagmites, spectacular views, dolphin & whale viewing. Permits: None. An entrance fee is payable at the entrance gate. The 4 circular trails are on a private farm. Only guided hikes are allowed. Please phone 044 533 1760 for reservations.

NATURES VALLEY NETWORK

Grade: Moderate to fairly difficult Features: Mountain scenery, fynbos, indigenous forest, optional equipment porterage, 2-6 days, 60kms Permits: Free. De Vasselot campsite. Maps and information can be obtained at the campsite. A special place of interest and beauty is the Salt River mouth. The Kalander Kloof trail has magnificent big yellowwood trees. This is a hiker’s and bird watcher’s paradise with its diversity of fauna and flora. Viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the coastline and distant mountains

STINKHOUTKLOOF TRAIL

Grade: Moderate Time: 3 hours Distance: 8.4kms Features: Pine plantations, forests, valleys and streams Permits: Sign book at forest station. Park at the Bloukrans Forest Station. The initial walk is along forest roads. The route crosses the N2 and winds through indigenous forest and river valleys lined with spectacular tree ferns. The paths are well marked with yellow footprints painted on rocks and trees.

STORMS RIVER MOUTH TRAILS

Grade: Easy to moderate Features: Forests, fynbos, caves, suspension bridge and rugged coast Permits: None. The Storm’s River mouth is 55kms from Plettenberg Bay. An entrance fee is payable at the entrance gate. There are four day walks, the Mouth trail (1km each way), the Waterfall trail (3kms each way), the Loerie trail (1,5km circular) and the Blue Duiker trail (5,5kms circular). Spectacular!