For all those nature lovers and hikers - Plett has a lot to offer. Stanley Island is situated in the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range. There are tons of hikes from view points to round trails. Here are some of our favourites and some tips to go along with.
ROBBERG HIKE | PLETTENBERG BAY
If you in Plett - you need to at least visit Robberg Beach to get the iconic photo of the jutting rock. Maybe even have sundowners on Robberg? It is known as a World Heritage site.
There are many different trails to explore to get the iconic view of the wild ocean, the seal colony and maybe a great white shark or two.
THE GAP | 2 KM | EASY
This is a circular walk along the the boardwalk - you will be able to extend it and walk down to the beach or visit the cave.
THE POINT | 11 KM | EASY TO MODERATE
Duration : 2 - 3 hours
This route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula Enjoy walking along the Robberg cliffs overlooking the ocean and the cape seal colony. Continue to the point where you can experience the wild ocean breaking along the rocks near the Shack where you will be able to find the boardwalk which will take you to the desolate beach. Enjoy some time exploring the beach and the island. From there you will pass the cave and head back onto the boardwalk to the car park.
THE WITSAND DUNE | 4 KM | EASY TO MODERATE
This is a shorter circular route where you follow the same route at the point but when you get to the large sand dune area you will make your way down towards the ocean.
SOME USEFUL TIPS
Entry Tariff
Since Robberg is a part of Cape Natures Reserve. So they do charge a small fee. If you have a local wild card - you can enter for free. Please check the link here.
Offline Maps
AllTrails App and Website consists of very accurate description and maps of various hikes in South Africa and surroundings. Please check here for the Robberg Hike Trail .
Useful Blogs
Garden Route Adventures provides a great write up for Robberg Hike and all you need to know. It also a great platform if you looking do other outdoor activities in the Garden Route.
SALT RIVER | NATURES VALLEY
A definite must if you have time and fancy a walk and a swim. Natures Valley is about 20 minute drive from Stanley Island. Enjoy the spectacular (yet windy) pass into the small town of Natures Valley. You will find yourself situated in the beautiful natural forests.
Park you car at the only shop in town. And start your trek to Salt River. There are a few trails you can follow - the beauty of it is: you can make a loop of it.
SALT RIVER MOUTH TRAIL | 3.7 KM LOOP | EASY TO MODERATE
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Start your walk on the sandy beach and continue along the coast line. Please make sure to check the tide as the tide can determine the difficulty of the slippery rocks. Thankfully, it is well marked and the view of Salt River is spectacular. Alternatively, you can follow the sign route into the forest that will take you to the same location. Spend the day where the ocean meets the river - either sun bathing, snorkelling or skipping rocks. The trail is well marked. You will know when you have reached your destination when you get to the panoramic view of the river mouth. Enjoy a picnic or dip in the salty river before continuing. Either walk the same way back or make your way into the forest.
SOME USEFUL TIPS
Offline Maps
Check out the AllTrail Map here and read the comments to get a better understanding of the hike.
Stray Along The Way has a google map that you can download.
Useful Blogs
Stray Along The Way has a detailed guide written up about the Salt River hike.
ALKANTMOOI HIKING AREA | KEURBOOMS
If you searching for a quick brisk walk with a view of the beauty of Plett. Hop off the ferry and explore the surrounding mountain range. Once you pass the Cape Nature Boom continue up the dirt road (a quick uphill climb) until you get to a gate where you continue pass the gate and walk into the pine forests.
ALKANTMOOI TRAIL | 3.3 KM | EASY
This is a mountain bike route that allows you to explore the Keurbooms River and Tsitsikamma Mountain Range.
SOME USEFUL TIPS
Offline Maps
Check Trail Forks to see the different routes and map.
WATERFALL HIKE | TSITIKAMMA AREA
Just under an hour drive away from Stanley Island you will find yourself in and amongst the Tsitsikamma area that is fill of lush forest and coastal scenery. Enjoy exploring the National Tsitsikamma Reserve (Garden Route National Park) that has so much to offer. The Nature Reserve has some really beautiful walks.
Waterfall Hike | Tsitsikamma National Park |3 km Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chasing waterfalls? This is apart of the first day of the Otter Trail. This is a 3 km hike that follows the coastline until you get to the waterfall. Bring your costume and some snacks.
Starting point: Storm River Rest Camp
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE HIKES | BLOGS:
The Hiking Chronicles that gives a nice description of the overall hike.
AllTrail is a great source for information and provides a detailed map.
An alternative source is Ostrich Trails.
If you would like to know more about Tsitsikamma National Park - read this blog.
CATHEDRAL ROCK WALK | KEURBOOMS BEACH
This is a short walk along the Keurbooms beach.
CATHEDRAL ROCK WALK| 2.7 KM | EASY - MODERATE
The starting point is by the famous En Rico parking lot. It is important to check the tide to determine which path you would like to take. The first path is to go along the beach and through the rocks and continue through a rock passageway to the other side which will take you to a small lagoon. You will then cross the lagoon of the Matjies River and will come to the majestic Cathedral Rock. You can take the same path back or if the tide is too high or searching for a loop you can return via the high water trail. Head towards the rocks of the river's edge where a sign says "exit" which will then take you up log steps.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE HIKES
Blogs
Check out Cape Hike Blog which gives an insightful write up.
Offline Maps
Check out the AllTrail Map for a longer version of the hike.
WHAT TO PACK - HIKING CHECK LIST
Here is a list of goodies that you should think about when hiking:
Cozzie (Costume/Bathing suit)
There is always a perfect spot for a dip and insta-worthy photo.
Hat or Cap
Towel or Sarong
Sunglasses
Suncream
Water
Hoodie or top
Good hiking shoes
Pre-Saved Routes or Maps
Snacks
If you searching for a short walk - why not explore our short trail on Stanley Island! Immerse yourself in nature and maybe bump into our famous dazzle of zebras.
Check out our bird and mammal list here - see how many you can tick off...
Comments