Hiking the Robberg Peninsula is rated as one of the top things to do in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. and having done it we can see why. Given we like to hike, particularly amongst stunning scenery, this was a definite for us. There is a choice of three walks – short, medium and long. We chose the medium length walk, approximately 6 kilometres in length. This hike had us climbing up and down the rocky coastline, took us past a huge seal colony, and had us climbing and descending a massive sand dune in the centre of the peninsula.
The first half of the hike took us from the mainland out towards the point of the peninsula. Here we were hiking along the northern side of the peninsula. Initially the hiking here was rather easy, along well marked trails and at times on boardwalk-paths, but it soon became more challenging. We climbed steadily along a rocky path right on the edge of the cliff! This type of hike is just what the boys love. They love rock scrambling and climbing up the steep, rocky faces of the cliffs. To them this makes a fun and interesting hike.
Along this portion of the hike we spotted the seal colony on the rocks and in the sea below us. There were so many seals, the biggest colony we’ve ever seen. Some were splashing about in the surf, others lazing around in the water and some sunning themselves on the rocks.
We arrived at Whitsand, a giant sand dune stretching up and down both sides of the peninsula. It was here that we stopped for lunch with great views out to sea. A healthy lunch of pies and sausage rolls!
From here we hiked down the sand dune to the other side of the peninsula. This part of the hike provided us with the most amazing views down to a beautiful beach and smaller rocky headland.
Finally, with our shoes full of sand, we made it to the beach. This is such a gorgeous place. There were a few other walkers around but very few really. We had this spectacular beach almost to ourselves..!
We climbed up the small island that overlooks the beach and Robberg Peninsula. Yet more amazing views.
From the beach we hiked the southern side of the peninsula back to our car. Here we were scrambling over rocks right at the sea shore.
The hike took us about three hours, including lunch on the dune and lots of photographs. This is a wonderful hike. The boys really loved it. It was just enough of a challenge and we all loved the short sections of rock scrambling and dune walking. For anyone planning to visit Plettenberg Bay or Knysna on the Garden Route, make sure you do this hike. You’ll love it.
See Also: Climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town with Kids
WHERE WE STAYED
For three nights we stayed in the Panorama Lodge in Knysna, on the Garden Route. The Panorama Lodge is a bed and breakfast facility with spectacular views over Knysna lagoon. We stayed in their new garden chalets which were really well equipped and contains lots of personal touches not found in many B&B’s. Our hosts, Dieter and Tina, were pleasant and really helpful with recommendations of what to do. Every morning we were served a delicious breakfast outside on the terrace. The lodge makes a great place to stay for families.
