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Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

Plettenberg Bay is located in an are with many national parks and nature reserves.

Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route

A lovely seaside town in an area notable for its beaches and its reserves.

The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay, usually known just as Plett, is often considered to epitomise South Africa’s Garden Route, with pristine stretches of beach, plus lakes, mountains and rivers all within easy reach. In the area you’ll also find opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities, including the world’s highest bungee jump, a high-level canopy walk in the forest, and great whale-watching. Also nearby is the Robberg Nature Reserve, with its colony of Cape fur seals.

The Garden Route town of Plettenberg Bay, home to more than 50,000 people, stands on the rocky Robberg Peninsula right above the ocean. From this vantage point, there are great views of beaches, lagoons and the local indigenous forests.

Just a five-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay, the long, narrow Keurbooms Lagoon sits at the mouths of the Keurbooms and Bitou rivers, just before they flow into the ocean. The lagoon separates the centre of Plett from its dispersed northern suburb of Keurboomstrand. The area has a number of lovely beaches, including Central Beach, Robberg Beach, Robberg 5 and Keurboomstrand – at all of which you can organise activities.

Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

Trips visiting Garden Route | Plettenberg

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Itinerary image

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

US$3,100 - US$4,580 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

US$4,090 - US$7,590 per person

Itinerary image

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.

US$1,480 - US$2,030 per person

View all trips

Most recent reviews of our trips to Garden Route | Plettenberg

Click below to browse all 49 reviews from Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


98%
49 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
46
Good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr and Mrs A from UK

Arrived 22 Jul 2023, 15 nights

"My Jul 2023 trip"

"Lucy put together a fantastic itinerary... The children absolutely loved it all! …" Read Mr and Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T from Bangkok

Arrived 4 Apr 2023, 20 nights

"My Apr 2023 trip"

"This was our third trip with Expert Africa and we are always happy... …" Read Mr T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr & Mrs L from Lyndhurst

Arrived 25 Sep 2022, 15 nights

"My Sep 2022 trip"

"We had a wonderful trip. …" Read Dr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H from Middlesex

Arrived 4 Apr 2022, 17 nights

"My Apr 2022 trip"

"We had a truly wonderful holiday, especially appreciated after the postponements …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs G from Bucks

Arrived 26 Jan 2020, 20 nights

"Summary of our trip"

"Claire put together an excellent itinerary …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs H from Winchester

Arrived 11 Jan 2020, 14 nights

"South African Honeymoon 2020"

"We had a wonderful honeymoon in South Africa. …" Read Mr&Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs LP from SW London

Arrived 10 Oct 2019, 7 nights

"Expert Africa know their stuff"

"We were most impressed by the excellent advice...by Expert Africa …" Read Mr & Mrs LP’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms M from Isleworth

Arrived 14 Oct 2019, 22 nights

"My 70th Birthday celebratory tour"

"The country is fantastic, the animals were amazing but the people win my vote. …" Read Ms M ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Graham from Purley

Arrived 13 Aug 2019, 19 nights

"South Africa and Seychelles with a 4 year old"

"Thank you very much Lucy for such superb personal recommendations …" Read Graham’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr P & family from Dublin

Arrived 22 Jun 2019, 22 nights

"Family trip to SA in June/July 2019"

"We had a great time in SA. it is a truly beautiful and spectacular country. …" Read Mr P & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route reviews

Where to stay in Garden Route | Plettenberg

Our suggestions for places to stay in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route


The Plettenberg

The Plettenberg

The Plettenberg is a smart, beautifully designed hotel on the rocks of Plettenberg Bay. Within walking distance from the town centre, it offers stunning views and luxury accommodation.


95% (16 reviews)
Hunters Country House

Hunters Country House

Hunters Country House is a luxurious lodge in spacious grounds. It’s an ideal base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route and is a great choice for families and couples alike.


97% (13 reviews)
Southern Cross Beach House

Southern Cross Beach

The Southern Cross Beach House is a delightful beach front guest house overlooking the ocean at Plettenberg Bay.


86% (7 reviews)
Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge is a smart, romantic and exclusive lodge in a stunning forest location between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's Garden Route.


95% (4 reviews)
Emily Moon River Lodge

Emily Moon River Lodge

The quirky Emily Moon River Lodge lies in a peaceful spot overlooking the Bitou River near Plettenberg Bay and its nearby attractions.


93% (3 reviews)
Periwinkle Guest Lodge

Periwinkle Guest Lodge

A stylish beachy themed guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay and within walking distance to the beach, Periwinkle offers a relaxing and friendly stay for a few days.


87% (3 reviews)
Fynbos Ridge Country House

Fynbos Ridge

Fynbos Ridge is a small, owner-run guesthouse with a good environmental ethos. The accommodation is very comfortable and the location and views are exceptional.


100% (2 reviews)
Lairds Lodge

Lairds Lodge

Lairds Lodge is a comfortable owner-run guest house in a peaceful location in the heart of the Garden Route.


70% (2 reviews)

View all places

When to go to Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Garden Route | Plettenberg in South Africa


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

Map of Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route

Choices for where to stay in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route


Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route: Holidays


Showing 1-3 of 3
Name
Duration
Cost
Most popular
Itinerary image

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.

US$1,480 - US$2,030 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

US$3,100 - US$4,580 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

US$4,090 - US$7,590 per person

Showing 1-3 of 3

Best 8 hotels and places to stay in Plettenberg Bay

Listed below are our recommendations for nice places to stay in this region. Ask us for more details of what's likely to suit you best!


Showing 1-8 of 8
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
The Plettenberg

The Plettenberg

The Plettenberg is a smart, beautifully designed hotel on the rocks of Plettenberg Bay. Within walking distance from the town centre, it offers stunning views and luxury accommodation.


95% (16 reviews)
Hunters Country House

Hunters Country House

Hunters Country House is a luxurious lodge in spacious grounds. It’s an ideal base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route and is a great choice for families and couples alike.


97% (13 reviews)
Southern Cross Beach House

Southern Cross Beach

The Southern Cross Beach House is a delightful beach front guest house overlooking the ocean at Plettenberg Bay.


86% (7 reviews)
Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge is a smart, romantic and exclusive lodge in a stunning forest location between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's Garden Route.


95% (4 reviews)
Periwinkle Guest Lodge

Periwinkle Guest Lodge

A stylish beachy themed guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay and within walking distance to the beach, Periwinkle offers a relaxing and friendly stay for a few days.


87% (3 reviews)
Emily Moon River Lodge

Emily Moon River Lodge

The quirky Emily Moon River Lodge lies in a peaceful spot overlooking the Bitou River near Plettenberg Bay and its nearby attractions.


93% (3 reviews)
Fynbos Ridge Country House

Fynbos Ridge

Fynbos Ridge is a small, owner-run guesthouse with a good environmental ethos. The accommodation is very comfortable and the location and views are exceptional.


100% (2 reviews)
Lairds Lodge

Lairds Lodge

Lairds Lodge is a comfortable owner-run guest house in a peaceful location in the heart of the Garden Route.


70% (2 reviews)
Showing 1-3 of 8
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