Plettenberg Bay and Knysna are towns on South Africa’s famed Garden Route that attract jet-setter tourists, adventurers, and their dogs.
The Keurbooms River (named after a native tree) flows from the mountains down to the coast and forms a tranquil lagoon that is popular with fishermen, swimmers, sun-bathers, and dog walkers.
Plettenberg Bay, on the South African “Garden Route” is a premier tourist destination. The town is elegant, vibey, and attracts young jet-setters and wealthy retirees to its pristine beaches, scenic wilderness, and breathtaking Robberg peninsula.
The Robberg Nature Reserve is iconic and a world-heritage site. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trails – and frankly, it is probably a bit dangerous for them. But a visit here is a must! You may even catch the Robberg Express – a very large great white shark that cruises the bay. The Nature Reserve is steeped in history from the Stone Age, and contains a wealth of native flora and fauna.
Knysna is a short drive east on the Garden Route from Plettenberg Bay. The Knysna Heads are iconic, rugged, Sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna lagoon from the Indian Ocean.
Knysna has a slightly wilder feel to it and the home to fabulous golf courses, local beer (we spent many epic hours and $ at Mitchell’s), and the magnificent Knysna Heads.
Thoughts and Things
For world-class beaches, ocean-hugging highways, and mile after mile of indigenous forest hiding waterfalls, hiking trails and small villages rich in culture the Garden Route is unrivaled. To get a better feel it is worth paging through a travel guide. This area is not like you see anywhere else in the world. The Rough Guide to Cape Town, The Winelands and the Garden Route is a good option.