Activities
A paradise for eco-enthusiasts, bird watchers, fun lovers and solitude seekers alike the
Garden Route is without question one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations
during summer, and during the winter months a tranquil retreat, both seasons equally
delightful thanks to the area's largely Mediterranean climate.
On Bellamanga Estate you'll find several activity alternatives
- the Estate boasts
endless hiking and walking trails where you'll be sure to spot numerous small game and bird
species while the large dam in its restful forest setting offers an ideal opportunity to
enjoy some excellent bass fishing. We practice a catch and release code, fishing rods are on
hand for hire.
And for those who wish to further explore the Estate, quad bikes are available for hire
as are mountain bikes for the more energetic.
Guests will be spoilt for choice with the countless activities that the surrounding area
has to offer - from a visit to the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, mountain biking, fishing,
whale and dolphin watching or rafting to Treetop Canopy tours and bungy jumping at Storms
River, the options are endless.
The Elephant Sanctuary in The Crags near Plettenberg Bay offers an Elephant Experience
of a lifetime, specializing in up close and personal educational tours. As the focus is on
interaction visitors not only learn fascinating facts about the elephants but also get to
touch, feed, walk trunk-in-hand with and even ride these magnificent animals.
Monkeyland is the world's only multi-specie, free roaming primate sanctuary home to
numerous and varied species from several continents which were captive-bred prior to their
release. Situated 16 km east of Plett, Monkeyland offers tours guided by professional
rangers.
Birds of Eden is the Garden Route's very own world class free flight bird sanctuary. The
unique two hectare dome (the world's largest) spans a gorge of indigenous forest and has the
ability to synthesise thunder and create short spells of rain from an irrigation system in
the dome structure, simulating the necessary climatic conditions.
For keen equestrians there are a number of options - Equitrailing offers horseback trails
through the forest, horse back safaris can be enjoyed at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, and
beach rides are on offer at Central Beach.
Whale and dolphin watching in Season (June through November) are a must do
- this is
where the cold and warm currents of the Indian Ocean meet and merge, the result a Bay
unparalleled in biodiversity. Boats depart from Central Beach throughout the day, get on
board to experience an uncommon richness of marine life.
The Garden Route is home to three of South Africa's most highly rated hiking trails, the
Otter, Tsitsikamma and Dolphin Trails. Unlimited shorter walks abound in the area with
Robberg being the most popular, alternative walks include Kranshoek, Garden of Eden,
Nature's Valley, Wittedrift, Milkwood Trail and a mildly strenuous 2 day hike up
Olifantskloof Gorge.
For the wildlife enthusiast game drives can be enjoyed at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve;
this exclusive reserve offers 1300 hectares of indigenous beauty just minutes away from
Plettenberg Bay. Take a two hour game drive and view the large variety of wildlife up close
from an open game drive vehicle. Excellent game viewing is also possible at Buffalo Hills
Game Reserve where during a game drive you could expect to see rhino, leopard, giraffe,
zebra, buffalo and kudu amongst others, and more than 150 species of birds.
Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a truly unique Wildcat Experience. Participate
in a guided tour to meet the captive-bred felines living in a semi-natural environment. At
Tenikwa the animals speak for those who have no say - learn about their struggle for
survival in the wild.
A mere 5 km east of Plett lies the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve stretching
approximately 6 km upriver, join a ferry trip with Keurbooms River Ferry and Angling Club to
experience the beauty of the reserve or hire a powered boat from the Angling Club and
explore the river at your own pace. Canoes are also for hire, the two day Keurbooms Canoe
Trail is an easy 7 km flatwater experience with the fully equipped Whiskey Creek hut which
sleeps 10 people at the turn-around point.
Deep sea fishing and river fishing adventures, as well as ocean or river kayaking are
further options. PADI Scuba Dive courses are available, as is recreational diving and
snorkelling.
The Bay is an excellent venue for sailing, surfing, wave skiing and of course simply
lounging in the sun, and a sunset cruise the perfect way to end the day.
For the fishermen good rock angling sites include Nature's Valley, Keurbooms, Lookout
Rocks, Beacon Island and Robberg Beach where you can expect to catch Galjoen, Elf, Roman or
Steenbras. Deep sea anglers may expect to hook Tuna, Leervis, Hake and Calamari (seasonal).
Adopting the Tag and Release System is a prerequisite.
Plett has become well-known as the polo mecca of South Africa, the world-renown Kurland
is an easy drive away, as is Stonefield. Tournaments are played during Easter, December and
January with practice sessions and lessons ongoing throughout the year.
For Mountain Bike enthusiasts the Harkerville Cycle Route is the most popular, permits
and maps are available. There is also a mountain biking route at Storms River, and closer to
Knysna you'll find the Diepwalle Forest Cycle Route.
Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tours is a truly unique experience - a new world unfolds
before you as you start your tour gliding from the launch platform to the first tree
platform. Tours are guided to ensure safety.
For the more adventurous the highest commercial bungi jump in the world is a 45 minute
drive away at Bloukrans River Bridge, the height 216 metres with a 7 second freefall ...
Golfers will delight in the number of the country's top golf courses which are in close
proximity, among these Simola, Pezula, Fancourt, Goose Valley, Plettenberg Bay Country Club
and Oubaai.
Enjoy a relaxing scenic drive or day trip in the area
- the Knysna Heads speak for
themselves, Kranshoek picnic site presents magnificent views overlooking the cliffs and sea
while the Garden of Eden has a picnic site and a gentle walk to view the well known Big
Tree.
A drive along the historical Prince Alfred Pass proffers stunning mountain views and a
drive along the unique Bloukrans Pass takes you through awe-inspiring indigenous forests
toward Nature's Valley.