Robberg Nature Reserve (CapeNature)

Robberg in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Robberg Nature Reserve World Heritage Site

Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most important and iconic experiences in Plettenberg Bay. Located along the Garden Route in the Western Cape, this popular experience is one of Plett’s most unique areas to visit while here on holiday.

It is one of the most recognisable and traversed peninsulas in the world. The beauty of Robberg Nature Reserve is iconic and if you happen to find yourself in the area of Plettenberg Bay, you absolutely must visit. A World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts, Robberg attracts visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses.

Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery. This experience is unlike any other coastal encounter. The history of this place and the animal kingdom is otherworldly and once you have been, you are likely to return again and again.

The island adjacent to the peninsula is filled with lizards soaking up the sun and below, the waves crash against the rocks propelling rainbows of water spray into the air. The eastern side of the reserve gets the hot sun blazing down upon it, so lots of seals and dassies have made this side their home.

On a clear day you are likely to spot the ‘Robberg Express’, a very large great white shark, slowly making its way around the bay. Walk the whole way and you will reach a beautiful sand dune which leads to the western side of the reserve. This is the ‘wild side’ and its beauty is rugged and spectacular. Robberg is rumored to be one of the only places in the world to view great white sharks, from land, in their natural habitat.

As a national monument, it is steeped in history with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula. Visitors can find out more at the Nelson Bay Cave interpretive centre.

An overnight hut is available for those who want to spend more time on this beautiful reserve. Visit CapeNature to book this one-of-a-kind accommodation and for more information about Robberg.

How to get there

From Cape Town: Take the N2 highway towards Plettenberg Bay. On approaching, take the Piesang Valley turn-off. Follow for 3km until you get to Robberg Road. Continue for 4kms towards the Plettenberg Airport. Turn left at the “Robberg” sign and continue until you reach the entrance gate.

GPS Co-ordinates: 34 06 15.30 S 23 23 31.56 E