Launch of The Plett Trail 

The launch of The Plett Trail was held at the Emily Moon River Lodge on the evening of the 8th October, with some 60 invited guests in attendance.

Peter Wallington, the Chairman of Plett Tourism opened proceedings with a welcome to all guests and the statement that the Plett Trail was a significant step forward in addressing the seasonality of the Plett tourism calender.

This was followed by a presentation by Grahame Thomson who gave a detailed overview of the trail, its unique attributes and various operating modules.

Julie Carlisle of the Bitou Foundation ended formal proceedings with a presentation on the Plett Birding Route and the proposed bird hides which are to be developed in the Bitou wetlands.

 

 

What is the Plett Trail?

The Plett Trail, a 8 night 9 day exploration of the rugged coastline and spectacular landscapes of the Bitou Valley, incorporating ancient history and cultures diverse ecology and birdlife, stunning wine states and superb country lodges is in essence… the very best slack-packing trail in South Africa.

 

Why is the Plett Trail so special?

Quite simply…

• Its cultural & archaeological backdrop
• Its diversity of marine and forest ecology and birdlife
• Its unique boutique wine estates
• Its warm hospitality and traditional SA country lodges
• Its interpretation by profesional guides

 

Pre- planning for Plett Trail began some 12 months ago with exploration of the various trails along the Kranshoek coastline and also in the Crags. Two pilot trails were undertaken in July and August this year to evaluate and assess the best possible routes and refine operational issues. Arising out of the two pilot trails, it was found feasible to join the Harkerville and Crags sector trails into a unified 9 night/10 day “slack packing’ trail, aptly now named “ The Plett Trail” Various modules of the Plett Trail are available, including 4/5 night, 2/3 night and full day excursions.

It is primarily a winter tourism product and will operate from April through until November annually – this is to counter the seasonality of the Plett tourism profile. Guide training was initiated in early February with a 5 day pre-qualification course. Funding has now been committed from DEDAT W. Cape, to facilitate a further training program for the 10 pre-qualified guides in October.

The Plett Trail will be operated as a joint venture between Plett Tourism and a appointed Service Providers. The Plett Trail will be officially launched as operational at the World Travel Market Africa expo in Cape Town in April 2016. Limited trail excursions are available between now and April, all enquiries to pletttrails@pletttourism.com.

 

Click below to view photos from the event

 

Video of Sounds of Joy playing at the launch

The launch of the Plett Trail was held at the Emily Moon River Lodge  on the evening of the 8^th October, with some 60 invited guests in attendance.

Peter Wallington, the Chairman of Plett Tourism opened proceedings with a welcome to all guests and the statement that the Plett Trail was a significant step forward in addressing the seasonality of the Plett tourism calender. This was followed by a presentation by Grahame Thomson who gave a detailed overview of the trail, its unique attributes and various operating modules. Julie Carlisle of the Bitou Foundation ended formal proceedings with a presentation on the Plett Birding Route and the proposed bird hides which are to be developed in the Bitou wetlands.

What is the Plett Trail:

The Plett Trail, a 8 night 9 day exploration of the rugged coastline and spectacular landscapes of the Bitou Valley,

incorporating ancient history and cultures

diverse ecology and birdlife, stunning wine states and superb country lodges

is in essence…

the very best slack-packing trail in South Africa

Why is the Plett Trail so special:

Quite simply,

Its cultural & archaeological backdrop

Its diversity of marine and forest ecology and birdlife

Its unique boutique wine estates

Its warm hospitality and traditional SA country lodges.

Its interpretation by profesional guides.

 

Pre- planning for Plett Trail began some 12 months ago with exploration of the various trails along the Kranshoek coastline and also in the Crags

Two pilot trails were undertaken in July and August this year to evaluate and assess the best possible routes and refine operational issues.

Arising out of the two pilot trails, it was found feasible to join the Harkerville and Crags sector trails into a unified 9 night/10 day “slack packing’ trail, aptly now named “ The Plett Trail”

Various modules of the Plett Trail are available, including 4/5 night, 2/3 night and full day excursions.

It is primarily a winter tourism product and will operate from April through until November annually – this is to counter the seasonality of the Plett tourism profile.

Guide training was initiated in early February with a 5 day pre-qualification course. Funding has now been committed from DEDAT W. Cape, to facilitate a further training program for the 10 pre-qualified guides in October.

The Plett Trail will be operated as a joint venture between Plett Tourism and a appointed Service Provider/s

The Plett Trail will be officially launched as operational at the World Travel Market Africa expo in Cape Town in April 16.

Limited trail excursions are available between now and April, all enquiries to

pletttrails@pletttourism.com.