Not even the irresponsible closing of the Garden Route beaches will stop summer. Garden Route towns such as Plettenberg Bay, are blessed with a multitude of outdoor experiences. And people are in pursuit of these experiences for their happiness, health, and well-being.
“Plett, it’s a feeling – that is why we live here, and that is why so many people find their way to Plett. Whether it be a stay during Matric Rage, a wedding, another life celebration or a holiday by the sea, guests soon discover what that feeling means to them,” says Patty Butterworth, acting CEO Plett Tourism.
Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s favourite outdoor playground, but unfortunately for the next two weeks, lazy days on the sunny world-class beaches will be a bit tricky. Water sports and water-based activities are allowed, but the beaches are off-limits.
Launching your craft can be done at Central Beach and Cape Nature Keurbooms reserve or the private jetties on the waterways. Our ocean, rivers and lagoon are open to boats, kayaks, and canoes. Guests can still enjoy fishing (for license and permit holders and accompanying children under 12) from the rocks or their craft and sunbathers can work on their golden tan while basking on their boat.
Other alternatives include our many and varied coastal and forest hiking and MTB trails, meanders like Cruise the Crags and the Wittedrift Way, (2 gems in the hinterland of Plett) and the different wildlife experiences; marine, game reserve and animal sanctuaries. Stoic Robberg Nature Reserve remains open, as well as the Keurbooms Nature Reserve and the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Boutique shopping, wine tasting, dining under the stars, incredible wildlife experiences, hiking, cycling and other outdoor adventure will not be stopped!
THE CLOSURE
Obviously, the decision to close the Garden Route beaches is baffling. Decisions such as this need to take other factors into consideration. Durban has more than 200 kilometers of beach with centrally located beaches adjacent to a big city which are inherently overcrowded. Plettenberg Bay has 20 kilometers of widely spread unspoilt beach. If Durban beaches can remain open, common sense would suggest that a small beach town would be less of a threat and should stay open. Durban tourism statistics for 2019 show that more than 314 000 tourists arrived in December. Plett welcomes approximately 35 000 tourists.
The beaches along the Garden Route are expansive with many kilometers of beaches facilitating ease of social distancing and encouraging outdoor activities in wide-open areas with a seasonal breeze blowing through – in short, the perfect environment in which to prevent the spread of the virus.
“The negative impact of the Garden Route beach closure announcement has already started. Accommodation cancellations have been confirmed and more cancellations will undoubtedly follow causing further damage to our local economy.
We are in a complete state of shock, the news makes no sense. Closing the beaches will play absolutely no role whatsoever in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus in the Garden Route in that there is no evidence of the spread of the virus on our beaches.
On the contrary, by closing the beaches and encouraging individuals to restrict their activities to the town and other areas, there is a risk of overcrowding in areas such as restaurants and shops and an increased chance to cause spread in other areas which are of concern,” says Butterworth.
She also adds, “This has been a huge blow to our community. However, Plettonians have a history of great perseverance in the face of adversity and trust that we will push even harder as we move forward.”
Remember to always mask up, sanitize and maintain social distance.
#chasethefeeling
#plettsummer
