
Where to picnic in Plett
There’s something wildly romantic about packing a blanket and picnic basket and heading into the great outdoors with that special someone and no better time than the month of love to celebrate all things romantic. While we’re fortunate to be able to stroll off the beach into some of the best restaurants in the region, if you’re thinking of a pleasantly packed picnic, here are some lovely spots to try out. Naturally, don’t forget water, sunscreen (and maybe an umbrella) and, of course, something to put your trash in.
Nature’s Valley
Lovely Nature’s Valley stretches luxuriantly along the Tsitsikamma coastline with the Otter Trail to the east and Salt River to the west, it’s a place of quiet beauty and serenity. Set up your picnic along the beach or lagoon and, if you have the whole day and the tide is on your side, head along the coast to the secluded paradise that is Salt River Mouth. If you’re planning to hike, pop in at the SANparks office to pick up maps and any additional information before you head out.

Keurbooms Nature Reserve
Cape Nature’s World Heritage Site can be enjoyed in a number of ways: take a stroll along the bank (there are picnic spots just off the N2), book a river cruise, kayak tour or stand-up paddling experience. The nature reserve, at a relatively small 740ha is near pristine and a treasure of indigenous trees including the Cape beech, giant stinkwood and the magnificent Outeniqua yellowwood, birdlife and other wildlife.

Robberg Nature Reserve
No picnic list would be complete without including Robberg Nature Reserve, another World Heritage Site and a national monument. The Robberg parking lot offers braai facilities, picnic tables and exceptional views out to sea and along the coastline. If you’re feeling more active, head on down to the Gap and onto the tombolo beach for a seaside picnic – you won’t be disappointed. The reserve closes at sundown, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re hiking.

Lookout Beach
Glorious Lookout Beach is a Plett institution: memories of ice cream melting in a cone, the smell of sunscreen and endless waves breaking along the shore – as lovely today as it was 50 years ago. The beach’s proximity to the lagoon makes it ideal for a family outing and there’s plenty of space to spread out the picnic blanket and build a sandcastle, too.

Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma National Park is Africa’s oldest Marine Protected Area and, if you have the time, it’s well worth the day trip! The Storms River Mouth section of the national park is the most magical of settings for a romantic excursion: lilies cling to a cliff’s edge misted by ocean spray, the suspension bridges sway above the entrance to the Storms River Gorge and the picnic areas are well-established and maintained. With a snorkelling trail, scuba diving, kayak and lilo adventure and hiking, plan for a memorable full day out!
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