Traveling Plettenberg Bay: Things to Do, Eat & Stay on the Garden Route

I stayed in several incredible places along the Garden Route in South Africa, including Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Stormsriver, Jeffrey’s Bay, and Port Elizabeth. Out of all these stops, Plettenberg Bay quickly became my favorite. Not only is it a beautiful coastal town with miles of golden beaches and lush surroundings, but it’s also centrally located for exploring the Garden Route.

Whether you’re traveling by car or using transport like the Baz Bus, Plettenberg is the perfect base for your adventures. If you’re planning Plettenberg travel, a backpacking trip in Plettenberg, or are looking for things to do in Plettenberg, this guide will help you plan your visit and get the most out of your Plettenberg South Africa travel experience.

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Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay

I was traveling by Baz Bus, but I was lucky to meet some amazing people at the hostel I stayed at, and one of them had a car. This made it possible to explore some incredible sights nearby. On one adventure, we drove to Tsitsikamma National Park, where we went hiking and kayaking, and then visited Bloukrans Bridge, where I did the world’s highest bridge bungee jump!

Tsitsikamma National Park

Kayaking in Tsitsikamma National Park is an absolute must for anyone traveling the Garden Route. Our trip started on kayaks, paddling up the river past the suspension bridge, caves, and steep cliffs. We then switched to inflatable lilos to explore deeper into the gorge. For the thrill-seekers, there’s even an option to cliff jump before heading back to shore.

There are also several hiking options in Tsitsikamma. We did the waterfall hike, which takes about three hours. The trail runs along the coast almost the entire time, offering stunning ocean views. It’s a relatively easy hike, but we were a bit unlucky with the weather—rain started just as we were heading back. If you attempt this hike in wet conditions, be careful, as the rocks can get very slippery.

Bloukrans Bridge

Just a 30-minute drive from Plettenberg Bay is Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest bridge bungee at 216 meters! I’ve done three bungee jumps before, so of course, I had to take the plunge here as well. If jumping isn’t your thing, you can still walk to the bridge and soak in the stunning landscape—the views are absolutely breathtaking, whether you’re jumping or just admiring from the side.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Located near Plettenberg Bay, Robberg Nature Reserve is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. You can walk there along the beach from town in about an hour. Once inside the reserve, you can choose between two-hour or four-hour circular trails. Highlights include spotting seals, exploring caves, and enjoying untouched beaches. There are even huts available for overnight stays. Robberg Nature Reserve was one of my favorite hikes in South Africa and a highlight of my Garden Route and Plettenberg travels.

The Beach

Plettenberg Bay boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa. Miles of golden sand stretch along the coast, offering perfect spots for sunbathing and surfing.

Where to Stay

In Plettenberg Bay, I stayed at Albergo Backpackers, which is also one of the Baz Bus stops. Call me a crazy cat lady, but the main reason I chose this hostel was that they had pictures of cats on their website. There’s nothing better than a hostel with cats, and this one had three adorable rescued cats: Mick, Sia, and Lenny.

Mick quickly became my favorite—he was always following me around. One night, I left my room to go to the shower, and Mick was waiting for me outside. He followed me all the way, and no matter what I did, he wouldn’t leave my side. Eventually, I had to carry him to the kitchen just so I could finally shower. He was impossibly cute and made my stay extra memorable!

Albergo Backpackers offers both private rooms and dorms. I stayed in a dorm on my first night and then moved to a private room with a shared bathroom. The rooms are simple but clean, and the Wi-Fi works well. There’s a communal kitchen you can use, as well as a beautiful garden perfect for relaxing and meeting other travelers. The hostel is conveniently located right next to a supermarket (Checkers), which makes grabbing supplies really easy.

Where to Eat

If you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of restaurants along the main road. One of the best backpacker-friendly spots is Market on Main, an outdoor food court with several different restaurants to choose from. I tried a falafel pita, a vegetable curry, and some Italian dishes—all from different vendors—and everything was delicious.

For vegans, Namasté Lifestyle Café is a fantastic option. It’s located poolside at the Beacon Island Resort, and I had lunch there a couple of times. The food was both delicious and healthy, making it a perfect spot for a nourishing meal in Plettenberg Bay.

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