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Robberg High Res Scott Ramsay 1
Robberg Nature Reserve

Map of Reserve area

A national monument steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts.
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Nature Reserve details

Please note that we are currently operating subject to National Lockdown regulations. Daily capacities are in place and to avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that hikers book permits on booking.capenature.co.za as online bookings will be given preference. You can also book with our Contact Centre before leaving home. Call 087 087 8250 or email reservation.alert@capenature.co.za. The safety of our visitors and staff remains paramount. All visitors entering a controlled CapeNature reserve entrance gate will be subjected to a screening process upon arrival. Your continued support in complying with the national regulations and guidelines is much appreciated.

Robberg, situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, is not only a nature reserve, but also a national monument and World Heritage Site. 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.

Where to Stay

Fountain Shack
Robberg Nature Reserve

What to Do

This is a protected marine reserve – only rock and surf angling are allowed. Fishing from boats, spear fishing and bait collecting is forbidden. Permits must be obtained prior to arrival from Marine and Coastal Management permit providers, for example, post offices.
Robberg has a seagull nursery of kelp gulls. The success of this initiative has been greatly improved by the moving of boardwalks away from their nesting areas. Visitors should take care not to disturb these birds when on walks and hikes around the peninsula.
The three circular routes on offer vary in terms of distance and difficulty. Regardless of the route, visitors must always wear hiking shoes, sunblock and hats. Water and warm clothing is essential, as the weather can change suddenly.Hiking trails The three trails on offer range in time from a 30-minute stroll to a four-hour hike. All offer fantastic views, brisk sea air and sightings of the birds of the peninsula. Help us protect nature No littering/no pets/no fires except at designated spots/no fishing without a permit. Permits Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations. Trail preparation
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Do not hike alone.
  • Carry enough food and water with you.
  • Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
  • Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
  • Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
  • Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
  • Obey all signage.
  • Stay in a group and on the trails.
Gap Circuit Trail distance: 2.1km Estimated time: 30 minutes The shortest and easiest route that heads straight into a mudstone cleft, which has evidence of the prehistoric break-up of Gondwanaland 120 million years ago. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong. Witsand Circuit Trail distance: 5.5km Estimated time: 2 hours The trail leads along the northern ridge of the peninsula and onto the wind-shadow of the climbing-falling dune, before heading down to the tombolo and boardwalk. Hikers will pass above the resident seal colony along the way and encounter a colony of kelp gulls at the end of the trail. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong. Point Circuit Trail distance: 9.2km Estimated time: 4 hours This is a fairly strenuous walk and not recommended for young children. The trail heads up the north ridge to the Point and then back along the southern rocky shoreline. A highlight is encountering the hundreds of gannets, cormorants and terns at the Point. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong.
There are three viewing decks on the reserve with picnic facilities. Water points are available at all three sites. Visitors should not feed animals or birds.
Southern right whales can be observed from the reserve during the breeding and calving months from June to November. Those that want to get closer to these majestic animals can sign up for private charters.
It is possible to swim in the ocean; however, there are strong currents and visitors must take care. Children should not be allowed to swim unsupervised.

Some highlight features of a visit here include spotting the rare blue duiker, the Western Cape’s smallest antelope; walking alongside one of the seven climbing-falling dunes on the Cape coastline; and viewing the highest navigational light on the South African coastline, at the Cape Seal Lighthouse (146m above sea level). The reserve also extends 1.8km offshore, providing protection to a range of vulnerable fish species. Visitors can expect inspiring landscapes, exciting dolphin and whale sightings in season, and to be accompanied on their walks or hikes by a variety of bird species and the occasional seal. An overnight hut is available for those who want to spend more time on this beautiful reserve.

Robberg Nature Reserve has been awarded ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia.

To find out more, download the Robberg Nature Reserve Brochure below.

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


General information

Office hours: 08:00–17:00

Tel: +27 (0)44 533 2125/85

Accommodation and permit bookings Tel: 087 087 8250

Tariffs

Self-catering accommodation starting from R1030

See Tariffs
Conservation Fees

Adults

Day Access = R50; Overnight fee = R40

Children

Day Access = R30; Overnight fee = R20

Robberg Nature Reserve Conservation
Filming and photography information
Permits
Curio Shop
Landscape West
Fire prevention
Robberg visitor guide
Visitors Gallery
Events Calendar
15 Jul 2021
The Conservation Symposium
1 Sep 2021
Arbor Day Event - Interview with a Tree Competition 2021
13 Sep 2021
Access Week 13- 20 September 2021
15 Sep 2021
#Don'tBeTrashy Campaign

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