Hike the Robberg Peninsula
We love hiking. Going somewhere where hiking is possible is practically a prerequisite for choosing where we are going on vacation next (I’m looking at you Iceland and the Lake District). South Africa, of course, was no exception. Most people know it for its incredible wildlife, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever taken.
Hiking the Robberg Peninsula in Plettenberg Bay is a must do if you are driving the Garden Route – it was one of the highlights during our three weeks in South Africa, and certainly one of our favorite South Africa hikes!
There are three lengths of hikes you can choose between on the Robberg Peninsula – 2km 4km hike, or the 9km hike (more on the shorter ones later). The 9km hike takes you completely around the peninsula, which I recommend doing. It will take you about four hours in total to do the hike (well, that includes if you stop for lunch), hiking at a fairly moderate pace.
In this blog post you’ll find a guide to hiking the Robberg Peninsula, what to bring when you hike South Africa, and find out why this is one of the best hikes in South Africa.
I should warn you before you read on – if you’re afraid of heights, this hike most likely isn’t for you. Just take that into consideration before committing to the 9k trek. And you need to be physically fit, this isn’t an easy stroll. There are sections where you need to pull yourself up a very steep ascent over boulders – you will have to scramble with both your arms and your legs and will need to be able to pull yourself up.
Looking for more incredible outdoor adventures in South Africa? Check out these posts:
- Climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch gardens
- Explore Kruger National Park with Viva Safaris
- The 7 day Garden Route Itinerary
Before you hike the Robberg Peninsula, make sure you’ve got the right gear
- Water! It get very hot in South Africa, so definitely bring water, and consider buying a water reservoir before you go so you can easily carry water on the go
- A good day pack: make sure you’ve got a comfortable backpack to wear, especially when you’re on a hike this long where you’re gonna want to bring food
- Sturdy hiking boots: this hike can be pretty hairy sometimes, so make sure you’ve got a good pair of hiking boots.
- A guide book: you know, I’m always a huge fan of Lonely Planets, and never go anywhere without one! Check out Lonely Planet South Africa for more travel tips
- Lunch or snacks: this is a long hike, so you’re gonna get hungry!
Pssst: if you’re looking for more hiking must haves, check out this post
Starting from the parking lot you’ll start the Robberg Nature Reserve hike with gorgeous views of Plettenberg Bay, first walking along a boardwalk – this is the busiest part since many visitors just go to this section and turn around. Don’t let the crowd discourage you, and keep on.
The colors of the water are absolutely stunning on this hike… I couldn’t stop taking pictures! Hiking the Robberg Peninsula is definitely one of the best things to do in Plettenberg Bay, and is one of the best hikes in South Africa.
As you continue to hike the Robberg Peninsula, you’ll reach farther and farther until you beat the crowds, and start walking along a (pretty) narrow path. You might also notice a distinct smell coming from below… if you’re not afraid of heights, look down and see the seal colony sunbathing on the rocks below, splashing in the water and playing.
You’ll also pass through the Witsand Sand Dune, which seems somewhat other worldly after walking along the dramatic coast line. South Africa climbing is such a treat.
Walking along the path on the edge of the peninsula, there’s not a lot of room for error – i.e., don’t lose your footing. It’s not exactly a sheer drop on the other side, but just about. So just keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine. Honestly, although the sign in the parking lot shows a skull and cross bones on the other side of the peninsula, I thought this was one of the most dangerous parts.
Reaching the tip of the peninsula is the perfect place to stop and have lunch – just watch out for all of the ANTS! Ants, everywhere, biting you! I was so annoyed at this point from all the ants crawling over my ankles and constantly biting me. I probably looked like an idiot to the locals, but hey, I’m not used to aggressive ants!
As you turn to the other side of the peninsula, you’ll probably notice one major change – the wind picks up! Or at least it was incredibly windy on the day that we hiked there. That side is unprotected, so hold on to your hat. Make sure from here on out you look out for the green seal signs which indicate the route. Sometimes it can be unclear where to go next, and you need to be cautious to follow them since this side of the peninsula can be especially dangerous at high tide.
It was when we hiked the Robberg Peninsula that I realized that when South Africans call something a hike, they really mean it. When I looked up the steep rocky ascent and realized I’d need to pull myself up, I couldn’t help but think that this could be very dangerous if you’re not strong enough to pull yourself up – it’s also a bit intimidating to look up the sharp ascent and think crap, I have to get up there somehow.
If you’re up for it, it’s a great challenge and is really rewarding to finish this hike.
As you get toward the end of the hike, after you’ve passed by the most tricky parts, you’ll come to the Island which extends from the sandy strip that you’ve seen at the beginning of your hike. Shortly before you get there, you’ll also notice a small house called the Fountain Shack. If you book in advance you can actually STAY HERE! We didn’t, but stopped and talked to a couple of guys who were renting it – there’s no electricity, and no running water – just views of the ocean. You’ll have to book pretty far in advance, but it seemed like the perfect place to disconnect.
What if you don’t want to hike the whole 9k?
No problem, there are shorter routes.
- The Gap: This 2k hike takes you to (you guessed it) a gap between the rocky formations on the peninsula. Much of this hike is on a boardwalk
- Witsand Sand Dune and the Island and back: This hike is 4k will take you to the picturesque Witsand Sand Dune and the beautiful Island – two of the main highlights of the hike
- The Point: this is the hike mentioned here. As far as I’ve read, its 9k, though some sites quote 11k. Either way, you’ll be in for about four hours of hiking.
Plettenberg Bay accommodation
We stayed at the beautiful Sea Breeze Beach House, which is conveniently just a short drive from both the Robberg Peninsula hike and from the center of the town where you’ll find the restaurants. The hotel is also just a short walk from the beach. This was one of our favorite accommodations from our 3 weeks in South Africa. There are tons of cute touches in the hotel (I loved the door pulls in the shape of animal heads… but hey, I’d just come from safari so maybe I was a bit biased!), the towels are fluffy, the beds are comfortable and the breakfast is delicious!
Sea Breeze was ideal for our stay in Plett, and we’d definitely stay there again if we go back.
Looking for more tips on South Africa? Check out these posts:
The definitive 7 day Garden Route itinerary
How to hike Cape Town’s Table Mountain
The guide to winetasting in Stellenbosch
Have you hiked the Robberg Peninsula? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!
Disclosure: some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Gabby is a native (Northern) Californian who spent the majority of her 20’s living the expat life in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, exploring Europe and beyond. 27 countries later, she’s relocated back to her home base in California where she explores her passions for the travel and the outdoors.
26 Comments
This looks so gorgeous! You had incredible weather. I also like hiking anytime I go on vacation so it looks like South Africa is now also on my list 🙂
we did have fantastic weather! I guess that is also the norm in South Africa as well, it was so lovely! Do add South Africa, it is gorgeous!
I think the 9k hike would be beyond me, but I like the sound of the The Gap and Witsand Sand Dune shorter hikes! I would love to see the seal colony – seeing wildlife is always a highlight on hikes. South Africa has never been high on my list of places to visit, but with scenery like this, I can sure see its appeal – simply beautiful!
The Robberg Peninsula does look a beautiful area and you are right about the sea, it does look an amazing colour. 9km doesn’t sound too bad but in the heat of the day and on quite rocky and sometimes steep terrain I can see how it could be hard work. By the way, you will love Iceland and the Lake District we did both this year.
oh lovely, when were you in Iceland? We actually visited in July and the weather was surprisingly wonderful! Love both that and the Lake District… beautiful hiking!
This looks absolutely stunning! I love the colour contrast between the rocks and the ocean – reminds me of Western Australia.
Thanks, it was stunning! Yes could definitely have a similar look to Australia 🙂
I love the way there are options for different distance hikes. I might manage 9k – but knowing that I could do a shorter hike would definitely get me started. And, while there are great views from Plettenberg Bay, your shots from later on in the hike do show that it’s well worth getting away from the crowds.
The 9k is definitely worth it, but the shorter versions are gorgeous too in case you don’t manage the 9!
That sounds so difficult to me but the views are so gorgeous that I may want to do all of it. Ants, lizards… I wish and hope they wouldn’t bother much. The seal colony is a treat to eyes. Another factor which will keep me going till edge.
I’ve been planning an African trip for 2018 and the only country I have on the list is Morocco. Now that you’ve mentioned hiking on this beautiful pennisula and the great things I’ve heard about SA, I’d add this to my list. And 9k would be too much for me but I can try to go that far to have this breathtaking landscape to myself.
you should definitely add South Africa to the list, it is incredible and is the perfect destination if you love the outdoors!
Your photos are gorgeous and the sea is so green. I love South Africa and can’t wait to go back one day. Not sure if I could handle this 9K hike, but I would give it a go! The beach house you stayed looks so homely.
Thank you! If the 9k hike isn’t for you then definitely consider the shorter versions – its a beautiful place to visit in SA!
Looks like a nice adventurous hike . The sea looks pretty rough though and I would not want to do anything with that. We love hiking too so I am going to book mark this to help me plan later. Thanks.
yes it is quite rough so you don’t want to get too close! it can be quite dangerous if you are near the surf as it can wash you in
I had no idea that South Africa was a great destination for hiking! Like you, I need to put some hiking during my trips so I think I should consider South Africa for a near future. Apart from the amazing landscapes, there is no interesting wildlife along the track? Loved the Witsand Sand Dune, fingers are OK like this 😉
it is the perfect destination if you love hiking! tons of beautiful areas to explore by foot! On this hike we didn’t encounter much wildlife besides that which was in the ocean, but when we hiked Table Mountain in Cape Town we came across a cobra! I will save that for another blog post though 😉
Wow, such stunning views and magnificent photos. You really do a great job bringing the peninsula to live with your photography. I certainly did not know South Africa had such beautiful hiking trails. You are right though, you never want to get to close to the edge!!
We loved our time in Cape Town, and we were very keen on driving the Garden Route, but didn’t end up having the time. But we’re looking forward to getting back at some stage to plan some more time. The Robberg Peninsula looks stunning, and perfect for us as hikers. Haha though yes totally feel you on South African’s calling a hike a hike! We discovered that pretty quickly too!!
Great tips on bringing water and food – it sounds like something people should know, but I underestimate how much water I need when hiking all the time. So it’s very good to have that reminder!
Haha yes, glad you also had the same experience finding out they really mean HIKE! Hope you will get to return and visit the Garden Route!
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