Plettenberg Bay: More Than Just Another Family Vacation

by Sandy Salle on February 3, 2010

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay

Choosing a destination for the family can be quite the ordeal. Is it a well-rounded location with a variety of things to do? Is it safe? Are there beaches nearby? Will the kids enjoy it? How are the accommodations?

Many times a compromise is necessary when choosing a family destination—but not in the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay.Whether you’re a beach lover, wildlife adventurist, an explorer at heart, a photography enthusiast, or love to fish, Plettenberg Bay has the fascinating ability to bring any passion to life.

With miles upon miles of sparkling beaches and coastline, estuaries, rocky peninsulas, magnificent mountains, and thick Fynbos forests, Plettenberg Bay is a giant melting pot of indigenous bird, animal, fish, flora, and reptile species.

But this area of the Garden Route is more than a wildlife sanctuary—it is a place rich with cultural heritage, unique learning experiences, and activities that the entire family can enjoy together. Whether your family enjoys the relaxing aspect of nature such as laying on the beach, or more physically-oriented activities such as hiking and touring, you’re sure to find a rewarding family experience in Plettenberg Bay.

Some of the area’s most famous family-oriented activities include:

Cape Town tours

South Africa tours

A trip to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary: As the world’s only free-roaming multispecies monkey sanctuary, Monkeyland is an exciting and interactive learning experience for all of its visitors—no matter their age. During your visit to Monkeyland, you can experience an intimate, one-hour walking safari with Monkeyland’s highly-knowledgeable game rangers and view a variety of primates from all around the world as well as a plethora of exotic bird species. Because these primates roam about the sanctuary completely free from cages, you have the opportunity to interact with these creatures without any barriers—a rare and highly-rewarding experience.In addition to a walking safari through the sanctuary, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch amongst the primates. Monkeyland is a completely self-sustaining sanctuary that remains open thanks to tourists who visit the area.

South Africa tours

South Africa tours

A trip to Elephant Sanctuary: The Elephant Sanctuary is an exceptional safe haven for young African elephants that are able to roam freely without any restraints or caging and are able to enjoy a safe and playful setting, free from environmental hazards. This unique setup allows sanctuary visitors to interact with these gentle giants as they get up-close and personal. The Elephant Sanctuary takes great pride in their family-oriented operation and their superior staff ensures you have the family affair of a lifetime. In addition to their commitment to pleasing visitors, the Elephant Sanctuary staff is equally devoted to ensuring all of the elephants are safe, happy, and well-taken care of.During your tour through the elephant sanctuary you will have the exclusive opportunity to not only interact with these extraordinary creatures, but also pet, feed, and walk trunk-in-hand with them.

South Africa tours

South Africa tours

A walking tour: Thanks to an unspoiled coastline, intricate wetlands, and thriving forest systems your family can enjoy a wide spectrum of activities and learning experiences. A walking tour through this area of the Garden Route is extremely diverse and provides a rich learning experience to all. With a variety of walking trails to choose from throughout the Plettenberg Bay area, you have the opportunity to experience a plethora of differing eco-systems. Choose from mountain walking tours, forest hiking tours, the Tsitsikamma Trail, and more.

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Michelle Salater February 4, 2010 at 6:17 pm

It’s hard to please everyone in a big family, but it sounds like Plettenberg Bay can accommodate everyone’s interests. I especially want to visit the Elephant Sanctuary–it sounds like family members of all ages will benefit from visiting this safe haven of majestic creatures!

Sandy Salle February 9, 2010 at 9:36 pm

Thanks Michelle, Plettenberg Bay has so much to offer for the family, great beaches, plenty of activities and the weather is perfect almost year round. You must come visit the Elephant Sanctuary.

Ana February 25, 2010 at 9:09 am

Great post enjoyed reading it, there are so many great attraction in Plett, when I was a little girl I used to go there every December with my family and I have the fondest memories. Plettenberg Bay is really beautiful.

Sandy Salle February 26, 2010 at 9:09 am

It truly is Ana! Did you have a favorite attraction while visiting Plettenberg as a child?

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