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.

blackmarlin

Photo from Black Marlin Website

While visiting Simon’s Town, South Africa this past month, we stopped at one of the area’s most celebrated seafood restaurants for a taste of local lobster, prawns, and mussels. Located just outside of Simon’s Town, Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant sits along the magnificent coastline of South Africa and provides its guests with tranquil views of the ocean and fabulous seafood dishes.

Where else in the world can you indulge in delectable, fresh seafood and witness Brydes, humpback, and southern right whales swimming freely in Cape Town’s stunning False Bay, than at Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant?

Aside from its impeccable views, Black Marlin provides each and every guest with an award-winning wine selection, superior service, and world-renowned dishes. Although famous for its seafood, Black Marlin offers a wide selection of other dishes that are sure to keep you coming back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Below are just a few spotlights on some of Black Marlin’s Restaurant’s most delectable dishes straight from the menu:

Breakfast spotlights:

• French Toast
• Sunrise: Grilled bacon, pan fried mushrooms, tomato and eggs with toast and preserves
• Pancakes

Starter spotlights:

• Prawn Spring Rolls: Deshelled and lightly steamed then wrapped in a spring roll pastry. Deep fried and served with sweet chili orange and coriander sauce.
• Lobster Bisque: A specialty laced with brandy and cream.
• Saldanha Mussels: Local black mussels prepared with cream and white wine.

Photo From Black Marlin Website

Photo From Black Marlin Website

Seafood spotlights:• The Marlin’s Specialty: Cubes of fish wrapped in bacon and grilled on a skewer with a choice of lemon butter, chili or honey mustard sauce, served with crushed baby potatoes & seasonal vegetables
• Seafood Platter: An exciting combination of 1 medium crayfish, 4 queen prawns, half a line fish, 6 mussels and calamari rings served with herbed rice, seasonal vegetables and trio of sauces.
• Cape Malay Seafood Curry: Medley of seafood: prawns, mussels, calamari, linefish and clams in a Cape Malay curry sauce served on a bed of rice, with poppadoms and sambals.

 

Meat and Poultry spotlights:

• Karoo Lamb Cutlets: Succulent and tender lamb glazed with honey and rosemary with potato wedges or fries and salad or vegetables.
• Asian Style Duck: Tender duck breast seared to perfection served with Thai crushed baby potatoes and sautéed vegetables with honey and soy glaze.
• Grilled Sirloin: Choice sirloin steak grilled with a choice of potato wedges or fries and salad or vegetables.

Pastas and Vegetarian:

• Tomato and Olive Penne: Tossed with roasted Rosa tomatoes, olives and garlic pesto.
• Salmon Tagliatelle: Topped with a cream based sauce and delectable, lightly cured salmon.
• Mushroom Curry: Mushrooms sautéed in a Cape Malay style curry sauce served on rice with poppadoms, sambals, yogurt, and Mrs. Balls chutney.

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