The Robberg Hiking Trail is probably one of the most popular and well known trails in the area and also one of the most scenic. The route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula with two shorter variations available ranging from easy to moderate.
This is not recommended for your regular Saturday afternoon stroll or when you are just bored. However, when you’ve done it, you’ll have to agree it really is special – one of a kind. If you are interested in geology you will find it inspiring.
If you are coming from Knysna, take the Piesang Valley turn-off from the N2 just before Plettenberg Bay. Soon you will enter the industrial area where you turn right into Robberg Road. Carry on until the Robberg signpost indicates to turn left and take in the beautiful views as you reach the gate of CapeNature. There is ample parking as well as braai facilities should you decide not to do the hike. There are also toilets which you are advised to visit as there are no such amenities along the way. Make sure you have enough water as there is none along the way and it can become extremely hot. Hats, sun block and suitable hiking shoes are essential. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. If you are planning on visiting The Island, check tide tables at the entrance gate. Beware of freak waves and strong currants at all times. Don’t take short cuts over the rocks. Be sure to start out early and walk clockwise.
There is a choice of three circular routes of increasing distance and difficulty.
1. Walk to The Gap and back to the car park, round about 2km.
2. Walk to The Witsand sand dune and down to The Island and back round about 4km.
3. The round trip via The Point is 11km and takes four hours or more. Not recommended for young children.
The path to The Point climbs the steep rocky slope which has a sheer drop from the path. Take care not to go too close to the edge of the cliff.
Take heed of the sign warning of the extreme danger of unstable sand on the north side of Robberg. You will probably hear the Cape fur seals barking before you spot them. Envy their lifestyle as they don’t seem to do much more than laze on the rocks, float in the water and have their barking conversations. Look out for dassies as they scurry for cover under rocks. Other animal life includes grey buck, duiker and bushbuck. Cape claw-less otters and mongooses are occasionally seen. Robberg is the ideal vantage point for whales and dolphins. Even orcas, also known as killer whales, have been spotted in the Bay. There are also numerous bird species like Cape Robins, Cape white-eyes, red-winged starlings and orange-breasted Sunbirds to name but a few. Stop for a moment and admire the majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains. The Point is the ideal place to stop for eats and watch the large numbers of Swift Terns and Kelp Gulls. This must be their favourite roosting place as the rocks are white with their droppings. Check out the magnificent anemone in the rock pools if you happen to be there at low tide. Sadly the Point Shack was demolished by a monster-wave on September 1st 2008 and all that is left is a heap of rocks where the foundations was. However, the Fountain Shack has recently been renovated and is available for overnight hiking. It sleeps 8 and the facilities are basic.
Past the shack ruin is arguably the most beautiful section of the trail. The huge sandstone boulders are brightly coloured by orange lichens and form a stark contrast with the blue-green sea. Along this section you have to negotiate a narrow ledge on a vertical rock face above the sea with the help of a fixed chain. If you find this daunting, choose the high route which takes you over and above this section. From here you pass The Fountain Shack and then onto the beach connecting Robberg with The Island.
With a boardwalk around it’s perimeter The Island is well worth a visit. The breeding success of Kelp Gulls has improved greatly since the introduction of this inviting boardwalk. The views down to the pools and the rock formations are magnificent. All that remains is a walk along the beach back to the mainland where the trail takes you back to the parking area. Be careful on the rocks along the return loop, particularly if they are wet. Before you climb up to the peninsula on the southside of The Gap, take the steps down to the secluded little Gap Beach and marvel at the conglomerate rock of rounded pebbles set in sandstone to the right of this beach.
P.S Cameras are compulsory!
Distance: There is a choice of three circular routes of increasing distance and difficulty.
1. Walk to The Gap and back to the car park, round about 2km.
2. Walk to The Witsand sand dune and down to The Island and back round about 4km.
3. The round trip via The Point is 11km and takes four hours or more. Not recommended for young children.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
Route markers: Seal motif on white plastic squares.
Managed by: CapeNature
Permits/costs: Entrance fee payable at the access boom. Free for Wild Card members. Be sure to ask for an information map because this contains a lot of interesting information and points out areas of caution.
Gate times: November to April: 7am – 6pm; May to October: 8am – 6pm
Contact details:
Bookings for The Fountain Shack 021 659 3500
Robberg inquiries 044 533 2125/85/087 087 3937
Directions: The turnoff to Robberg is situated on the road between Plettenberg Bay and the Plettenberg Bay airport.
If you are coming from Knysna, take the Piesang Valley turn-off from the N2 just before Plettenberg Bay. Soon you will enter the industrial area where you turn right into Robberg Road. Carry on until the Robberg signpost indicates to turn left and take in the beautiful views as you reach the gate of CapeNature.
From Plettenberg Bay Town centre take the road down past Central Beach towards the traffic circle at the Total petrol station. Continue along the Piesang Valley Road. Take the first left into Robberg Road. Continue along this road for 3.3km to the Robberg turnoff to the left. Continue to the gate.
Coordinates: S34 06.037 E23 22.652
Other: Take enough water, there is no water along this route.
Please preserve our environment for our posterity by not littering.