Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
Plett is six hours from Cape Town on the N2, or two-and-a-half hours from Port Elizabeth. George Airport is 94km away. CemAir flies daily direct to the small Plett Airport from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Margate. From R2 900 return. flycemair.co.za
STAY HERE
Katuri Cottage is stuck away at the end of Askop Road, deep in The Crags (en route to Nature’s Valley), on Brackenburn Reserve. It’s a quiet self-catering bolthole surrounded by virgin Tsitsikamma forest that delivers deep soul solace. From R1 300 for two (sleeps six). brackenburn.co.za Periwinkle Guest Lodge is located at the top of Beachy Head Drive, just behind Robberg 5 beach. All seven rooms are sea-facing, and three have a fireplace. From R1 200 pp sharing B&B. periwinklelodge.co.za Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park is one of SA’s best. Come out of season and grab a spot on the beach. You’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea and be perfectly placed to catch glorious sunrises. The ablutions are clean and plenty, and there’s a top-notch kids’ play area. From R120 pp, kids R60. keurboomslagoon.co.za Beacon Island Resort is a Plett icon, built in the 1970s on the beachfront and standing proud ever since. Part timeshare, part bed per night, it’s an all-round resort with a beautiful pool on the rocks and great facilities for families with kids. From R995 pp. tsogosun.com
DO THIS
Learn to SUP with Garth Ensley on the Poortjies Lagoon – it’s easier than you think. From R200 per lesson, including gear rental. Booking essential. 071-207-4951 Head to Cairnbrogie, the perfect place to mess about on a bicycle, whether on a forest trail or the pump track. There’s also a small track for kids, a bike-washing station and cafe. Entry from R50 pp. Cairnbrogie also hosts fun events (such as Plett Starry Nights market and outdoor cinema in December – plus this year, ‘glamping’ under the pines). cairnbrogie.co.za Whale watch from June to November to see if you can spot southern right, humpback and Bryde’s whales. Ecooperator Ocean Blue Adventures has the only permit to get a little closer. From R750 pp, kids R400. All year round, dolphin trips go out to sea and around the bay following pods in the west, before heading back past the seal colony at the base of the Robberg peninsula. From R500 pp, kids R250. There is also guided sea-kayaking from R300 pp. oceanadventures.co.za
SHOP HERE
Mungo is a proudly local business that’s a favourite with designers for its highquality, beautiful linen and handwoven towels. Find it at Old Nick Village, a collection of artisanal shops just off the N2 on the road to Keurbooms Beach. mungo.co.za Natures Way Farm Stall, off the N2 en route to Nature’s Valley, is a good place to stock up for a picnic. It’s on a working farm; the cows come in for milking at around 3pm. The sandwiches, cakes and quiches (a large one costs around R85) are divine, as is the deli selection of local cheeses and salami and whatever’s growing on the surrounding farms. 044-534-8849
EAT HERE
The Lookout Deck, as the name suggests, has wonderful views. Owner Chris Stroebel is on hand running the business, the staff are on point and the food, including fish and chips, calamari baskets and burgers (about R80), is simple and good. lookout.co.za Emily Moon has two parts: a ‘fine dining’ experience in the main dining room and the more relaxed Simon’s Bar, where pizza (from R100) and cocktails can be enjoyed on the deck overlooking the Bitou River. Out of season there are often two-for-one specials and roaring outdoor fires to add to the ambience. emilymoon.co.za Kay and Monty Vineyards is Plett’s most recently opened wine estate. Named after owner Chick Legh’s parents, it produces a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and delightful sparkling MCC. Situated down a long dirt road (Redford Lane), the drive is worth it for the tasting barn where easy lunches (from R75) are served. www.kayandmonty.com * Prices correct at time of going to print