Welcome

The jewel of the Garden Route

Nestled between the majestic Tsitsikamma Mountains, lush indigenous forests and magnificent Indian Ocean, this seaside paradise offers spectacular holiday experiences all year round with superb weather and breathtaking scenery.

Plettenberg Bay and surrounds are undeniably some of the most spectacular tourism destinations in South Africa, with diverse options ranging from holistic retreats to adventure holidays, eco-tourism, family getaways and romantic breaks. Aptly named Bahia Formosa or Beautiful Bay by ancient mariners, the Bitou area provides a multitude of activities to keep visitors entertained around the clock with a jam-packed calendar of events and adventure activities.

Only an hour from George Airport and two hours from Port Elizabeth Airport, Plettenberg Bay is well situated to explore the tourism offerings and activities of our surrounding towns from Knysna to Oudtshoorn along Route 62 and the N2.

Plettenberg Bay is served by two local airports with direct flights from Johannesburg International and Cape Town International. It is a mere 35 minutes by air from Cape Town, 90 minutes from Johannesburg and has an airfield that accommodates various charters and private flights.

Splendid natural beauty, warm hospitality, temperate climate, malaria free areas and a wide range of products and services, opulent accommodation within the area combined with an efficient infrastructure makes Plettenberg Bay and environs an ideal year-round destination for the conference, meetings and incentive market.

Bitou Local Municipality stretches from Harkerville just outside Knysna through to Nature’s Valley along the N2. This spectacular area also includes the towns of Keurbooms with miles of unspoilt golden beaches and excellent land-based whale watching along the coast, the Crags, which is the artistic heart and Polo mecca of the area, Kwanokuthula, New Horizons and Kranshoek for a fusion of tourism and conservation of diverse and charismatic cultures and nature and where you will be ensured a warm and friendly welcome.

Nestled in the great forests lying at the feet of the fabled Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains are the quaint hamlets of Nature’s Valley and Stormsriver, offering teeming birdlife, vast expanses of Cape flora, delicate ecosystems in wetlands and lagoons, gigantic trees and just possible, an encounter with the rare Knysna forest elephants as well as adrenaline pumping activities such as the world’s highest bungee jump, kloofing and parasailing.

Plettenberg Bay, the heart of this region, has an abundance of x-factor features and an unique array of tourist attractions that guarantee an unforgettable Cape Garden Route experience. For golf-fanatics there are several 18-hole championship golf courses with spectacular views. Adrenaline junkies will be spoilt for choice with land, air and water extreme sporting activities and for those preferring the more tame, there are spectacular nature or informative historical walks, land and boat based whale watching, or simply, laze on the golden beaches.

Basking in a climate of eternal springtime, Plettenberg Bay and surrounds offer the visitor experiences spectacular by nature and welcome you to bask in our warmth year round and enjoy our bountiful offerings and spectacular natural beauty.

• For more information, visit Bitou Tourism