A lush forest borders white sands. Carpeted mountains roll their way around a secluded bay. Sparkling waters make a soothing crash as they break upon a pristine shore. And, the sun beams its pleasant warmth down on long-awaiting skin. It’s a scene that you’re transported to when you hold a conch shell to your ear. This is beach paradise. This is Plettenberg Bay.
Long South Africa’s best kept secret, Plettenberg Bay has become increasingly popular with tourists looking for a sun, sea and sand stop-off when tracing their way along the scenic Garden Route. And, if the amount of South African natives who regularly make the pilgrimage to this sun-worshipping mecca proves anything, it’s that “Plett” is the country’s coast at its very best. Want to live like a local? Beach-basking is pretty much a must. Or, for more restless souls, the Indian Ocean’s impressive waves will be enough to keep you occupied – this stretch of the coast is a haven for watersports-lovers. Venture even further out at sea, and you'll have the opportunity to spot a multitude of whales on a whale watching close encounter tour.
But this isn’t just a beach destination. The rich wilds of Plett’s enchanting inland forests will vie for your attention too, out across the Garden Route National Park. Tsitsikamma National Park, the largest remaining expanse of indigenous forest in the country, is always a winner. The various trails range from easy to challenging, leading you through a patchwork of fynbos and age-old trees, punctuated by pretty cascades and meandering rivers, amongst plenty of other natural wonders that are certain to get you snap-happy.
Pegged, the “garden of the Garden route”, Tsitsikamma really is a fairytale forest. But, like any good fairytale, it has its hurdles – the park’s renowned suspension bridges mean that it’s in true Indiana Jones style that you’ll make your way across the choppy waters of Storms River. Top tip: don’t look down. This isn’t a crossing for the faint hearted.
The town itself dots a hillside, which means that the views, like most places in South Africa, are a big selling point here. So, make lunch an alfresco affair and watch pretty Plett at play.