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Nature reserve · Plettenberg Bay, Cabo Ocidental
Robberg Nature Reserve
Cliff peninsula at the tip of Plettenberg Bay, with sea-side trails, a seal colony and archaeological sites.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg is the peninsula that juts about 4 km out to sea at the southern tip of Plettenberg Bay. The Portuguese called it Cabo Talhado; the current name, in Dutch, means 'mountain of the seals'. It is a CapeNature nature reserve, part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site, and a marine protected area.
Three trails start from the parking area: the short The Gap, about 2 km; the Witsand, about 5.5 km, which descends to a dune and a beach; and The Point, about 9.2 km, which circumnavigates the whole peninsula, climbing the northern ridge to the tip and returning along the rocks on the southern side. The full return takes about 4 hours and is tiring.
Along the way there is a colony of Cape fur seals, numbering in the thousands, and at the tip gulls, cormorants and terns gather. Dolphins appear year-round, and from July to November it is common to see whales.
Nelson Bay Cave, at the start of the trail, preserves evidence of Stone Age human occupation, with a small exhibition.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour (The Gap) to 4 hours (The Point).
Best time
At low tide, which eases the rocky southern section. Avoid very windy days and the midday heat in summer.
How to get there
It is about 8 km from Plettenberg Bay centre, via the airport road and Robberg Road, by car. Entrance is paid at the reserve gate.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and hiking shoes. Do not go near the edge of cliffs in windy conditions and do not feed the animals.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Robberg Nature Reserve
How long is the Robberg trail?
The full loop, The Point, is about 9.2 km and takes around 4 hours. There are 2 km and 5.5 km options.
Are there seals at Robberg?
Yes, a colony of Cape fur seals, visible from the cliff tops.
When to do the Robberg hike?
At low tide and when it's not very windy. Check the tide table before you go.
Is the Robberg hike difficult?
The full circuit is tiring, with climbs and rocky sections. The shorter options are easier.