Getting to plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg bay is an incredibly beautiful part the Garden Route and favourite destination for both local holiday makers and international visitors. It is a unique town characterised by incredible natural beauty both on land and at sea.
Known for its incredible whale watching experiences, walks and hikes which offer the diversity of fauna and flora like few other places in South Africa. Plettenberg Bay has beautiful Golf courses, is a haven for artistic expression, magnificent beaches and is quite simply a Must Visit destination.
The mountains, Valleys and Ocean in Plettenberg are an adventure tourists dream. Swim with seals, try one of South Africa’s longest and highest ziplines, Kloofing (an adventure activity that typically involves the descent of a deep ravine or watercourse that may be dry or wet) and canyoning adventures, and e-bike tours are a very popular.
There are many ways to get to Plettenberg Bay and with a diversity of accommodation establishments from backpackers and guesthouses to Hotels and the unique Emily Moon Experience.
By air to Plettenberg Bay
The nearest commercial airport is George Airport which is about 100 km away from Plettenberg Bay. Many low cost airlines like Safair fly to George Airport. From there, you can hire a car, take a shuttle, or use a local transport company to get to Plettenberg Bay. Always arrange your transport from the airport well before arrival. During peak season in December or other high demand times, availability of hire cars and transport services are very busy and the last thing you need is to be stuck at the airport.
Plettenberg Bay has a local airport which is used by private as well as commercial airlines who operate smaller planes. Cemair is a commercial air service that flies directly to Plettenberg Bay from Cape Town and Johannesburg daily. Many Local residents and exclusive tour groups land private aircrafts and helicopters at Plettenberg Bay airport PBZ (FAPG).
Plettenberg Bay airport has 1 x runway with is 1220m long and 20m wide. Designation is 12/30.
Co-ordinates: S34.0872376, E23.3220914
By car to Plettenberg bay
Plettenberg Bay is accessible by car from anywhere in South Africa using the N2 highway. It takes about 6 hours to drive from Cape Town and 2.5 hours from Port Elizabeth. If you are a road trip kind of person, a trip from Johannesburg to Plettenberg bay will take you about 13 1/2 hours driving time through some beautiful stark and scenic parts of South Africa. The Halfway point between Johannesburg and Plettenberg bay is Colesburg or Gariep dam, both of which have excellent guesthouse accommodation should you wish to split the trip and enjoy some of the local hospitality.
Graaf Reinet and Uniondale are interesting historic small towns closer to Plettenberg bay that are great to stop off to enjoy some home cooked food at one of the many Padstals (Farm stalls on the roadside) along the way. You will encounter South African farming culture at it’s best. You will be able to buy many hand made items and uniquely South African food like Curry mince Vetkoek, waterblommetjie bredie or wild caught game biltong. The Uniquely South African preserves like mango atchar (Spicy Indian style condiment), watermelon preserve or Apricots in brandy among many other delicious treats found only in South Africa.
Once in Plettenberg bay there is a thriving Taxi Industry, private transport operators and limited Uber service. Hire a bicycle, walk to the beach or into town and visit the Plettenberg bay Tourism Concierge service for any advice about what to do, the staff will be able to make activity or restaurant bookings on your behalf and provide you with local advice. Plett Tourism can be found at Melville’s Corner, Main Street, Plettenberg Bay.
The staff at Emily Moon are very knowledgeable and will gladly advise and assist guests with activity ideas, transport, and restaurant recommendations or any other advice you may need.
By bus to Plettenberg Bay
There are several bus companies that offer daily services to Plettenberg Bay from major cities in South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. These are inexpensive bus trips in luxury bus liners.
Time by bus from Johannesburg: Approx 19 hours
Time by bus from Cape Town: Approx 8.5 hours
Time by bus from George: Approx 1.5 hours
By Train to Plettenberg bay
There is no direct train service to Plettenberg Bay, however you can take a train to George or Knysna and then take a bus or taxi to Plettenberg Bay.
Which ever way you choose to get to Plettenberg bay, make it a priority to experience one of South Africa’s real tourism gems.
Main image source: Charlotte plans a trip