Mount Castleton guidebook
Plettenberg bay
Plettenberg Bay, where Mount Castleton is located, is a premier holiday destination situated on the Southern Cape coast of South Africa. Plett, as it is popularly known, has sweeping golden beaches, the iconic Robberg Peninsula, intriguing lagoons and estuaries, towering indigenous forests and unpolluted rivers, vineyards and wine estates.
Besides excellent beaches, Plettenberg Bay attractions focus on the wildlife of South Africa. The Birds of Eden ecompasses more than two hectares of indigenous forests and boasts the title of the largest free-flight dome in the world. It contains over 3,500 birds spanning 250 species
Wondering what to do in Plettenberg Bay? This guide sets out the best things to do in Plettenberg Bay. You’ll also find loads of useful tips to help you thoroughly enjoy your visit to this scenic village.
If you’re mapping out your Garden Route itinerary, stopping by Plettenberg Bay for a few days is a huge must. The town packs the perfect mix of outdoor thrills, mind-blowing views, and oh-so-delicious food.
Your Mount Castleton accommodation and resort is on a mountain, which has a magnificent view of Plettenberg bay town, the ocean, Piesang valley and Robberg Nature resort.
107 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plettenberg Bay
1 Crescent StreetWondering what to do in Plettenberg Bay? This guide sets out the best things to do in Plettenberg Bay. You’ll also find loads of useful tips to help you thoroughly enjoy your visit to this scenic village.
If you’re mapping out your Garden Route itinerary, stopping by Plettenberg Bay for a few days is a huge must. The town packs the perfect mix of outdoor thrills, mind-blowing views, and oh-so-delicious food.
Your Mount Castleton accommodation and resort is on a mountain, which has a magnificent view of Plettenberg bay town, the ocean, Piesang valley and Robberg Nature resort.
Adventure
Mount Castleton, Plettenberg bay is a central location to various sightseeing and adventurous experiences that you will find in Plettenberg bay, Knysna, Nature's Valley, Stormsriver, the Crags and other areas. This is also part of the Garden route.
(9.2 km (13 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
It is one of the most recognisable and traversed peninsulas in the world. The beauty of Robberg Nature Reserve is iconic and you absolutely must visit. A World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts, Robberg attracts visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses. Most notably, the rare blue duiker and a thriving seal colony.
As a national monument, it is steeped in history with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula. Visitors can find out more at the Nelson Bay Cave interpretive centre.
Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery. This experience is unlike any other coastal encounter. The history of this place and the animal kingdom is otherworldly and once you have been, you are likely to return again and again.
The island adjacent to the peninsula is filled with lizards soaking up the sun and below, the waves crash against the rocks propelling rainbows of water spray into the air. The eastern side of the reserve gets the hot sun blazing down upon it, so lots of seals and dassies have made this side their home.
On a clear day you are likely to spot the ‘Robberg Express’, a very large great white shark, slowly making its way around the bay. Walk the whole way and you will reach a beautiful sand dune which leads to the western side of the reserve. This is the ‘wild side’ and its beauty is rugged and spectacular. Robberg is rumored to be one of the only places in the world to view great white sharks, from land, in their natural habitat.
You may also spot dolphin and whales frolicking nearby.
Those just looking for a gentle walkabout can explore the plateau, before heading to the beach. Just past the Gap, you’ll spot the wooden stairway leading to a beautiful secluded beach where you can swim and relax.
327 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Robberg Nature Reserve
(9.2 km (13 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
It is one of the most recognisable and traversed peninsulas in the world. The beauty of Robberg Nature Reserve is iconic and you absolutely must visit. A World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts, Robberg attracts visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses. Most notably, the rare blue duiker and a thriving seal colony.
As a national monument, it is steeped in history with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula. Visitors can find out more at the Nelson Bay Cave interpretive centre.
Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery. This experience is unlike any other coastal encounter. The history of this place and the animal kingdom is otherworldly and once you have been, you are likely to return again and again.
The island adjacent to the peninsula is filled with lizards soaking up the sun and below, the waves crash against the rocks propelling rainbows of water spray into the air. The eastern side of the reserve gets the hot sun blazing down upon it, so lots of seals and dassies have made this side their home.
On a clear day you are likely to spot the ‘Robberg Express’, a very large great white shark, slowly making its way around the bay. Walk the whole way and you will reach a beautiful sand dune which leads to the western side of the reserve. This is the ‘wild side’ and its beauty is rugged and spectacular. Robberg is rumored to be one of the only places in the world to view great white sharks, from land, in their natural habitat.
You may also spot dolphin and whales frolicking nearby.
Those just looking for a gentle walkabout can explore the plateau, before heading to the beach. Just past the Gap, you’ll spot the wooden stairway leading to a beautiful secluded beach where you can swim and relax.
(21.5 km (25 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton).
Riding a horse through Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve gets you up close and personal with wildlife in a way you can't accomplish behind the windows of a bus. Even beginners can participate in this safari on horseback, with all instructions and equipment provided for you. With a ranger in the lead, learn about the flora and fauna of the Tsitsikamma Mountain foothills while you ride.
Experience the magic of the African bush with a two-hour horse safari on our 2200 hectare reserve at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Our knowledgeable game rangers will enthral you with interesting facts about the wildlife you will view on your safari. Plett Game Reserve is now home to four of Africa’s famous Big 5, with the recent arrival of elephants to complement the buffaloes, rhinos and leopards. You will also encounter many species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodiles. Birdlife at the game reserve is also abundant, as are the smaller buck and other wild animals that inhabit this protected area of the Garden Route. Our experienced rangers are always happy to impart information on any of the wild animals you spot.
OR
View game on a wildlife safari in Plettenberg bay game reserve from a 4×4! This is a two-hour game drive
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Uplands Road(21.5 km (25 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton).
Riding a horse through Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve gets you up close and personal with wildlife in a way you can't accomplish behind the windows of a bus. Even beginners can participate in this safari on horseback, with all instructions and equipment provided for you. With a ranger in the lead, learn about the flora and fauna of the Tsitsikamma Mountain foothills while you ride.
Experience the magic of the African bush with a two-hour horse safari on our 2200 hectare reserve at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Our knowledgeable game rangers will enthral you with interesting facts about the wildlife you will view on your safari. Plett Game Reserve is now home to four of Africa’s famous Big 5, with the recent arrival of elephants to complement the buffaloes, rhinos and leopards. You will also encounter many species of antelope, giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodiles. Birdlife at the game reserve is also abundant, as are the smaller buck and other wild animals that inhabit this protected area of the Garden Route. Our experienced rangers are always happy to impart information on any of the wild animals you spot.
OR
View game on a wildlife safari in Plettenberg bay game reserve from a 4×4! This is a two-hour game drive
(11.5km (10 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
Set in a beautiful natural setting on a 24 hectare estate, Adventure Land offers you a day never to forget. Relax on the large lawns or on one of the wooden decks.
Enjoy a picnic or have a braai and watch your family and friends enjoy the water activities and playground. For the hungry, there is a take-away kiosk.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Adventure Land
(11.5km (10 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
Set in a beautiful natural setting on a 24 hectare estate, Adventure Land offers you a day never to forget. Relax on the large lawns or on one of the wooden decks.
Enjoy a picnic or have a braai and watch your family and friends enjoy the water activities and playground. For the hungry, there is a take-away kiosk.
4km (6 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton
Embark on a snorkeling excursion to the Robberg Nature Reserve—a marine protected area known for its colony of fur seals. From a scenic boat ride to the snorkeling location to the chance to snorkel with seals in their natural habitat, this tour gives nature lovers the opportunity to see more of the surrounding region and its marine life.
OR
Simply jump on a boat and visit Robberg Marine Protected Area to visit a colony of over 6,000 Cape fur seals. Observe these playful animals in their natural habitat and take home free pictures from your excursion.
PlettSealAdventures
Meeding Street4km (6 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton
Embark on a snorkeling excursion to the Robberg Nature Reserve—a marine protected area known for its colony of fur seals. From a scenic boat ride to the snorkeling location to the chance to snorkel with seals in their natural habitat, this tour gives nature lovers the opportunity to see more of the surrounding region and its marine life.
OR
Simply jump on a boat and visit Robberg Marine Protected Area to visit a colony of over 6,000 Cape fur seals. Observe these playful animals in their natural habitat and take home free pictures from your excursion.
37.6 km (28 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton
The Bloukrans Bungee is the worlds highest commercial bungee bridge. It is also the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the World.
77 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bungee Bloukrans Face Adrenalin
37.6 km (28 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton
The Bloukrans Bungee is the worlds highest commercial bungee bridge. It is also the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the World.
Restaurants and food places in Plettenberg bay
Plettenberg bay has some of the best restaurants and food places money can buy.
(2.9 km (4 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
One of the best places in Plettenberg Bay to experience the town’s laidback vibes is at Old Nick Village.
Although the village might be best known for its beautiful gardens, galleries and artisan shops, it has quite a unique history too. The main building complex dates back to 1880, and once served as a general dealer in the area.
Today, however, you can enjoy the stunning grounds, visit the artsy shops and even learn more about the weaving process at Mungo Mill – a newly constructed space offering visitors a unique glimpse into the textile industry.
After browsing the cute shops and learning a bit more about textile manufacturing, head over to The Roost. The restaurant has a lovely garden seating area where you can sit under massive trees and soak up the chilled vibes. In addition to the tantalizing menu, you’ll also find some of the best baked goods on offer in Plett here! Don’t miss the avocado sandwich, it’s delish!
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Nick Village
(2.9 km (4 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
One of the best places in Plettenberg Bay to experience the town’s laidback vibes is at Old Nick Village.
Although the village might be best known for its beautiful gardens, galleries and artisan shops, it has quite a unique history too. The main building complex dates back to 1880, and once served as a general dealer in the area.
Today, however, you can enjoy the stunning grounds, visit the artsy shops and even learn more about the weaving process at Mungo Mill – a newly constructed space offering visitors a unique glimpse into the textile industry.
After browsing the cute shops and learning a bit more about textile manufacturing, head over to The Roost. The restaurant has a lovely garden seating area where you can sit under massive trees and soak up the chilled vibes. In addition to the tantalizing menu, you’ll also find some of the best baked goods on offer in Plett here! Don’t miss the avocado sandwich, it’s delish!
(6.6 km (9 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
Emily’s is the most exquisite of dining halls. The spirit of Africa is in every archway, every antique table and in the collectors’ items which adorn every nook and cranny. Lunch by the pool or dine by candlelight and remember the experience for the rest of your life.
At Emily Moon we use only the freshest homegrown and local produce to prepare our mouthwatering home-style menu, which includes dishes like Karoo Lamb Rack, Butter Chicken Samosas and our Bali Bowl.
Enjoy a fresh cocktail or a beautiful bottle of wine from the boutique estate wine list while appreciating spectacular riverside views, unforgettable sunsets and a large log fire in winter go without saying.
HOMEGROWN
There is something particularly special about being able to walk into the garden and pick a few crisp leaves or pull a carrot or two from the soil. At Emily Moon we are fortunate to grow most of the fresh produce on your plate in our very own back yard. That which we do not grow on the property is sourced locally from organic farmers in the area.
Depending on the season, we grow a variety of lettuce types, Asian cabbage, pak choi, garden peas, broccoli, brinjals, baby marrows, carrots, beetroot, onions, celery, baby corn, spinach and a variety of herbs. It takes green fingers and a bit of hard work but it’s our pleasure to produce a bountiful crop, for us to prepare and you to enjoy.
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Emily Moon River Lodge
1 Rietvlei Rd(6.6 km (9 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
Emily’s is the most exquisite of dining halls. The spirit of Africa is in every archway, every antique table and in the collectors’ items which adorn every nook and cranny. Lunch by the pool or dine by candlelight and remember the experience for the rest of your life.
At Emily Moon we use only the freshest homegrown and local produce to prepare our mouthwatering home-style menu, which includes dishes like Karoo Lamb Rack, Butter Chicken Samosas and our Bali Bowl.
Enjoy a fresh cocktail or a beautiful bottle of wine from the boutique estate wine list while appreciating spectacular riverside views, unforgettable sunsets and a large log fire in winter go without saying.
HOMEGROWN
There is something particularly special about being able to walk into the garden and pick a few crisp leaves or pull a carrot or two from the soil. At Emily Moon we are fortunate to grow most of the fresh produce on your plate in our very own back yard. That which we do not grow on the property is sourced locally from organic farmers in the area.
Depending on the season, we grow a variety of lettuce types, Asian cabbage, pak choi, garden peas, broccoli, brinjals, baby marrows, carrots, beetroot, onions, celery, baby corn, spinach and a variety of herbs. It takes green fingers and a bit of hard work but it’s our pleasure to produce a bountiful crop, for us to prepare and you to enjoy.
Hit the Beaches
Spending your days at the beach is arguably the best thing to do in Plettenberg Bay. Plett is revered for its gorgeous golden-sand beaches, and you won’t need to go far to enjoy terrific beach vibes.
There are three beaches in Plett, all equally jaw-dropping. However, your choice is likely to be influenced by your personal beach preferences. Let’s have a quick look at Plett’s beaches:
Central beach is a popular spot among locals and families. Although it’s a nice beach, expect large crowds especially during the summer holidays. Come here if you like a bit of buzz on a beach. Central beach is also a popular spot to host events in Plett and during the December holidays there are a bunch of fun activities for the whole family
(3.2 km (6 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton).
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Central Beach
Central beach is a popular spot among locals and families. Although it’s a nice beach, expect large crowds especially during the summer holidays. Come here if you like a bit of buzz on a beach. Central beach is also a popular spot to host events in Plett and during the December holidays there are a bunch of fun activities for the whole family
(3.2 km (6 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton).
(4.8 km (8 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
Plettenberg Bay is home to Robberg 5 Beach, which was awarded Blue Flag status. This status means that it fulfils a number of criteria that make it a superior beach on all fronts – beauty, cleanness, facilities, amenities, and educational value.
Robberg 5 is Plett’s signature beach, stretching four kilometres from the Beacon Isle hotel to the magnificent Robberg Peninsula. This sandy stretch is great for long walks or jogs, playing beach games, or sun-bathing. The waters here are also popular for surfing, hydrofoiling, stand-up paddling, snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Seals and dolphins can often be seen playing in the waters and surfing the waves. Between July and December, whales pass this part of the South African coastline and promise entertaining antics for their human spectators. Very occasionally, a great white shark makes its appearance (to the delight of the SCUBA divers). At these times, swimmers are called out of the water, but the mammoth grace of these animals is always spectacular to see. Once they have passed, swimmers can safely enter the water again.
There are restaurants and cocktail bars just a short walk from the white sands and blue waters, as well as a number of shops to explore. There is ample parking along the beach, which includes bays for physically disabled visitors. There are ablutions for visitors too. Lifeguards are on duty full-time between 1 November and 31 April, which is the peak season.
The Robberg Peninsula looms over the beach and is an awesome rocky hub of adventure for visitors that have energy to burn. There are a few walking and hiking routes from which to choose, ranging from short and easy routes for the whole family to more technical ones that are best left to fitter adults. From the trails, great white sharks can sometimes be seen swimming below, and the local seal colony provides plenty of entertainment all year round.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Robberg 5 Beach
Beachy Head Drive (4.8 km (8 minutes) drive from Mount Castleton)
Plettenberg Bay is home to Robberg 5 Beach, which was awarded Blue Flag status. This status means that it fulfils a number of criteria that make it a superior beach on all fronts – beauty, cleanness, facilities, amenities, and educational value.
Robberg 5 is Plett’s signature beach, stretching four kilometres from the Beacon Isle hotel to the magnificent Robberg Peninsula. This sandy stretch is great for long walks or jogs, playing beach games, or sun-bathing. The waters here are also popular for surfing, hydrofoiling, stand-up paddling, snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Seals and dolphins can often be seen playing in the waters and surfing the waves. Between July and December, whales pass this part of the South African coastline and promise entertaining antics for their human spectators. Very occasionally, a great white shark makes its appearance (to the delight of the SCUBA divers). At these times, swimmers are called out of the water, but the mammoth grace of these animals is always spectacular to see. Once they have passed, swimmers can safely enter the water again.
There are restaurants and cocktail bars just a short walk from the white sands and blue waters, as well as a number of shops to explore. There is ample parking along the beach, which includes bays for physically disabled visitors. There are ablutions for visitors too. Lifeguards are on duty full-time between 1 November and 31 April, which is the peak season.
The Robberg Peninsula looms over the beach and is an awesome rocky hub of adventure for visitors that have energy to burn. There are a few walking and hiking routes from which to choose, ranging from short and easy routes for the whole family to more technical ones that are best left to fitter adults. From the trails, great white sharks can sometimes be seen swimming below, and the local seal colony provides plenty of entertainment all year round.