Robberg Nature Reserve Hikes

The Robberg Nature Reserve hikes are a stunning visit along the Garden Route in Plettenberg Bay and a must-visit.

We did the 5km hike that took us up and over rocks and sand dunes. It was incredible. Even with a short walk, you can get some of the spectacular beauty in the nature reserve. If you’re looking to get a view (or whiff) of the Cape fur seal, then this is the spot for you.

The Basics

• R50/pp, bring cash with you to the entrance as the card machine wasn’t working when we entered
• There are three trail options (2km, 5km, and 9km) that will take you on a circular route around the reserve to the Cape of Seals 
• Plenty of parking available
• Although the hike is super popular, we mostly were hiking on our own and didn’t encounter crowds
• Opening hours vary by season. May-September: 7am to 7pm; October-April: 7am-8pm

Robberg Nature Reserve Hikes

There are three trail options to hike at Robberg Nature Reserve. All the hikes are clearly marked.

You can swim in the water here, but the current can be very strong so be careful as there is no lifeguard on duty. The water is also freezing so you may not want to go in… I saw some brave young girls run into the water and then back out again several times as their activity.

It can get pretty windy along the coast. I was happy for my sweater even hiking in the summer in late December.

Cap Circuit—2km

Cap Circuit is an easy 2km loop that will take you over the cliffside and then down to the ocean (if you want). You don’t see the seals on this route, but the views are great.

Witsand Circuit—5km

The Witsand Circuit is around 5km and will take around 2 hours. We took several breaks and so the hike took us 2.5 hours. The trail is easy to do and passes over different terrain. You’ll hike on the same path as the Cap Circuit and eventually continue upwards.

As you near the Cape fur seal colony, you’ll smell (and hear) the seals before you see them. They are pretty far below the hiking area.

Next, the wooden trail will disintegrate into the sand and you’ll hike through the dunes. This is tough!

Continue along the trail to reach the beach and a small island. You can take the path up to the island to see some seagull nests and caves.

Continue the Witsand circuit along the beach and you’ll rejoin the Cap Circuit back to the parking lot.

Small hikers with big energy will be able to do this hike. There are some inclines during the hike but kids will likely enjoy walking in the sand dunes.

The Point Circuit –9km

The Point Circuit hike breaks off from the Witsand circuit at the sand dunes. The hike goes along the north ridge to the Point and then back along the southern shoreline.

If you don’t reach the sand dunes by 2pm, it is recommended that you just do the Witsand circuit.

If you want to spend the night, you can do so at the Fountain Shack. This cabin has 4 bunk beds. There is a reservation fee of R1030 (off-peak) or R1710 (peak).  You can join the Point Circuit from the shack the next morning.

This hike is strenuous and not recommended for the unfit or for children.

Animals in Robberg Nature Reserve

You’ll definitely run into some seals on your Robberg Nature Reserve hikes. The Cape fur seal is the only seal that breeds in southern Africa and you’ll catch a glimpse of them from high above. Besides the Cape fur seal, you may encounter the blue duiker, the Western Cape’s smallest antelope. Between June and November, Southern right whales can be spotted from the reserve so keep your eyes open!

What do you think of these Robberg Nature Reserve hikes? Let me know of any questions in the comments.