On the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find the Robberg Peninsula – one of the most popular and scenic hiking destinations along the Garden Route. It offers exquisite views, prime whale and dolphin watching opportunities, wide stretches of beautiful beach and the chance to encounter a few Cape Fur Seals.
A SHORT HISTORY
Robberg was nicknamed ‘seal mountain’ by early Dutch Settlers, a fitting name as until the 1830s the area hosted a colony of more than 3000 seals. However, by 1890 the colony had slowly been wiped out by hunters and it was only by the early nineties, after a nationwide ban on seal hunting, that the seals began to return to the area. Fast forward to the present day and Robberg is once again home to a colony of approximately 6000 Cape Fur Seals.
GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
The Robberg Peninsula is well-known as being one of the most beautiful hiking destinations along the Garden Route. When you hike the full 11km circuit, you will encounter the Cape Fur Seal colony along the way at a spot that allows you to peer down onto what appears to be a mountain of seals. It is quite a sight to see!
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, put on your snorkelling kit, jump into the waters along the Robberg Peninsula and frolic amongst the seals with a fully qualified divemaster from Offshore Adventures. The seals are often described as ‘underwater puppies’ and will twist and turn around you as you swim alongside them – it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Offshore Adventures also offers seal viewing trips where you can get up close and personal with the seals from the comfort of the boat.
