I visited Plettenberg Bay in November 2024. I decided to come and try and find the caches here while doing the 5km hiking route and thoroughly enjoyed it. After receiving the Virtual Rewards 4.0 I spent most of the time agonising about where to place it, and what requirements to have cachers meet. Alas, I finally settled on placing it here where I left a piece of my heart. I can't wait to come back and perhaps do the 10km hike.
This virtual can only be reached when committing to do the 5km or 10km hike.I hope you enjoy this beautiful place as much as I have.
Requirements:
In order to log this cache, cachers need to submit a photo at this location with your caching handle and the date in the sand with one of the following in the background:
1. The island
2. The view of Robberg and the gap
3. The view of Robber towards the point
Details about Robberg Nature Reserve:
Hiking trails
The three circular routes on offer vary in terms of distance and difficulty. Regardless of the route, visitors must always wear hiking shoes, sunblock and hats. Water and warm clothing is essential, as the weather can change suddenly.
The three trails on offer range in time from a 30-minute stroll to a four-hour hike. All offer fantastic views, brisk sea air and sightings of the birds of the peninsula.
Gap Circuit
Trail distance: 2.1km
Estimated time: 30 minutes
The shortest and easiest route that heads straight into a mudstone cleft, which has evidence of the prehistoric break-up of Gondwanaland 120 million years ago. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong.
Witsand Circuit
Trail distance: 5.5km
Estimated time: 2 hours
The trail leads along the northern ridge of the peninsula and onto the wind-shadow of the climbing-falling dune, before heading down to the tombolo and boardwalk. Hikers will pass above the resident seal colony along the way and encounter a colony of kelp gulls at the end of the trail. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong.
Point Circuit
Trail distance: 9.2km
Estimated time: 4 hours
This is a fairly strenuous walk and not recommended for young children. The trail heads up the north ridge to the Point and then back along the southern rocky shoreline. A highlight is encountering the hundreds of gannets, cormorants and terns at the Point. Do not stand near cliffs, particularly if the wind is very strong.
Permits
Permits may be purchased for R65 per adult and R45 per child at the reserve entrance gate.
Reserve Operating Hours: 7am-8pm.
No entry will be granted after 7pm.
From 01 October to 30 April, the operating hours will change to 7am-6pm.
No entry will be granted after 5pm.
From 01 May to 30 September, operating hours will change to 7am-6pm.
No entry will be granted after 5pm.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.