The Point Circuit, Robberg Nature Reserve, South Africa
If you’re ever staying in or around Plettenberg Bay, you absolutely must make time for a trip to Robberg Nature Reserve. With its raw, dramatic coastline, turquoise waters, and endless marine life, it quickly became one of our favourite places on the Garden Route. We were lucky enough to be housesitting in Plettenberg Bay for a couple of weeks, looking after one adorable cat called Kitty, and made several trips out to the reserve to hike, swim and sunbathe.
The longest and most challenging of the hikes at Robberg is the Point Circuit—a full loop around the entire peninsula that delivers jaw-dropping views, a good dose of scrambling, and a chance to cool off in tidal pools and beaches along the way. It’s tough going in sections, but it’s one of the most rewarding hikes we’ve done in South Africa.
Start point: Robberg Nature Reserve Car Park – Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvSxTgrdTq8kDybx7
End point: Same as start (loop trail)
Average duration: 4–5 hours (we took longer with swim + snack stops)
Distance: 9.2km
Elevation gain: Varied – with some steep climbs and descents
When to go: Open year-round, but best done on a calm day as the wind can be wild
Difficulty: Hard – includes scrambling, steep sandy paths and cliffside traverses
Maps/Info: Trail signage is excellent. More info here: CapeNature – Robberg: https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve
TOP TIPS:
Wear hiking shoes with good grip – some parts of the trail are rocky or sandy and slippery
Bring plenty of water and snacks – there’s nowhere to refill on the route
Swimming gear is a must – tidal pools and the beach are irresistible
Don’t attempt the trail if the wind is very strong – it’s dangerous near the cliffs
Hats, suncream and sunglasses are essential – there’s very little shade
Visit the café in the car park after your hike – the smoothies are incredible!
Check the tide times if you’re planning a beach stop – some parts may be submerged
The hike:
We started our Point Circuit adventure mid-morning, after a relaxed coffee with Kitty and a short drive from central Plettenberg Bay. The Robberg Nature Reserve car park already had a few cars when we arrived, but there was still plenty of space. If you're hiking the full circuit, arrive early – not only to avoid the heat and other people, but to give yourself enough time to enjoy the reserve without rushing.
The trail kicks off with a steady climb along the northern ridge of the peninsula, giving panoramic views back over Plettenberg Bay and the vast Indian Ocean. It’s absolutely stunning, and we stopped a few times just to stare out at the water—and to catch our breath!
Once you’ve crested the ridge, the trail meanders along the spine of the peninsula, passing through rocky outcrops, sandy paths, and windswept fynbos. Keep your eyes peeled for dassies (rock hyraxes) sunbathing on boulders, and seabirds swooping along the cliffs. There are a few rope-assisted sections towards the end—short but helpful for stability—and the wind can really pick up along this stretch, so be cautious near the edges.
Eventually, you’ll reach The Point—the rugged, windswept tip of the peninsula, where the land falls away into jagged cliffs and the surf crashes below. It’s worth stopping here for a proper break (and to marvel at the sheer number of gannets, cormorants and terns nesting nearby). This part of the trail feels almost prehistoric—wild, isolated, and unlike anything else.
From here, the trail drops steeply and becomes more technical. You’ll need to use your hands in places as you pick your way across rocks and sand, but the views down towards The Island—a spit of land almost completely separated from the mainland—are spectacular. We decided to detour slightly to explore around the Island itself, and ended up sunbathing on the golden sandbar that connects it to the main trail. Absolute paradise.
Just past the Island, we found a crystal-clear tidal pool nestled between the rocks, and couldn’t resist jumping in. It was absolutely freezing cold, but incredibly refreshing after a few hours of hiking in the sun. There’s plenty of space to spread out on the rocks and relax here, so pack a towel and give yourself time to enjoy it.
The final stretch of the trail hugs the southern shoreline and eventually loops back up to the car park. The terrain becomes easier underfoot, but we were feeling the effort by this point—and the heat. That said, it’s a brilliant way to finish, as you’re right by the water for most of it, with uninterrupted views out to sea and back across the peninsula you just circled.
Robberg Nature Reserve’s Point Circuit is not just a hike—it’s a full-day coastal adventure. From dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies to hidden beaches and tidal pools, it has everything you could want from a wild South African hike. It’s definitely challenging, but the variety and beauty of the trail make every step worth it.
We ended our day at the little café in the car park, and if you go, do not miss their fruit smoothies—they’re genuinely some of the best we’ve had anywhere in the world. Grab a spot with a view, stretch out your legs, and soak up the post-hike glow. Kitty was definitely not impressed that we were gone for half the day, but we think she’d have approved of the beach nap.