Plettenberg Bay launches The Plett Trail.
Wine tasting or wildlife? Nature or culture? The Plett Trail combines all of these top tourism experiences together in a unique slackpacking package.
Many top holiday destinations claim to have “everything on their doorstep”, but do they actually deliver? Plettenberg Bay Tourism is about to change that with the launch of the Plett Trail – a series of country adventure trails that will bring wine farms, multi-terrain hiking, cultural and marine ecology experiences and wildlife together in a luxury “slackpacking” package.
Slackpacking has become a trendy term with a popular following, enabling more people to enjoy the beauty of hiking in nature without the hassle of carrying a heavy backpack along the trail. The Plett Trail, which will launch in late 2015, will take slackpacking to the next level, offering the well-heeled traveller the luxury of hiking through some of the country’s most ecologically diverse terrain, while enjoying the local wine industry along the way.
Each trail has been carefully crafted to immerse travellers in the breathtaking beauty of the area, while giving them a taste of the local wine agri industry. Meaning that no matter which trail you pick, you will always enjoy a variety of terrain and experiences that include wine tasting rooms; marine, bird and indigenous wildlife; and even a few cultural and paleontological wonders along the way. Each trail will be led by a professional guide, well versed in the cultural and botanical importance of the area, delicious meals en route and luxury accommodation at the end of each day, where guests will be met by their luggage.
Take a walk through the Plett Trail:
The Harkerville Trail
Overview: A six-day, guided, slackpacking trail across land and water. The trail starts with a meander through the quaint village of Wittedrift along country roads, forests and farmlands, all within view of the Bitou River Valley Wetlands and its abundant birdlife.
Unique factor: A visit to the working wine and dairy farm at Packwood Country Estate and then leads to the Robberg Nature Reserve en route first along the Kranshoek Cairnbrogie Trail.
Trail areas covered: Harkerville and Dipwalle areas, Bitou River Valley trails and also the Wetland Birding areas (by canoe).
Experience level: Moderate, reasonable fitness level required. No swimming required. Approx. 10 -12 km per day.
Accommodation and food: Luxury accommodation, including breakfast, lunch and dinner at a selection of Plett’s finest wine farms, restaurants and picnic locations.
The Crags Trail
Overview: A four-day, guided, slackpacking trail across land and water.
Unique Factor: Often referred to as “the most scenic trial in the country”, including an abundance of coastal fynbos and endemic bird species and a magnificent stretch of indigenous forests along Matjies River and Salt River. The trail includes rugged coastline, well-established gravel and sand footpaths and easy climbs, so expect a few rugged coastal scrambles and some rock pools en route.
Trail areas covered: Keurbooms, Forest Hall, Natures Valley, the Covie and Kurland trails, the historical Redford House, Bitou Valley Wetlands and Tsitsikamma Mountains.
Experience level: same as Harkerville
Accommodation and food: luxury accommodation, including breakfast, lunch and dinner at a selection of Plett’s finest wine farms, restaurants and picnic locations.