A cross between farming community and fairy tale village, The Crags lies 20km north of Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s southern Cape coastline known as the Garden Route. Being in the countryside one expects to experience only peace and quiet, however, The Crags residents have created an entertaining arts/wildlife/activity/wine route to compliment the surroundings.
Close to Blue Flag appointed beaches and the many tourist attractions along this route, The Crags is also near to the Western Province and Eastern Cape border where the mystical Tsitsikamma forests and Storms River mouth lie.
The weather is temperate year round, the attractions are abundant and the locals warm and friendly, The Crags should be at the top of your list of Garden Route layovers.
Top 10 reasons to visit The Crags
1. It’s a moving experience visiting the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Here, passionate vets and individuals help to rehabilitate and conserve marine and terrestrial animals. All sorts of tours are offered, including a walk with cheetahs. The facility has a coffee shop and curios sold help to fund the centre.
2. Walk side by side with the continent’s largest beast, the African elephant at the Elephant Sanctuary. Visitors are allowed to touch, ride and help feed the animals.
3. The Old Nick Village concept is one of old time trading stores where creative and hand-made products are offered by merchants. The village holds a mid-week market and there is a working, weaving museum where one can observe textiles woven on ancient looms.
4. The Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve & Safari Centre offers day visitors a 2-hour open vehicle safari on their vast 2200ha property to view lion, rhino, wild dog, buffalo and many other smaller species. Horseback safaris are also offered.
5. Sample the excellent wines of the Bramon Wine Estate where the cool sea breeze has aided in creating award-winning Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines and a Sauvignon Blanc range.
6. The Plet Puzzle Park is definitely a unique venue. The park has a 3D maze to challenge the mind and body, and a forest puzzle walk with 9 puzzles to complete along the route. The park is loved by adults and children alike. Coffee shop on the premises.
7. The Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary holds informative and interactive demonstrations where visitors are given the opportunity to handle a few non-venomous species. The sanctuary has a pleasant walk down to the river to shake off the horrors.
8. For a true forest experience, opt for a 2-hour horse ride offered by Hog Hollow Horse Trails. The trail follows old woodcutter paths and wagon trails and possible encounters with baboon, monkey, buck and other forest-dwelling creatures.
9. The well-known Birds of Eden is listed in all Garden Route brochures. Visit to see the vast range of birds, miniature monkeys and bush babies in the park. Aside from the more than 800 species of bird, the park’s design features (wooden bridge, a ruin and waterfall) adds to the experience.
10. The nearby large town of Plettenberg Bay has shopping malls, movie theatres, ample restaurants and all other conveniences to help burn a hole in your credit cards. Otherwise visit the historic Robberg Peninsula to enjoy a swim at Wreck Beach.
Transport
The nearest major airport is George Airport 125km from The Crags. Charter a flight to Plettenberg Bay Airport, only 35km away. Car rental agencies operate from Plettenberg Bay and at the George airport otherwise order a rental online. There are no taxi services in the village, however, there are shuttle services available from the airports to The Crags. Nearby Plettenberg Bay is on the Intercity bus route that travels daily between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Did you know?
The Crags was named by early British settlers, possibly after the rugged mountains that overlook the area. The first Dutch settlers earmarked the region for logging and much of the indigenous forest was cut down. Then in the 1860s a devastating fire further ravaged the forests. Fortunately, several pockets have survived.
The Crags is the centre of the sport of polo with 2 estates, Kurland and Stonefield, offering 6 international standard fields between them. The polo season runs from December to April.
