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The Pansy Shell Camino highlights Plett’s remarkable diversity and universal appeal over two to five days. The route includes a meander around the incomparable Robberg Peninsula, rated one of the best one-day walks in the world, Plett’s famous Blue Flag Beaches, it’s placid lagoon and majestic Keurbooms Gorge, a magnificent coastal forest and a hidden cove in Natures Valley, the jewel in the crown.

ARRIVAL DAY

The full 5-Day Camino begins with arrival, check-in to your allocated lagoonside accommodation,

and a group welcome dinner the evening before the official start.

  •  Shorter Caminos (4, 3, and 2 days) meet on the morning their walk begins.
  •  All Caminos conclude after lunch on the final day.
  •  If you wish to extend your stay, an extra night accommodation is available upon request at

the end of your journey. This turns the standard 5-day/5-night itinerary into a 5-day/6-night

stay, for example.



⟫ Southern Cross















01 THE START

We kick off the Pansy Shell Camino hiking along the Robberg Peninsula, a World Heritage Site with its own spectacular island and home to hundreds of seals. Besides the marvelous views you visit some archeologically significant caves and hidden pools in the fascinating geological formations and conglomerate which cover much of the area. We picnic on a rare tombola beach, one which resembles a wine glass, and celebrate being there. After hiking Robberg we hike along three Blue Flag beaches past Plettenberg Bay

village to the mouth of the Keurbooms Lagoon beyond, where we overnight.


⟫ Robberg Nature Reserve

⟫ Plett Blue Flag beaches

⟫ Plett Lagoon and Gorge


.

02 THE PADDLE LEG

After breakfast we take to our kayaks for a pleasant paddle up the Plett Lagoon to the confluence of the Bitou and Keurbooms estuaries which brim with marine life and a variety of coastal birds. We may find seals swimming nearby and gulls, ibis’, oystercatchers, ferns, kingfishersand cormorants all about. You may see flamingoes feeding in the shallows in their distinctive way and if conditions permit you may even spot a seahorse or two under the water, one of a few Caminos in the world offering this rare (and elusive) opportunity! Leaving the coastal stretch we paddle into one of South Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Keurbooms Gorge.


Along the way we may spot fish eagles circling

overhead, occasionally giving their distinctive call, so reminiscent of Africa. Paddling into the gorge we leave behind the din of the ocean and become enveloped in silence, but for the sound of water gurgling past our kayaks and unseen birds in the lush, verdant forest. A picnic lunch is enjoyed on the water’s edge, surrounded by the forest. After an invigorating day’s paddle, we enjoy a relaxed evening at our comfortable accommodation looking back at the stars

blinking in the gorge that you have just explored by kayak, the best possible way to have experienced it.

⟫ Plettenberg Bay Lagoon

⟫ Bitou Estuary

⟫ Keurbooms Gorge 

  • All packages

The one day of kayaking included in the Plett Coastal Camino is suitable to all normally fit persons, even if you have never paddled before. The large sit-on PaddleYak Tango Doubles which are built by us are ultra-stable and easy to paddle (see www.paddleyak.co.za).  

Those who prefer not to kayak can choose an optional hiking excursion instead, while others can request more kayaking or additional sea kayaking add-ons. Full instructions are provided, and the activity is suitable for all normally fit people, with no

previous experience required.  

Kayaking details

  •  Experience level: No experience is necessary, as the kayaks are stable and easy to

paddle, and all participants receive full instructions.

  •  Safety: The one-day kayaking is on the sheltered and safe Plett Lagoon.
  •  Equipment: The tour uses large, stable PaddleYak Tango Doubles sit-on-top kayaks.
  •  Location: All paddling is done on the Plett Lagoon, which is described as being safe and

fun. 

Options for participation

  •  No kayaking: 

Those who don't wish to or cannot kayak can participate in a separate hiking excursion.

  •  More kayaking: 

Participants can request additional days of kayaking or a trip that is biased towards

kayaking only.

  •  Sea kayaking: 

Paddling on the sea is available as an add-on activity on the days before and after the

Camino.

03 THE BEACH HIKE 

After paddling we swop our paddles for hiking boots again and trek along the remote beach curving around the bay to Keurboomstrand, the small seaside village on the edge of the Tsitsikamma forest and coast. Dolphins, seals and whales might be spotted along the way and at certain times of the year the waves are thick with darting shoals of fish, for the famous “sardine run” up the Kwazulu-Natal coast. Dinner and overnighting is at a historical landmark lodge in the middle of the old forest. The lapping of the Indian Ocean on the cliffs below and the sea breeze in the treetops lull you to sleep.

⟫ Keurboomstrand

*Periwinkle

04 ONTO NATURES OWN

It’s an enjoyable day’s hike the next day through the coastal forest to the remote Salt River Cove (also called Mermaid’s Cove) and on to charming Nature’s Valley, which may just be the original Eden of the Garden Route. After emerging out of the forest we continue along the beautiful beach ahead to our gracious overnight accommodation and dinner at the only restaurant in this special

setting, worlds away from anywhere else.

⟫ Nature's Valley

* Periwinkle


05 THE END

Next day we walk an old forest route in the valley to a viewpoint showing the small lagoon as well as the cliffs where the Otter Trail ends. Afterwards we walk back to our accommodation and transfer back to Plett, enjoying lunch en route at one of the most elegant situated lodges in the Garden Route, with a view over the mountains, stretching into the distant future, an apt ending for the Plett Coastal Camino.

⟫ Kalanderkloof

IN SUMMARY

Throughout the Pansy Shell Camino there’s an emphasis on the history and nature of Plett and your interaction with it in a mindful way. With attention to detail by our selected team everything is arranged to ensure your Plett Coastal Camino will be an unforgettable experience which you will treasure for life.

Plett Coastal Camino and Price List 2025-26.pdf

Our itinerary options

Because of our experience at Real Cape Adventures and understanding of travel needs, the Pansy Shell Camino has been designed to accommodate different travel itineraries, so the options vary in duration from two to six days. Departures are on Monday mornings, finishing on Fridays. This bookends the PS Camino with weekends, allowing time to travel and additional days and activities. For your convenience and ease of booking, the most popular permutations are 

  • Weekly departures are set for every Monday morning at 8h00 from February to November. This allows for weekend travel before and after the Camino, as well as arriving a night before the Camino. Where you are doing less than the full five days, you will join and leave the regular departure groups on days coinciding with their itineraries.
  • Regular weekly departures are set for every Monday morning at 8h00. This avoids weekend crowds and facilitates traveling over weekends before the start and after.