Located within the Plettenberg Bay area is a most glorious World Heritage Site known as Keurbooms River Nature Reserve. This exquisite reserve is 740 hectares of indigenous forests, an unspoilt river gorge, and protected kloofs and is situated within the acclaimed Garden Route. The Keurbooms River passes through the reserve, bringing an abundance of water from further up in the Tsitsikamma Mountains to enter the ocean through the stunning estuary.
The reserve is named after the western Keurboom tree which presents the most stunning purple flowers when in bloom and is native to the small, narrow strip along the southeastern coast of South Africa.
What can you expect at Keurbooms River Nature Reserve?
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is an extraordinary place full of wonder and magical delight at the hands of mother nature herself. The lush greenery and magnificent mountains provide an exquisite backdrop for you to marvel at as it engulfs you in what seems like another world.
The reserve's indigenous forest forms a sanctuary for animals such as vervet monkey, blue duiker, grysbok, mongoose, wild pigs, Cape clawless otter, antelope and even leopard while the rich bird life includes the Knysna turaco, giant kingfisher, Knysna woodpecker, sunbirds, yellow-billed ducks and many more. So do remember to take your camera along.
One of the best aspects of Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is the Whiskey Creek Canoe Trail which is seven kilometres long and suitable for everyone of all ages. The river is quite flat and protected by the gorge from the winds so there is no need to be an expert when it comes to canoeing.
Canoes can be rented from Cape Nature which is right across the road from Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park and it is very helpful that the canoes available are wide flat bottom canoes that are extremely stable. The canoe hire fee is R160 per canoe which can hold two people.
The river route not only offers exceptional views and a tranquil journey but several picnic sites and even more idyllic riverside beaches along the way. You are able to stop anywhere you like to cool down in the river, enjoy a delicious picnic or relax with a good book before carrying along on your journey.
Should you be more of a land person, you'll be happy to know there is also the option to hike along the river with the trail taking approximately an hour to complete.
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve Tariffs and Information
When visiting the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, it is advised to stay overnight in order to get the best experience possible, but for those of you just interested in spending the day, the entry fee for the reserve is R40 per person during off-peak season and R60 per person during the peak season.
If you are wanting to spend the night, Whiskey Creek Cottage is situated along the Keurbooms river and is a fully equipped bunk-style house that sleeps 10 people and is situated on a bend of the river which is completely off limits to anyone else.
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve and the area that surrounds it
Residents of Plettenberg Bay get to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying vacation-style living. Whether you are looking to relocate or invest, Seeff has a wide variety of homes available near Keurbooms River Nature Reserve and other amenities you love. If you would like to know more or simply wish to browse, contact one of our property practitioners today.