With more than 300 different bird species, Plett is on track to become one of South Africa’s hottest birding destinations! The area is rich in diversity of fauna and flora, with natural habitats that include coastal wetland, Fynbos and forest, attracting indigenous and visiting bird species. Plettenberg Bay accommodation offers several places to view these magnificent creatures right from your room!
Bitou River Lodge is located along the river in the heart of the spectacular Bitou Wetland. Birders can watch the birds and the river from their beds, explore the wetlands by canoe or on foot, and enjoy Plett’s natural surroundings from the elegant comfort of Bitou River Lodge. Each tranquil room has its own entrance and patio with garden and river views and has been designed with comfort and serenity in mind.
Buffelsdam Country House
The Crags, located a short distance from Plett, is home to Buffelsdam Country House. Explore the hikes and walks of The Crags, Salt River and nearby Nature’s Valley or stroll along the water’s edge of the dam. Buffelsdam features 6 comfortable rooms and a luxury family unit.
Set within a private garden with uninterrupted views of the Bitou River, Plett River Lodge is another gem from which to explore the Bitou Wetland’s birding opportunities. Plett River Lodge is a superb place to watch the sun rise over the river and, with a lovely deck area, is the perfect place to end the day the same way.
Perched overlooking the Bitou Wetland, Emily Moon is a place of luxury and calm, with views across winding Bitou river and distant Tsitsikamma Mountains. A place where the call of the Fish Eagle will forever remind you of the vast blue skies of Plettenberg Bay. Emily Moon is set amongst the indigenous vegetation with natural garden settings and woodland boardwalks ideal for exploring the wetland bird species for which the Plett area has become known.
Fynbos Ridge is set amongst fragrant endemic Fynbos with spectacular mountain views and abundant birdlife on the extensive property. Choose between a luxurious suite in the gracious Cape-style manor house or a spacious self-catering unit, refurbished with stone bath tubs. Take a walk amongst the Fynbos, enjoy the secluded swimming pool or relax on the patio.
Lily Pond Country Lodge lives up to its name and is located amongst large colourful lily ponds and indigenous forests; and is renowned for its design, tranquillity and relaxing ambience. This “Afro Zen”-style country retreat is ideally situated to explore the Tsitsikamma National Park and close to Nature’s Valley, beach and lagoon. One can enjoy the abundant birdlife, forest trails and spectacular views of the beautiful lily ponds from individually decorated rooms with wooden decks.
Sweetwater Cottages offer an excellent alternative to catered accommodation with their self-catering units in the heart of Plett’s natural surroundings. Pine Tree and Oak Tree Cottages and Palmiet House offer a truly comfortable farm style experience in Plett.
The Baroness Safari Lodge at Plett Game Reserve
The Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge is set on the private Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve and is reminiscent of the romantic colonial era. The lodge was built in 1822 by Baron von Pletten, an early South African pioneer and conservationist, who used the lodge as his base to explore the biodiversity and wildlife of the then, untamed, South African landscapes. While times have changed, the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve remains a wildlife haven where giraffes, antelope, birdlife and zebra roam free around the lodge, a place where rolling lawns give way to indigenous forest and the mountains which can be seen over the treetops of Giant Yellowwoods. A magical wildlife adventure that won’t be soon forgotten.