Canoe Trail Near Plettenberg Bay

Last updated: Jul 15, 2014

The Keurbooms River, near Plettenberg Bay, offers a great canoe trail where you can paddle up the river to a wooden cabin and enjoy a wonderful overnight stay. The river has spectacular views and a variety of bird and animal life, and the canoe trail allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the beauty of the river. Don't worry about bringing your cell-phone, as you will quickly lose reception a few kilometres up the river. It's just you and the river.

The Whiskey Creek Cabin sleeps 10 people and is fully equipped with four double bunks and two single beds in a dorm room, a hot shower, flushing toilet, and an open-air kitchen. There is also a wooden deck with a braai area, but you'll need to buy firewood at the start of the trail as collecting wood in the nature reserve is not allowed.

The best time of year to go on the canoe trail is during the warmer months of October to May. The sunshine and warm weather makes the river a lot more inviting, and the trail closes in the case of very bad weather. The cabin is 7 kilometres up the river which takes about 3-hours to travel. However, you'll probably be looking to stop off along the trail to enjoy the river and have a picnic.

The canoes themselves are easy enough to paddle, but you will have to take everything that you'll need for the night along with you in the canoe. So, make sure to pack lightly or you could end up rowing for a while. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag, all food and drinks, and a change of clothing. Canoes, life jackets, paddles and dry bags are all provided at the start of the trail.

The canoe trail starts at the bridge over the Keurbooms River. Here you will get your canoes and the keys to the cabin. During peak season the cabin costs R3200 per night for 10 people, and canoe hire is R80 for a single and R120 for a double. The conservation fee is R30 per person, or free with a Wild Card. For more information and to book the trail visit www.capenature.co.za or call 0861 227 362 8873.