The Crags Accommodation

Along the Garden Route is a small (relatively speaking of course in the scheme of things) area called The Crags. It's 12km outside the popular coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, a suburb of it, you could say.

Here in this 15km2 area you will find the most extraordinary things to do, places to eat, people to meet and places to stay.

Let's begin with the animals - we have six sanctuaries here - Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, the Elephant Sanctuary and even one for Snakes at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary. So if it's a walk with a cheetah, or a visit to the Ellies, or a day with the birds you desire, look no further than The Crags. Of course who could forget our glorious oceans with all its teaming wild life? Pelagic birds, dolphins, seals, whales and there's Ocean Blue to ensure you have the best eco tour possible.

If it's boating you desire, well there is no better spot than the Angling Club - little put-put boats to take you up (or down) river, to moor at private beaches and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

And for those adventure-loving people, Ingwe Forest Adventures puts together some great group & team-building activities. Polo fields abound in this area, and it's always an exciting time when the teams and horses arrive for the season! Chukkas and Champagne are the order of the day then.

And the walks here are superb - over 50 charted in the area.

Then of course there's the shopping: not the ordinary run-of-the-mill stuff, but handcrafted, hand painted, community orientated, artistic, clever, funny, funky and functional creations. Fabulous fabrics at Langa Lapu, mohair delights (and you can meet the goats who supply the wool too) at the Mill, jewelry, leather, famous raku ceramics at Porcupine, knick-knacks, clothing, dying, beadwork handcrafted soaps at Old Nick's ... it's a shoppers haven.

And not to forget that this area boasts the very first vineyard this far east in the Western cape! Bramon Wine Estate has created an award winning bubbly and you can taste it at their super restaurant in the vineyards overlooking the elephant sanctuary.

And as for excellent eateries: Enrico's Restaurant is perched right on the rocks at Keurbooms beach - "Any closer," says Enrico, "and you'll get wet!"

And there's the PepperMill for scrumptious lunches and breakfasts at The Mill; Nature's Valley Trading for pub grub and beach essentials and what stay is a stay without sampling the superlative Natures' Valley Beach? There's the Flight Deck at Birds of Eden, in the middle of the lake with the swans and ducks gliding by. Of course if you'd prefer to pack up a picnic then Natures Valley Farmstall is the place for you to stop ... fresh milk, farm cheese, preserves (yum!), and then you head off to the beach for a blissful day of doing absolutely nothing.

If that isn't enough, we have our very own Barnyard Theatre here - so for those with a theatrical mien or a musical ear, the Barnyard has a fabulous variety of shows throughout the year.

The Crags, come and cruise with us ...

The Crags, located along the Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa, is a hidden gem that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.

Here are ten things to do or see in and around The Crags:

1. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary: Visit this free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, home to various species of monkeys, lemurs, and apes. Enjoy guided tours through the forest and learn about primate conservation efforts.

2. Birds of Eden: Adjacent to Monkeyland, this massive free-flight aviary houses thousands of birds from all over the world. Wander through lush greenery and marvel at the diverse bird species in their naturalistic environment.

3. Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore this sanctuary dedicated to big cats and other wildlife. Learn about the conservation efforts to protect lions, tigers, cheetahs, and more, and see these magnificent animals up close.

4. Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre: Experience wildlife rehabilitation and education at Tenikwa. Participate in guided tours to see rehabilitated animals and learn about conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife.

5. The Crags Elephant Sanctuary: Engage in an educational and interactive experience with rescued elephants. Learn about their behavior, feed them, and take a walk alongside these gentle giants.

6. Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary: For those interested in reptiles, the Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary offers guided tours showcasing various species of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Gain insights into their behavior and conservation.

7. Mill Mohair & Leather Shop: Visit this unique shop to see locally produced mohair products and leather goods. Discover the craftsmanship behind these products and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs.

8. Bramon Wine Estate: Enjoy wine tasting at this boutique wine estate, known for its sparkling wines and Sauvignon Blanc. Pair your tasting with a meal at the estate's restaurant, which offers stunning vineyard views.

9. Hog Hollow Horse Trails: Experience the beauty of The Crags on horseback. Guided horse trails take you through indigenous forests, across streams, and along scenic routes, offering a unique perspective of the area.

10. Keurbooms River Nature Reserve: Just a short drive from The Crags, this nature reserve offers opportunities for canoeing, boating, and hiking along the Keurbooms River. Enjoy the tranquility of the river and the surrounding forested landscapes.

These attractions make The Crags a must-visit destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Garden Route.