Plett Hiking Kranshoek Coastal Walk

“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” Barry Finlay

Today we’re going to share one of our favourite Plett secrets – the Harkerville Coastal Hike. If you’re a walker, birder, photographer, nature-lover, hiker or trail runner, then you will want to make time to explore the coastal area around Kranshoek.

Picturesque Kranshoek is an exceptionally lovely suburb of Plettenberg Bay, located along the coastline between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. Kranshoek is home to one of the largest Griqua populations in South Africa and is home to both the Griqua National Heritage Monument and the Griqua National Conference, offering visitors a fascinating look into the rich Griqua culture.

Kranshoek-Coastal

With some of the most dramatic coastal views to be found on the Garden Route, you’ll stroll through indigenous Fynbos and forest, hike down the cliff and meander along untouched shorelines – the Kranshoek Coastal Walk is an amazing hiking adventure in Plettenberg Bay.

There are two walks – a 3km and 9km option (which should take about 2 hours or 5 hours respectively) with the 9km being significantly tougher than the 3km – so choose whichever suits your fitness level. There is also a two-day hike and a number of MTB routes to enjoy in the area.

The “wildside” coastline between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna is characterised by seaside cliffs overlooking rocky shores and coves. The clifftop meander takes hikers through coastal Fynbos, endemic to the Southern Cape region; this flora plays home to some beautiful local birds including Orange-breasted Sunbirds, Southern Double-collared Sunbirds and the Knysna Loerie.

We recommend packing a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way or at the picnic spot that serves as the start and end of the hike.