There are three Gary Player designer courses, each with its own unique character and allure. The Links, measuring up to the highest international standards is Fancourt’s flagship course.
Fynbos Ridge Birding & Birdwatching
Flocks of Dazzling Birds at Fynbos Ridge Plettenberg Bay
The Fynbos Ridge Private Nature Reserve, situated 7 km outside Plettenberg Bay, is ideal for birding. Owners Brian and Liz Phillips have created a lovely fynbos home for avian critters of every colour and variety. The rustic, natural environment, with it’s scenic vistas provides indigenous habitat for the birds.
Gardens overflow in and around the cottages and the main house, and guests can luxuriate on balconies and verandas, at the pool and on the trails armed with their cameras and birdbooks. A 200mm lens should do the trick. Many of the birds are partially habituated, and amateur photographers who miss their shot on first sighting can be assured to have another opportunity, as the birds make numerous visits to the feeding trays and birdbaths scattered around the grounds.
Fynbos Ridge has a bird list of approximately 90 species sighted on the property. Every parts of the property brims with beautiful fynbos and proteas and many of the birds are endemic to this part of the Garden Route.
From lively Pintailed Whydas, with their bright red beaks and their “bouncing in the air” courtship ritual, to Swee Waxbills, Forest Canaries, Cape Weavers, pretty Batis, Forest Buzzards, Fish Eagles, colourful Sunbirds to the Cape Sugarbirds with their long scimitar beaks – which has been adopted as the Fynbos Ridge logo – there is plenty to tick off on your birding lists.
Helmeted Guinea Fowl roam the lawns, Cape Bou-bou Shrikes come to beg from the kitchen, Knysna Turaco (Loerie) raid the berries on the vines. There are also rarer birds resident, such as the Knysna Woodpecker and the Victorin’s Scrub Warbler. Such a variety of birds are visible all year around, according to the flowering cycle of the fynbos.
There are also amazing birding opportunities beyond Fynbos Ridge, with Plettenberg Bay being a major Birding Route – sea and water birds at the beach and lagoons, waders in the rivers, and forest dwellers close by.
Wildlife in Plettenberg Bay
Experience the spectacular beauty of Plettenberg Bay by visiting our famous game reserves where you can get up close to the extraordinary wildlife.
Game Viewing
Go on 4x4 Safari Game Drives at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve.
Game Viewing
Go on 4x4 Safari Game Drives at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve.
Meeting Elephants
Up close and personal at the Elephant Sanctuary and Knysna Elephant Park.
Meeting Elephants
Up close and personal at the Elephant Sanctuary and Knysna Elephant Park.
Monkey Business
Plettenberg Bay's Monkeyland is the world's first multi species primate sanctuary where monkeys, apes and lemurs roam free in the forest.
Monkey Business
Plettenberg Bay's Monkeyland is the world's first multi species primate sanctuary where monkeys, apes and lemurs roam free in the forest.
Birds of Eden
Walk in Plettenberg Bay's Birds of Eden features over 2000 birds in a free-flight aviary larger than the Millennium Dome.
Birds of Eden
Walk in Plettenberg Bay's Birds of Eden features over 2000 birds in a free-flight aviary larger than the Millennium Dome.
Aquatic Activities
We are ideally situated for golf holidays, as there are many of South Africa’s top golf courses situated close to Fynbos Ridge.
Whales & Dolphins
South Africa's boat based whale watching (also dolphins, seals and pelagic birds) with Ocean Safaris, Ocean Blue Adventures and The Explorer.
Cruising and Sailing
Paddle steamers, pleasure boats, catamarans & luxury yachts! Keurbooms Ferries, Springtide Charters, Ocean Odyssey & the Featherbed of Knysna.
Kayaking & Surfing
Go up the Bitou & Keurbooms Rivers, on the Knsyns Lagoon, or into the Indian Ocean with Dolphin Adventures, Surfing Rentals & Real Cape Adventures.
Diving & Snorkelling
Experience marine magic on Plettenberg Bay's underwater trails with the Offshore Adventures or Tsitsikamma Divers.
Fishing
Enjoy a half day of full day fishing trip with an experienced charter or spend your time fly-fishing and relaxing with the family!
Learn To Surf Plett
Learn to Surf Plett is a locally owned & operated Surf School based in Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s most sought after holiday and beach destinations.
Wine Estates
Plettenberg Bay Wine Region
Indulge in Bramon Estate’s famous Methode Cap Classique Sauvignon Blanc Wine. Plettenberg Bay has been awarded a Wine of Origin status & Bramon is the only wine Estate in the area.
Golf Courses
We are ideally situated for golf holidays, as there are many of South Africa’s top golf courses situated close to Fynbos Ridge.
Simola Golf Course
Simola Golf and Country Estate has firmly cemented its place as one of Africa’s premiere golfing destinations. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course was designed by the legend himself and remains a favourite amongst golfers.
Pezula Championship Golf Course
As a Top 20 South African ranked course, Pezula’s championship design offers a challenge for the seasoned golfer while still being the perfect day out for any skill level.
Knysna Golf Club
Just minutes from the famous Knysna Heads, the course hugs the shores of the Knysna Lagoon and so offers a truly unique golfing experience, making it a must-play destination for visitors to the Southern Cape.
Plettenberg Bay Country Club
With over 38 000 rounds played per annum, Plett Country Club is considered a ‘must play’ course on the Garden Route. We invite you to come and experience our award-winning course which has hosted masters of the sport from around the world!
Goose Valley Golf Club
This superb golf club offers a splendid Gary Player designed 72-par, 18-hole signature golf course in the heart of the Garden Route.
Harkerville Hop
Explore an exciting new route in Plettenberg Bay, conveniently located between Plett and Knysna on the N2.
So many interesting places to explore. Including stay at a selection of unique places, eat at our farm-to-table and other fabulous locations and come play and experiences our popular outdoor activities – each location tucked within our famous Garden Route escapes including fynbos, flora, and the lush forests in Harkerville. All of this just a few minutes from central Plett.
Enjoy a birder’s paradise while exploring our green forests, a trail blazer’s bucket list with our ancient indigenous trees and our beautiful mountain views, and a child’s dream with fun animal and adventure activities.
Take a Journey
Experience the spectacular beauty of Plettenberg Bay by visiting our famous game reserves where you can get up close to the extraordinary wildlife.
Hiking
Enjoy Guided tours of the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve along the rugged coastline and through magnificent forests of the Garden Route.
Hiking
Enjoy Guided tours of the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve along the rugged coastline and through magnificent forests of the Garden Route.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike your way through four exciting routes in the Harkerville Indigenous Forest and other world class trails.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike your way through four exciting routes in the Harkerville Indigenous Forest and other world class trails.
Treetop Canopy Tours
An unforgettable 3 hour adventure 30 metres above the Tsitsikamma forest floor with Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours or over the waterfall with Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures.
Treetop Canopy Tours
An unforgettable 3 hour adventure 30 metres above the Tsitsikamma forest floor with Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours or over the waterfall with Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures.
AfriCanyon Adventures
Experience deep gorges, optional jumps and AfriCanyon’s unique rock-pool zip-line. Discover the fun and exhilaration of Canyoning in the amazing Crags.
AfriCanyon Adventures
Experience deep gorges, optional jumps and AfriCanyon’s unique rock-pool zip-line. Discover the fun and exhilaration of Canyoning in the amazing Crags.
Equine Adventures
Experience the spectacular beauty of Plettenberg Bay by visiting our famous game reserves where you can get up close to the extraordinary wildlife.
Hog Hollow Horse Trails
Hog Hollow Horse Trails offers a trail with views over the mountains and forest, a forest trail with wildlife, and trail on a private nature reserve amidst indigenous forest.
Horse Riding & Polo
Go through magnificent scenery accompanied by experienced guides at the Southern Comfort Ranch or with Equitrailing. Polo lessons available at nearby Polo fields.
Face Adrenalin
Bungy Jumping & Bridge Walk
Face Adrenalin will take you to the world’s highest bungy jump (216m with a 7 second free fall) & Africa’s largest bridge.
Sky Adventures
Skydiving, Microlights & Scenic Flights
Skydive Plettenberg Bay, Airsport Africa & African Ramble will show you the breathtaking views of the Paradise Coast from the air.
Guest Reviews
Discover what our guests have to say about their unforgettable stay at Fynbos Ridge, where nature meets luxury in the heart of the Garden Route.
