In short
- Adults pay R65 per person.
- Children pay R45 per person.
- Card machines often lose signal, so bring cash.
In this article
Before you hike the trails or head to the beach, you must pay an entrance fee at the main gate. This fee helps CapeNature maintain the trails and protect the local marine environment.
How much is the Robberg Nature Reserve entrance fee?
The entrance fee is R65 per adult and R45 per child.
These rates apply for standard day visits. You pay this fee at the gate when you arrive. The conservation fee goes directly toward managing the reserve and protecting the local wildlife.
Can I use a Wild Card?
Yes, valid Wild Cards are accepted at the main gate.
Show your active card to the gate staff to waive the standard day visitor conservation fee. Make sure your card is valid for CapeNature reserves before you arrive.
How do I pay at the gate?
You can pay using a credit or debit card, but you should also carry cash.
The main gate has a card machine. However, the coastal location means the machine sometimes loses signal.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No, parking is free and included in your entrance fee.
Once you pass the entry gate, you will drive a short gravel road to the main parking area. Parking spaces fill up quickly on weekends and during the peak December and January season.
Do boat tours include the entry fee?
No, boat tours launch from Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay, skipping the reserve gate entirely.
If you book a marine safari or snorkel tour, you will pay the operator directly. These tours stay in the marine protected area and do not land on the reserve itself.
What time does the gate open?
The gate opens at 7:00 AM year-round.
Summer closing time is 8:00 PM. In winter, the gates close earlier at 6:00 PM. Arriving right at 7:00 AM is the best way to secure parking and beat the heat.
Questions travellers ask
Do you need to book Robberg Nature Reserve in advance?
No, you do not need to book your day visit in advance. You simply pay the conservation fee at the gate when you arrive.
Are dogs allowed at Robberg Nature Reserve?
No, pets are strictly prohibited. The area is a protected nature reserve with sensitive wildlife, including a large colony of Cape fur seals.
How long does it take to hike Robberg Nature Reserve?
Hiking times vary by trail. The Gap takes 30 to 45 minutes, Witsand takes 2 to 3 hours, and the 9.2 km circular trail to The Point takes about 4 hours.
