Fountain Shack

A local’s secret, the Fountain Shack is the only way to overnight in the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay — a national monument, World Heritage Site and marine protected area.

Beauty: 5/5
Difficulty (fitness): 5/10 — moderate to good fitness and balance required.
Technical Rating: Standard trail walking with varied terrain depending on route chosen — from boardwalk to beach walking, with some technical and slippery rock sections.

Route Description

Starting at the main parking area, the trail to the hut is marked by a seal icon and initially follows the main circular route via The Point. Once hikers cross The Gap and reach the boardwalk, overnight visitors turn right — following the anti-clockwise trail towards Die Eiland.

Framed by coastal vistas, the trail heads towards Die Eiland and the famous tombolo connecting it to the main peninsula.

From here, the trail winds along the rocky shoreline, sometimes just metres above the pounding surf. The sea spray on your face, the salt air and the raw coastal energy make for an exhilarating experience.

Die Eiland — a rocky outcrop connected to the mainland by a tombolo — soon comes into view. The trail undulates and occasionally fades, but the sweeping seascape ahead draws you onward, inviting you to surrender to the beauty of South Africa’s southern coastline.

We now present you with…the magnificence of the Cape coastline.

Leaving the cliff-hugging trail, the next section crosses pristine beach and the width of the tombolo itself, before passing beneath the vast Witsand dune — one of seven shifting dunes along the Cape coast. If time and energy allow, climb it for a sweeping view across Die Eiland… and the pure joy of running back down.

From the top of Witsand, one can see across the sand spit (or tombolo) to Die Eiland.

After the beach stretch, the trail climbs gently again — and the Fountain Shack appears in view.

This humble, no-frills hut owes its allure to location alone. Perched above tide pools teeming with marine life and surrounded by lush fynbos, it faces west over the ocean, offering hikers the rare privilege of being the only overnight guests in the Robberg Nature Reserve.

Sundowners from the deck of the Fountain Shack.

After dropping your pack at the hut, it’s worth exploring Die Eiland on foot. A circular boardwalk extends to the far end of the peninsula and rewards walkers with incredible views of the ocean and cliffs.

Magnificent views back towards the mainland from Die Eiland, with the peninsula glowing in late afternoon light.

As night falls, the sounds of the ocean, wind and seabirds form a coastal symphony under a canopy of stars. If you’re lucky with low tide, the intertidal zone below the shack offers a world of marine wonder — anemones, crabs, and shellfish that vanish again with the incoming tide.

This intertidal shelf is usually covered by water, visible only at low tide.

Exploring the strange, otherworldly spaces and creatures of the intertidal zone.

By morning, day visitors begin to arrive, marking the end of your private island retreat. The return route offers equally captivating views, no matter which trail you choose back to the parking area.

Right up to the end of the trail, there are breathtaking views across the Robberg Peninsula.

Few trails in South Africa offer such an easy escape from civilization — a quick reset in the splendour of nature, and a return to reality with perspective renewed and spirit revived.

All photos @daniapea

Tips

This review follows the typical CapeNature route. For an easier but slightly longer walk, continue from The Gap towards Witsand, adding around 20 minutes. The longer circular trail via The Point adds several kilometres and is best reserved for experienced hikers.

CapeNature suggests two hours for the hike to the Fountain Shack, but fit hikers often manage it in under an hour. Start early to savour the views and the trail’s many pauses for wonder.

Avoid hiking with very young children or those with limited fitness, and take extra care in wet or windy weather — the rocks can be slick and the cliffs unforgiving. Beware of rip tides if swimming.

Info & Bookings

For more information or to book, contact CapeNature.

Fountain Shack bookings: 0861 227 362
Robberg enquiries: 044 533 2125/85
Website: www.capenature.co.za/reserves/robberg-nature-reserve