Some 14km east of Plettenberg Bay, across the Keurbooms River, is the uncluttered resort of KEURBOOMSTRAND (Keurbooms for short), which shares the same bay and has equally wonderful beaches, but is less safe for swimming. The safest place for swimming is at Arch Rock , in front of the caravan park, though Picnic Rock Beach is also pretty good. A calm and attractive place, Keurbooms has few facilities, and if you're intending to stay here you should stock up in Plettenberg Bay beforehand.

 

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, canoeing up the Keurbooms River gives an alternative perspective on the area. Nature Conservation (tel 044 533 2125), on the east side of the Keurbooms River Bridge along the N2, rents out fairly basic craft for R70 per day for a two-person canoe. The forest comes right down to the river edge, and as the gorge narrows and you go higher the journey gets better, because you leave behind the pleasure boats and water-skiers who are restricted to an area near the caravan park. Don't be put off by the river's Coca-Cola colour (which comes from harmless oxides in the water): it's quite fresh, and wonderful to swim in during the summer. If you're renting a boat, you can stop and picnic at any of the little beaches upriver. While you're here, keep an eye out for the pink-flowering Keurboom trees that give their name to the river and resort.

The only place in Keurbooms for eating and drinking is the reasonably priced Rafiki's , which has an unbeatable location right on the beach and makes a great whale- and dolphin-spotting venue.