Pringle Bay and Rooi Els offer a feast of activities for nature lovers and those who want some peace and tranquillity. It’s far away from any hustle and bustle of city life and, even in the peak of summer and tourist season, the villages are still quiet enough to really relax in.

Being at the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere, one of the main things to do in Pringle Bay and Rooi Els is explore the great outdoors. There are many ways to do this here – from going to the beach to hiking in the mountains. There are several trails in the mountains above the villages where you can hike or mountain bike. You can also head out to the Maasbaai Lighthouse on foot or by bicycle. The trails in the area vary in length and difficulty, so there is plenty for all fitness levels to enjoy.

If you want to head slightly further afield, there are walks and hikes within the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Rooi Els offers numerous walks with some breath-taking view points along the way. Stony Point in Betty’s Bay has a boardwalk that takes visitors along the coast line and through a penguin breeding colony. This is an easily accessible walk for all ages and fitness levels, and certainly well worth a visit.

The highlight of the summer months in the area is definitely the amazing beaches you can visit. The beach in Pringle Bay is next to the mouth of the Buffels River. This is a great spot for kayaking, swimming and surfing – as well as sunbathing, of course. There is another beautiful lagoon and beach created by the Rooi Els River on one side of Rooi Els.

From July through to December is whale watching season on the west coast. Pretty much anywhere along Clarence Drive you’ll be able to spot these majestic creatures playing in the waters, mating and calving. Pringle Bay and Rooi Els have some beautiful coastal viewpoints where you can sit and enjoy the incredible sight of the Southern Right Whale. A great reason for visiting these villages during whale watching season is that they still don’t get too crowded, unlike some of the bigger towns further up the coast.

Pringle Bay also boasts several art galleries featuring work from local artists. There are a number of craft shops where visitors can buy jewellery and décor items from designers who live in and around Pringle Bay and Rooi Els.

The two villages pride themselves on being quiet and tranquil, however, there is still some night life going on. Most Saturday nights people head over to the popular local bar and pizza place in Pringle Bay to see some live entertainment. Musical acts from the area, and sometimes from further afield, are brought in to entertain the crowd. There are several other restaurants and bars in Pringle Bay and Rooi Els too, if you’re looking for a quiet night out.

It’s clear that activities in Pringle Bay and Rooi Els centre on the great outdoors and experiencing the very best that nature has to offer. Whether you go for a luxury getaway in one of the local guest houses or you’re renting a self-catering cottage, you’ll find that there is plenty to do and see.