Chasing Trails - Plett Tourism launches Plett Trails App

This one is for the hikers, riders, runners and walkers, history buffs and land art enthusiasts, nature-lovers and photographers.  Plett Tourism is thrilled to introduce the new Plett Trails app, a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to the best and lesser known walks, hikes and MTB trails to be found in the areas that make up  Plettenberg Bay, from Harkerville to Tsitsikamma.

To bring to market a product of global standards, the Plett Tourism Association partnered with chairman of the World Trails Network, and founder of the popular Garden Route Walking Festival, Galeo Saintz to develop the app alongside private stakeholders including SANparks, CapeNature and the MTO group. After 18 months and much ground covered, the Plett Trails app is ready to use and the trails are calling: 26 hiking trails - 16 of which are international Green Flag trails, and the first Green Flag MTB Trails in the world. 

Green Flag Trails is an international standard for trail accreditation, to enhance public awareness and confidence in trails with a system designed to meet the needs of trail users in relation to trail information, difficulty grading and skills, and trail classification. The system ensures well managed and environmentally accountable trails remain a valued and on-going resource for access to nature, recreation and trail sports, for health and tourism and the many benefits trails offer local communities.

Plett’s location at the heart of the Garden Route National Park, surrounded by nature reserves, pine plantations, mountains, dramatic coastline, fynbos and exquisite indigenous forest makes it the ideal base from which to explore the region. The app currently offers information on a variety of trails ranging from Harkerville to the west of Plettenberg Bay through to Tsitsikamma in the east, complete with trail information, maps, distances, updates to trail conditions and contact information ensuring first-time and returning visitors are provided with up-to-date information in an easy-to-use format.

Galeo Saintz explains:  “With the development of the app, signature trails such as CapeNature’s Robberg and SanParks’ Otter Trail stand shoulder to shoulder with lesser known gems such as the Cairnbrogie Trails Network, Keurbooms Nature Reserve, The Dolphin Trail and the Inqua Trail (previously Robberg Coastal Corridor). The app integrates with Google Maps to enable users to accurately navigate to the start of each trail and - where mobile signal is available - use Maps to navigate the trail itself. ” More trails will be added to the Plett Trails app over time, as information becomes available.

Attractions to enjoy include Plett’s section of the Cradle of Human Culture Route, navigation to the permanent Land Art piece Aartmoeders by Simon Max Baxter in Kranshoek, two World Heritage Sites and nature reserves, various SANParks and MTO Trails and a total of 16 Green Flag Trails within a vastly biodiverse region. What’s not to love about our epic scenery and unspoilt natural beauty? The inclusion of the world’s first mountain biking Green Flag Trails reinforces Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route’s position at the forefront of global outdoor adventures as travellers seek novel and immersive ways to explore a region.

Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth is pleased to be launching the app with the aim of positioning Plettenberg Bay as a “trail town”: “If you’ve ever visited an area and struggled to find information on hikes or trails, or started a trail only to find out it’s a lot more strenuous  than intended or severely degraded, you’ll understand and appreciate the value of having the app’s information at your fingertips. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to explore new and exciting paths around Plett, the Plett Trails app will be your faithful companion. We are thrilled to introduce this new product to the travel market.”

The Plett Trail app will be introduced to the tourism market at WTM Africa 2023 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 3-5 April 2023 and Plett Tourism will be in attendance to answer any questions and provide demonstrations of the app to the tourism industry.

How to install the app

• Scan the QR code with your phone
• Scanning the QR code will automatically install the app once your details are entered
• Ensure you have access to your email as you’ll receive a one-time registration code
• If installing on iPhone, add the app to your home screen by selecting share then scrolling down to the add to home screen option. For Android, follow similar add to home screen prompts.
• Browse and navigate 26 number of trails and 16 Green Flag Trails to plan your next outdoor adventure - enjoy!
• NOTE: there is an option to provide feedback and updates on trails for trail managers to address any changes as they arise.

App Features

• Comprehensive trail listings and descriptions
• Trail descriptions include elevation, map, difficulty, distance, duration, trail format circular, trail type, activity type (walking, wheelchair access, MTB, etc.), facilities, and more
• Integration with Google Maps to navigate to trail start and, when mobile signal available, to navigate the trail itself
• Green Flag accreditation (where appropriate), safety notes and trail updates, trail contact information
• Trail quality ratings for scenic value, landscape variation and special features
• Comprehensive map of trail regions around Plettenberg Bay
• List of qualified guides available for bookings
• General area information

WIN with Plett Tourism & OLFI Action Camera

Install the Plett Trails app to stand a chance to win an OLFI Prize Hamper valued at R5000 and including an OLFI Action Camera and accessories, an OLFI floating hand grip and spanner, and a Plett Trails hoodie and cap. 

Article Courtesy of www.pletttourism.com