Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay
Nelson Bay Cave has been excavated since the 1960s and has revealed artifacts, including stone tools, remnants of ancient fires, and animal bones that date back to the Middle Stone Age, approximately 120,000 years ago. © Plett TourismNelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay
Nelson Bay Cave is a notable archaeological site located within the Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape. This cave offers a fascinating glimpse into early human history and has been a significant research site for understanding prehistoric human life in Southern Africa.
Nelson Bay Cave has been excavated since the 1960s and has revealed artifacts, including stone tools, remnants of ancient fires, and animal bones that date back to the Middle Stone Age, approximately 120,000 years ago. The findings illustrate that the cave served as a seasonal shelter for early hunter-gatherer groups who relied on the area’s rich coastal resources. As archaeological studies continued, researchers unearthed layers from different periods, including the Later Stone Age, reflecting adaptations in tool use, diet, and lifestyle as humans evolved.
Artifacts from Nelson Bay Cave highlight the dynamic shifts in prehistoric culture and environment. The layers in the cave show evidence of shellfish remains, indicating that early humans utilized the coast for food, particularly during periods when terrestrial resources were scarce. Tools like microliths (small stone tools) found in later layers demonstrate advancements in toolmaking techniques. Additionally, the discovery of worked bone and ostrich eggshell beads provides insight into symbolic behavior, including early forms of adornment.
Today, visitors can access the cave via a scenic trail within Robberg Nature Reserve, which offers breathtaking coastal views and showcases the region’s biodiversity. Informational signs along the trail provide insight into the cave's history and the prehistoric inhabitants of the area, adding educational value to the visit. However, access inside the cave is typically limited to preserve the integrity of the archaeological site.
Contact Details for Robberg Nature Reserve
Managing Organization: CapeNature
Phone: +27 (0)44 533 2125
Email: see website
Website: https://www.capenature.co.za
Location: -34.10137008923208, 23.375584496008283
Accommodation Near Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay
Gästehaus Pinkepank
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
2.3km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayWe welcome you to our guesthouse, which has modern and highly equipped double rooms, in best position of Plettenberg Bay. We settled down in a quiet side street in which one is protected against the wind. Robberg Island... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cornerway House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
3.1km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayBed and breakfast and self catering accommodation. There are five individually decorated bedrooms all of which have there own private entrance. All have en-suite bathrooms with fridge, tea and real coffee, TV, a safe, fans for the summer and heating... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cape Robin Self Catering Villa Plettenberg Bay
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
3.8km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayCape Robin offers luxury self catering accommodation options, nestled in indigenous vegetation - including fynbos - with beautiful views of the Robberg Peninsula, the ocean and the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the distance. Adjacent to the local golf... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Earl's View
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
4km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayThis exclusive luxury holiday villa with its breathtaking views offers exclusive self-catering accommodation and is ideally situated to offer privacy as well as convenience. Spacious, airy & open plan living area flowing out onto a large, sunny pool. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
River Club Villa 41
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
4.2km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayThe River Club Villas is a sought after complex in Plettenberg Bay. This well appointed open plan 3 bedroom all en-suite garden unit is ideal for the family getaway. Only 10 minute walk to Beacon Island beach. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Plett Beachfront Accommodation
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
4.2km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayPlett Beachfront Accommodation offers comfortable, tastefully decorated en-suite self catering and bed and breakfast accommodation, right on Plettenberg Bay's Central Beach, the safest of the town's swimming beaches. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ocean Watch Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
4.3km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayOcean Watch Guest House is perfectly nestled against the coastal hillside of the beautiful Plettenberg Bay, an ideal spot to enjoy whale and dolphin watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Milkwood Manor on Sea
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
5.1km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayDirect access from the Manor to the beach, lagoon and ocean offers guests a unique location and experience. Most of the 11 en-suite bedrooms in this Georgian-styled delightful 4-star guest house have a private balcony and exquisite, uninterrupted... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sunshowers Plett
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
5.8km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BaySunshowers Plett is a modern, spacious and relaxing self-catering accommodation establishment in Plettenberg Bay. Offers seaviews from the upper penthouse. All apartments a mere 75 steps away from the Keursboom Lagoon beach. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thanda Vista
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Plettenberg Bay
5.9km from Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg BayIntimate, exclusive and private, Thanda Vista offers 5 luxury en-suite bedrooms. A guest lounge with library, music centre and desk-top computer (with free Wi-Fi broadband Internet access); a breakfast room with magnificent views of the Bay... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Whale Rock Beach (0.58km)
- Robberg Estate (0.67km)
- Whale Rock Ridge (1.46km)
- Solar Beach (1.61km)
- Whale Rock Vlei (1.74km)
- Robberg Ridge, Plettenberg Bay (2.38km)
- Whale Rock Heights (2.53km)
- Summer Place (2.65km)
- Beacon Island Estate, Plettenberg Bay (3.56km)
- Brackenridge Private Estate (3.78km)
- Plettenberg Bay (4.64km)
- Plettenberg Bay Area (5.01km)
- Roodefontein (5.82km)
- Goose Valley Golf Estate (7.60km)
- Krantshoek (7.95km)
- Robberg Nature Reserve - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (2.16km)
- Plettenberg Bay Country Club - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (4.73km)
- Plettenberg Bay Airport - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (5.04km)
- Keurboomsriver Mouth - nr Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (5.59km)
- Goose Valley Golf Club - Plettenberg Bay (7.53km)
- Knysna Elephant Park - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (7.83km)
- Keurbooms River Nature Reserve - Keurboomstrand, Garden Route (10.25km)
- Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary - The Crags, Plettenberg Bay (13.64km)
- Arch Rock Private Reserve - Keurboomstrand (13.76km)
- Harkerville Trail - between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (14.85km)
- Brackenburn Private Nature Reserve - The Crags (15.26km)
- Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary - nr Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (17.22km)
- Monkeyland and Birds of Eden - The Crags, Plettenberg Bay (17.37km)
- Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation & Awareness Centre - nr Plettenberg Bay (17.86km)
