Stanley Island is an exclusive, unique piece of the land that is situated in one of the best secrets of South Africa, namely the Eastern Cape. The Malaria free province is rapidly becoming the most sought after real estate in Africa, and more specifically South Africa.

What has made Stanley Island even more unique is the situation along the Garden Route of the Eastern Cape. The island is situated two hours drive from Port Elizabeth(200 km), and a one hour drive from George (100km), near Plettenberg bay in the Keurbooms river. Port Elizabeth and George host domestic daily flights with weekly flights into Plettenberg Bay.

Stanley Island is situated on the seaside of the National road, namely the N2. The close proximity to the sea and unique scenery of the Keurbooms River adds to the tranquil setting.

Stanley Island measures 27.4 hectares. The sland could be described as a truly African experience, which is contained in a very upmarket town, Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay is rapidly becoming the Polo Mecca of South Africa, and is fast becoming recognized from all areas of the world. The area currently boasts some two Polo Estates: Bitou and Kurland. Each of these Estates has many fields, and is currently in the process of further development.

Vegetation

This reverie vegetation could truly be described as a magnificent example of the Eastern Cape Coastal Bush. Various succulent coastal types, as well as dense coastal bush, predominantly occupy the island. Many indigenous tree species are also resident on the island: milk woods and wild olives to name but a few. Various grass species are found on the island including Cynidon species, Kikuyu, Erigrostis, and others. The dense brush has been carefully manicured in order to gain various access points and to create this truly African bush character.

A detailed list of the species and sub-species of the various trees and shrubs could be obtained from the local Nature Conservation office.

Birds and Wildlife

An abundant variety of bird life exists on the island, ranging from the ever present coastal wader species, which is made up of Plovers, Jicanas, Herons, Gulls and others, to the bush varieties including Cysticulas, Honey guides, Apalis, Warblers and others. The garden varieties are also present and include Mouse birds, Sun Birds, Drongos, White-eyes and others. The raptors in the area include African Fish Eagles, Falcons, Kites, and others.

A comprehensive bird list of the varieties found in the area can be obtained from the Local Bird Club.

Buildings and Facilities

The current buildings on the Island include a main dwelling with 3 bedrooms, an office, bar, kitchen, 2 bathrooms and 2 living rooms. There are also 3 cottages/chalets with 4 bedrooms and bathrooms per cottage.Barbecue areas and pool area. The staff quarters have 4 rooms and a bathroom. The Hangar/Out building is approximately 200 square metres. There is also a restaurant, kitchen area, seating area, bar area and ablution facilities. The reception/office is approximately 40 square metres.

Airstrip

The airstrip has been on the island for over 20 years. It is a grass-based strip that measures 1 kilometre in length and 40 metres wide. Aircraft with a weight of less than 5400 kg may utilize the strip. Various sizes of aircraft have utilized the strip over time, but 4 and 6 seater aircraft have been the most common.

Water and Electricity

The current water supply is from the Municipal Feed. The water is fed via a 32mm HDPE pipe. The electricity supply is from an Eskom Feed. The supply is a 3-phase availability, with 80 Amps per phase.

The telephone lines are positioned together with the electricity and water supply, and thus there are no visual power or telecom lines.

The current sewage system is a septic tank system, whereby the waste products seep away gradually. This system is out-dated and research has been done to have the sewerage linked into the Municipal system. This would include an underground holding tank, and the pumping of the sewage into the recently upgraded Municipal system. This pipeline would follow the same course as the water, electricity and telecom systems.

Accessibility

Access is by air or boat. Various ferries are utilized for transport to and from the Island. The access on the main land is at the Municipal parking area, which is adjacent to the Nature Conservation Access point.

Research is currently underway for the potential development of a single access bridge, with a 5-ton capacity, that would enable a single vehicle to cross at a time. It must be noted that an Environmental Impact Assessment Study would have to be carried out, should this option be taken to the next level.