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Tsitsikamma Park South Africa - Tips, Highlights & Activities

Highlights in Tsitsikamma Park (Garden Route National Park): Tips for accommodation, hikes & activities

Tsitsikamma Park has been part of the Garden Route National Parksince 1987 and for me is one of the most beautiful places along the popular Garden Route. Since it was incorporated into the Garden Route National Park , it is now called Tsitsikamma Park (it is not called Tsitsikamma National Park, as many people mistakenly write).

I particularly like the rugged coasts, onto which the waves crash with a thunderous force, high splashing spray, beautiful hiking trails and exciting activities for adrenaline junkies.

I've already been here twice - once in gorgeous weather, the next time in pouring rain. That's why I've summarised all my tips and highlights here. I'll tell you what we did, where we stayed (and where I liked it better), and where you can get the best food.

Have fun reading!

Planning a trip along the Garden Route? Here you can find all travel reports for the Garden Routehere all travel reports and tips for South Africa in the blog.

The Tsitsikamma Park

Tsitsikamma Park, or "Tsitsi" for short, is situated in the heart of the picturesque Garden Route on the southern Cape in South Africa.

More than 2000 years ago, the Khoisan (indigenous people) called the delta of the Storms River "land of many waters". Water is not only found in the rivers here, but it can also rain heavily from time to time.

The 70 km long coastline between Nature's Valley and Groot River is home to one of the last primeval forests in South Africa and is simply beautiful.

The Tsitsikamma is part of the Garden Route National Park, which also includes protected areas near Knysna and Wilderness. The Tsitsi was South Africa's first marine reserve and is currently one of the few marine reserves left in the world.

The region stretches from the Bloukranks River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east and is enclosed to the north by the impressive Tstisikamma Mountains. The Indian Ocean forms the southern border.

There are exactly two places in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park: Stormsriver in the east and Nature's Valley off the N2 with a very very extensive beach that is relatively unspoilt.

Why you should visit Tsitsikamma Park

Do you love hiking on scenic trails along the coast or in a rainforest? Do you enjoy adventures kayaking through deep gorges or ziplining between tree tops?

Are you an adrenaline junkie and like jumping off high bridges? Or do you prefer a more moderate mountain bike ride?

Dolphins and whales can often be seen off the coast. We were in Tsitsikamma Park in early December and early January - unfortunately the whale season was already over during both visits (usually July - November). Read more about the best time to travel in South Africa.

Do you love kitschy sunsets while having a braai and listening to the waves crashing against the rocks?

Then Tsitsikamma Park is the place for you.

Activities in Tsitsikamma Park

The good news: It won't be boring here, at least not if the weather is right and it's not raining. Because then it can get frustrating and wet here very quickly.

But: adventurers and nature lovers like me will love this place! On my two visits to Tsitsikamma we did various activities. Lying around on the beach (which you can do here too) is not our thing.

So here are the activities we did:

Canopy tour in the tree tops.

You love action and speed? Then you definitely have to go canopy in the Tsitsikamma Forest! For us, these "zip lines" were one of the highlights of the trip.

You race from platform to platform on 10 zip lines. Always at eye level with the treetops of the impressive Yellowwood Trees.

If you've never done a canopy tour before, no problem. On our first trip, it was our "first time". On the tours you get a helmet, gloves and harness. The guides give you detailed tips and instructions on how to behave.

To get used to the trip, you first walk on the ground at a low height over a rope. You will see how easy it is. Let's go!

Canopy tips

Website of Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours
Tour includes equipment and snack/breakfast, allow approx. 3 hours. Cost: 660 ZAR
Book early as the tours are very popular (otherwise you'll be like us and have to leave at 6.40am).
Longest zipline: 91 metres long
Max. 8 persons per group, age from 7 - 70 yrs.
After the tour you can buy a DVD, because there is a cameraman half way through the tour.

Zipline South Africa Tsitsikamma Zipline between Big Trees in Tsitsikamma South Africa

Short hike to the Big Tree (Groot Boom)

Yellowwood trees grow in the forest of the Tsitsikamma National Park, towering high into the jungle. A few kilometres east of the park entrance is a particularly large specimen: The Big Tree. From the N2 car park, a fairly short circular walk leads through the jungle (pack mosquito spray).

The tree is estimated to be 1000 years old, 37 metres high and has a circumference of over 8 metres. The span of the treetop measures over 30 metres. Very impressive, isn't it?

Info about the Big Tree

Entrance fee: 46 ZAR

Tsitsikamma Big Tree in the Garden Route National Park Big Tree South Africa in Tsitsikamma Park

Hike: Stormsriver Mouth Bridge in Storms River

From Stormsriver Mouth Restcamp it is only a short walk to Stormsriver Mouth Bridge - a suspension bridge over the mouth of the Storms River. On the way to the bridge there are many information and explanatory boards explaining the unique plants and vegetation of the region: Giant ferns, orchids and over 40 m high Yellowwood trees.

As the bridge is a suspension bridge and the planks of the bridges (there is another smaller one next to it) are very slippery, walking on it should be done with caution (no it is absolutely not dangerous, but we all slipped and almost fell).

Note: The walkway may not be so suitable for people with a fear of heights.

Storms River Mouth Bridge, Tsitsikamma

More multi-day hiking trails along the coast

In Tsitsikamma National Park you can hike on three of the most beautiful hiking trails in South Africa, they say. The popular Otter Trail (Storms River - Nature's Valley; 42 km, 5 days), Tsitsikamma Trail (reverse direction through the interior; 64 km) and the Dolphin Trail (Storms - Sanddrift River; 17 km) with luggage transport and two nights in lodges(www.dolphintrail.co.za).

Unfortunately, you have to book these hikes years in advance. So we had no chance to do one of these hikes.

Alternatively, you can hike the Waterfall Trail , which is well worth seeing. This is the first stage of the Otter Trail and leads to Tweeriviere River. You should be sure to walk well and wear good shoes (small flip flops). The Otter Trail is generally considered challenging. So it's no wonder that the first stage is already up to the challenge. Plan at least 2.5 - 3 hours for the Waterfall Trail (outward and return).

On every visit to Tsitsi we also did the 1 km Mouth Trail. It starts at the Storms River Rest Camp and leads to the Storms River. The trail winds its way up through the forest, offering unobstructed views of the coast every now and then. Over the Storms River is the Suspension Bridge, from which you have a wonderful view of the deep gorge and the sea. On the other side, the trail continues to Bakenkop. Be sure to continue to the viewpoints, it's worth it!

Highlight im Tsitsikamma: Storms River Mouth Bridge

Highlight in Tsitsikamma National Park: Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge

Kayak & Lilo Tour on the Storms River

One activity I definitely wanted to do on my 2nd visit is kayaking in the Tsitsikamma National Park. You start in the park after the suspension bridge. You paddle through the steep rock faces and under the suspension bridge along the coast by the sea. Afterwards, you paddle back through the river lying on your stomach on so-called lidos.

Unfortunately, it only rained during our visit and the weather was also very cloudy and foggy so that visibility was very poor. So with a heavy heart we decided not to go kayaking. Next time ...

Information about kayaking:

To the website of Untouched Adventure (be sure to book in advance as it is very popular).
Cost: 600 ZAR (approx. 38 €; as of 2019), duration 2-3 hours.

For adrenaline junkies: Bungy jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge.

On the border between the Eastern and Western Cape is the Bloukranks River Bridge. You can try the world's highest bungee jump (according to the Guinness Book of Records) from a height of 216 metres. Unfortunately not for me, but maybe for you? Alternatively, there's the Flying Fox, where you can whiz along the bridge arch on a 200-metre cable. I preferred the Canopy Tour in Tsitsikamma National Park.

More info on the Bungee Jump and Flying Fox

Nature's Valley - endless and empty beach

The approach from Storms River through the gorge of the Groot River winds in narrow roads - curve after curve. At the end is a lagoon that the Groot River has formed here. The white sandy beach seems endless, only the colourful parasols of the people (there are not many) disturb.

The access road to the lagoon is completely blocked when we arrive, and it is difficult to find a parking space. But the spacious beach appears idyllic and empty. Most people prefer the stretch of beach at the entrance to the lagoon. Most people here are left cold by the beach on the right and the roaring sea.

Here we pause for a few minutes and enjoy the view of the waves.

From Nature's Valley you can hike the 6 km circular Kalanderkloof Trail, which leads you through the Yellowwood tree-lined forest along the coast.

Entrance to Nature's Valley (also part of Tsitsikamma National Park) costs 80 Rand and is free for Wild Card holders.

Natures Valley Tsitsikamma Garden Route Südafrika

Natures Valley Tsitsikamma Garden Route South Africa More tips on the Tsitsikamma Park

If you can't get a place to stay at Storms River Mouth Camp, you can get a permit for a day visit at the park entrance. If you have the Wild Card, you get free entry.

Admission and opening hours

Admission: 248 Rand per day (adults, as of 2020)
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm, day visitors until 9.30pm
Recommended length of stay: Minimum 1 - 2 nights
Distance Port Elizabeth - Tsitsikamma: 181 km
Distance Tsitsikamma Park - Plettenberg Bay: 62 km (to Knysna 92 km)
SAN Parks website for current rates

How to get there

Since for me South Africa is a road trip country and the easiest way to get around is by rental car, this is information on how to get there by rental car:

The Tsitsikamma is located on the Garden Route between Knysna and Jeffreys Bay, at the mouth of the Storms River. This picture-perfect national park lies directly on the N2 and is therefore easily accessible via a tarred road.

There are parking spaces in the park itself, but they fill up quite quickly. I recommend staying overnight in the park anyway.

If you travel with the Backpacker Bus BazBus you can only get as far as Storms River. From here you should take an UBER, because I generally advise against taxis. It's too far to walk (about 17 minutes by car, over 2 hours on foot). We have never taken a bus, as we like to travel on our own with rental cars.

Eating and drinking in the park

A new privatised Cattle Baron Restaurant is being built in the National Park (really good quality). Here you can have breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. It really tastes good and the prices are okay. That was different on my first visit.

There is also a small souvenir shop where you can buy the most necessary food. However, the choice is very limited as far as fresh food is concerned.

We advise you to shop in Plettenberg Bay, Knysna or Port Elizabeth (depending on which direction you are coming from) if you are self-catering in the park.

Restaurants in Storms River Village

There are not many choices in the small village. Hopefully you have booked an Oceanette, so you may not need these tips. As we stayed overnight in the village on our second visit, we have the following tips for you:

Absolute must: Tsitrus Café: Good coffee, souvenirs and a very good pizza by African standards! Great location, we would come back anytime.
Marilyn's 60's Dinner: If you like burgers and the like, you're in good hands here.
Rafters Restaurant: authentic South African food. Recommended by our accommodation, but unfortunately no time for it.

Staying overnight in Tsitsikamma

You have two options here, both of which I tested: One at SAN Parks' Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and one in the village of Stormsriver.

Accommodation: Storms River Mouth Rest Camp

My favourite is quite clear: directly in the national park in one of the accommodations. My favourite here is also an Oceanette, which is located directly on the coast with an unobstructed view of the sea. Everything is currently being restored and modernised. New wooden cabins have been added, for example, which are also built in the first place.

There is also a campsite, which always seems to be full.

However, you have to book these accommodations well in advance (especially in December and January).

You can find the availability of the different types of accommodation in the park here at SAN Parks.

Alternative: Staying in Storms Rivier

Actually, I wanted to stay at Rest Camp on my second visit. But I was convinced to try the alternative in Storms Rivier, about 20 km away. No sooner said than done and the Andolemi Forest Lodge booked.

The reviews on the internet had convinced us. But I don't want to gloss over anything: The breakfast (for us Germans) was very poor, the cabins quite musty (like the Oceanettes in Tsitsikamma Park), but this is a general problem in this region due to the humidity. The owner was very friendly and helpful.

She has great tips and in town you can walk to a few restaurants and cafes.

Nevertheless, I would much rather stay at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp directly in the national park on my next visit. The location and views, plus the chance to watch the kitschy sunset while braaiing on the terrace are priceless. Even if these accommodations are very basic.

More accommodation in the region: