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TravelTips24 : Africa : Southern Africa : South Africa : Western Cape : Garden Route : Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park

The Tsitsikamma National Park [1] is situated in the heart of the famous Garden Route in South Africa. The park offers some fine coastal scenery and sometimes the option of whale-watching.

Culture and History

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Travel to Tsitsikamma National Park & Visa Requirements

By Car

Simply follow the N2 and use the exit to Tsitsikamma near Storms River.

Buses to Tsitsikamma National Park

The main bus companies as well as the Baz bus stop at the Total Petroport on the N2 next to the Paul Sauer bridge over the Storms River. This is about 15 km away from the Storms River Mouth entrance and 55km from Nature's Valley entrance, but it is generally easy to hitch a lift from there. There is a Tsitsikamma information centre, curio shop, restaurant and fast-food outlet at the Petroport, as well as spectacular views over the Storms River Gorge. Not the worst place to get stuck for a short while when trying to hitch a ride.

Fees/Permits

Tours & Getting around Tsitsikamma National Park

By foot only. See Do section.

Tsitsikamma National Park attractions and sightseeing

  • Nature
  • Storms River suspension bridge - The forest walkway towards the Storms River suspension bridge is currently closed for repairs after fire damage

Tsitsikamma National Park city tours

  • Forest Canopy Tour, ☎ +27 (0)42 281-1836(info@treetoptour.com), [2]. Every 45 minutes from 8AM to 3:45PM. See the indigenous forest from the tree tops, 30m up.R395 per person, this includes a meal and guides.  edit
  • Spirit of Tsitsikamma, ☎ +27 (0)42 281-1607. Eco friendly boat cruise up the Storms River Gorge edit

Go hiking!

  • Otter Trail. 42km, 5 days and 4 nights with good overnight huts. You have to book ahead. Bookings can be taken a year in advance, which means that there are often last minute cancellations, so it's always worth seeing if you can get in at the last minute. Bring your own food and sleeping bags. You do not need tents. You need to be fairly fit as the trail follows the cliffs and hills along the coastline, dipping down to the rivers. What goes down must come up... It's beautiful and only 12 people are allowed on any one part of the hike, so it really is unspoilt and worth doing. Be prepared for a difficult river crossing on day three. Please check with the parks officials when low tide is and ask for advice on getting over the river. edit
  • Dolphin Trail. 20 km, 2 days and 3 nights. Fully catered accommodation. edit

There is also a long free-hanging bridge to the east of the camp. It is called Storms River suspension bridge, because it crosses the Storms River. It can often be seen on photographs, advertising the Tsitsikamma. It has been closed to the public since 2007, but repairs are ongoing.

Tsitsikamma National Park souvenirs & shopping

A small shop in the park offers some groceries.

Tsitsikamma National Park Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

There is a restaurant and bar at both camps.

Tsitsikamma National Park nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Tsitsikamma National Park cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

There are two camps in the park. Be sure to book a accommodation before you arrive, especially during high-season.

  • Nature's Valley Restcamp, ☎ +27 (0)44 531-6700(reservations@sanparks.org). Two bed huts with communal ablution facilities. edit
  • Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, ☎ +27 (0)44 281-1607(reservations@sanparks.org). Self catering cabins and hotel style oceanettes. Serviced daily. Caravan and camp sites are also available edit

Stay Safe

Get out

Contact

  • Tsitsikamma Info Center - +27 (0)42 280-3561

This page was last edited at 17:39, on 7 September 2008 by David. Based on work by Babbelas, Nick Roux, Darren Kirby and Felix Gottwald, Wikitravel user(s) Chrisboote, Coastingafrica.com, Jonboy and Tniehoff and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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