Garden Route National Park - Tsitsikamma Section

Description

The Tsitsikamma Section forms part of the Garden Route National Park; a mosaic of ecosystems on South Africa’s luscious South Coast - one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. The park encompasses the Storms River and Nature’s Valley rest camps, where visitors can enjoy indigenous forests, coastal fynbos, mountains, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Day visitors are welcome subject to the payment of a conservation fee.

Tsitsikamma is the Khoisan word for “place of much water”, and the park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. Incorporating 80km of rocky coastline, it is one of the largest 'no take' Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the world, conserving 11% of South Africa's Temperate South Coast rocky shoreline. In 1964, it was the first Marine National Park to be proclaimed in Africa. Today is provides a 'laboratory' for fisheries baseline research on endangered line fish species.

The Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates various cultural heritage sites ranging from Khoisan caves, shell middens, and rock art to more recent ruins of small fisher settlements, remnants of the past forestry industries, and grave sites. The park is currently embarking on a Cultural Mapping project with the aim of identifying and protecting all Cultural Heritage sites incorporated within the Park.

Activities

• Hiking and nature walks : Visitors to the Storms River area can take the semi-luxury Dolphin Trail, the 2 – 6 day Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail, and several nature trails varying from 1 – 3 hours. Visitors to Nature’s Valley can venture along the Salt River Mouth Trail, Kalander Trail, and Groot River Trail.
• Otter Trail : Undoubtedly the most popular and well recognised of South Africa’s hiking trails, the 5-day Otter Trail ranks among the best in the world, following 42km of the Eastern Cape coastline from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley.
• Forest excursions.
• Birding.
• Mountain biking.
• Kayaking and lilo adventures.
• Snorkelling and scuba diving in Storms River Mouth.
• Canoeing, swimming, sailing, dinghy, and board sailing on the Groot River estuary at Nature’s Valley.
• Surfing
• Boat Cruises
• Guided outings from local communities.
• Holiday programme during school holidays.
• Abseiling and climbing
• Tractor-trailer rides
• Tree top tours
• Kloofing
• Bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge – the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee at 216m.