Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma

A pristine coastal national park featuring dramatic cliffs, ancient forests, and the iconic Storms River crossing, offering some of the Garden Route's most spectacular hiking and natural attractions. It protects unique Cape coastal forest and diverse wildlife.

Things to do

• Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge — Walk across the iconic 77-meter-long footbridge spanning the dramatic gorge where the Storms River meets the sea, offering breathtaking views of coastal cliffs and forest.
• Tsitsikamma Trail Hiking — Hike the famous multi-day Tsitsikamma Trail through pristine coastal forest, crossing river mouths and staying in mountain huts along a 5-day coastal wilderness route.
• Big Tree Forest Walk — Experience an easy guided walk among ancient yellowwood and stinkwood trees in the lush coastal forest, some over 600 years old, near the park headquarters.
• Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump — Take the ultimate adrenaline plunge from the 216-meter-high bridge, Africa's highest commercial bungee jump, offering unparalleled views of the coastal landscape.
• Dolphin and Whale Watching — Spot Cape dolphins and seasonal Southern Right whales (June to November) from designated coastal viewpoints and boat-based excursions along the park's waters.
• Aaners Pool River Swimming — Cool off in the natural rock pools formed by the Tsitsikamma River in a sheltered forest setting, accessible via a moderate day hike from the main visitor area.
• Jeffreys Bay Beach Visit — Explore nearby world-famous J-Bay beach renowned for its perfect right-hand point break and golden sands, just outside the park's eastern boundary.

Food to try

• Fresh Linefish Catch — Try the daily catch of local linefish such as kabeljou and snoek, grilled simply with lemon at park lodges and nearby coastal restaurants, reflecting traditional Cape fishing methods.
• Bouillabaisse-Style Fish Stew — Savor a rich seafood stew made with local fish, mussels, and crayfish, a dish influenced by French culinary traditions brought to the Garden Route region.
• Biltong and Droëwors Trail Snacks — Pack air-dried cured meat (biltong) and spiced dried sausage (droëwors) as traditional South African hiking provisions sold at park shops and local markets.
• Springbok Potjiekos — Experience traditional potjiekos (pot food) made with local game like springbok, vegetables, and stock, cooked slowly in cast-iron pots over open fires at park accommodations.
• Garden Route Citrus and Stone Fruit — Enjoy fresh oranges, lemons, and peaches from nearby orchards, particularly at farm stalls and markets surrounding the park during summer and autumn seasons.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Seasonal Trail Closures — The Tsitsikamma Trail and some day routes close during winter storms and high water levels (May to September), so plan visits accordingly and check park conditions before hiking.
• Early Morning Starts for Wildlife — Begin hikes and forest walks before 7 AM to maximize chances of seeing Cape clawless otters, bushbuck, and bird species that are most active at dawn in the coastal forest.
• Leave No Trace Ethic — The park's conservation philosophy requires visitors to carry out all waste, stay on marked trails, and avoid picking plants or disturbing the ancient forest ecosystem.
• Support Local Conservation Efforts — Learn about SANParks' work protecting endemic Cape coastal forest and consider contributions to park initiatives; locals take pride in this ecological stewardship heritage.

Nearby

• Storms River — 10 km
• Plettenberg Bay — 55 km
• Garden Route — 71 km
• Knysna (Western Cape) — 84 km