Tsitsikamma (Garden Route National Park)

Tsitsikamma (Garden Route National Park): History & Culture

Discover Tsitsikamma (Garden Route National Park)

Tsitsikamma is the eastern end of the Garden Route and its best-known stretch of coastal forest. It sits on the border between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. Indigenous forest runs down to rocky shores and river gorges along about 80 km of coastline. It is part of the Garden Route National Park, formed in 2009.

Tsitsikamma at a glance

• Country: South Africa
• Provinces: Western Cape and Eastern Cape (the park straddles the border)
• Coastline: about 80 km
• Marine protected area: about 60 km of shoreline and 186 km² of ocean
• Coordinates: 34°01′S 23°53′E
• Closest city: Knysna
• Practical base for Storms River Mouth: Storms River Village

What the name means

Tsitsikamma comes from Khoekhoe. It is usually glossed as “place of much water” or “waters begin”. The name suits a coast cut by rivers and gorges.

A park shaped by 1964 and 2009

The marine reserve was proclaimed in 1964. It protects about 60 km of shoreline and 186 km² of ocean. It is described as one of the largest and oldest no-take marine protected areas in the world. In 2009 the park merged with other protected lands to form the Garden Route National Park.

Top things to see and do

Storms River Mouth

This is the main hub of the Tsitsikamma section. It has chalets, camping and a visitor centre. A suspension footbridge crosses the river mouth and gives you lookout points over the water.

The Otter Trail

The Otter Trail runs from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s Valley. SANParks calls it “undoubtedly the best known and most popular South African hiking trail”. Hikers who prefer shorter walks can also join guided hikes and boat trips offered in the park.

Coastal forest, fynbos and marine life

Indigenous forest and fynbos meet rocky shores and river gorges. SANParks mentions dolphins and southern right whales coming inshore to breed.

Storms River gorge by kayak

A guided kayak and lilo outing in the gorge lasts about 2.5 hours. It includes a paddle up the river in double sit-on-top kayaks.

Bloukrans Bridge

Bloukrans Bridge is just outside the park. It is described as the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee, at 216 m. The same operator offers a bridge walk if you would rather keep your feet on the structure.

Tsitsikamma canopy tour

Zip-lines run about 30 m above the ground between ten platforms. They pass among yellowwoods said to be about 700 years old. The tour takes up to about 3 hours.

Where to stay in Tsitsikamma

Inside the park

The Tsitsikamma section has two SANParks rest camps: Storms River Mouth and De Vasselot (Nature’s Valley). Storms River Mouth Rest Camp has 100 campsites, all with electricity. It also has communal ablutions, laundry facilities and chalets. Check unit types and rates with SANParks before you book.

In Storms River Village

• Storms River Guest Lodge: a 3-star lodge in the village.
• The Village Lodge: a 3-star guest house in the village centre, on the edge of the forest. It has double and family rooms and one self-catering unit. All are en-suite.

Staying in the village puts you close to Bloukrans Bridge and the canopy tour.

Planning your visit

• Decide whether you want to be inside the park at Storms River Mouth or in Storms River Village.
• Camping suits visitors who want to be next to the coast. Chalets and village guest houses suit those who prefer a room.
• Combine the park with the adventure activities just outside it: the bridge bungee, the bridge walk and the canopy tour.
• Confirm opening hours, conservation fees and trail details with SANParks before you travel.

Tsitsikamma on the Garden Route

Tsitsikamma is the Garden Route’s headline coastal-forest attraction. It works well as the eastern anchor of a Garden Route road trip, with Knysna as the closest city. Allow time for a walk, a paddle or a boat trip, and an adventure activity near the village. Use the stays listed on this page to match your base to the kind of trip you want.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.