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About Tsitsikamma |
Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning "place of abundant or sparkling water".
The region stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier
in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma mountains
and in the south by the Indian Ocean.
The area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantation
and Fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea,
creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs.
A mild all year round climate allows one to make the most of all the outdoor activities
that are on offer, whilst a high rainfall ensures the lushness of vegetation
that the area is renowned for.
Storms River Village stemmed from a shooting box built by Lt TH Duthie the later road side Inn the Tzitzikama Forest Inn the forerunner of the Protea Hotel Tsitsikamma.
Tsitsikamma National Park, declared in 1964, encompasses a marine reserve made up of 80km of coastline and offers the visitor magnificent scenery, walks, a small beach, restaurant and shop. The famous Storms River Suspension Bridge spans the river mouth.
There is also the Natures Valley rest camp at Natures Valley. This is where the world renowned Otter and Tsitsikamma Mountain trails starts.
Activities in the Area
Tsitsikamma is where you will find some of the most pristine forest areas on the whole of the Garden Route, equalled only by the forests in the Knysna area. The forest areas left after extensive deforestation by the early 18th century European settlers in the area are today strictly protected.
Most of the indigenous forests in the western section of the Garden Route fall within the Tsitsikamma National Park. Commercial plantations in the area are also regulated as to not impact on water catchment areas and wildlife. The Park not only conserves indigenous flora and fauna but also marine life as it incorporates a marine belt stretching 5.5km into the ocean. Because this is a national park you have to obtain a permit (small fee) before exploring forests and other natural areas.
The Tsitsikamma area is geared for visitors who prefer simple accommodation, unspoiled nature and active holidays. If you prefer to be entertained in neon-lit clubs you should definitely avoid the area!
Bungy Jump
The world's highest jump from the legendary Bloukrans Bridge.
This is the Rolls Royce of jumps. Access to the jump point on the top of the arch is via a specially engineered walkway underneath the road deck in almost a mystical way. Other attractions are Bridgewalk, Cableslide (Flying Fox) and Bridgeswing.
Height: 216m
Guided Bridge Walking Tours
Personally guided tour of the bridge and bungy system to gain a first hand understanding of the most high profile adrenalin sport on the planet. Bridge tours take place daily at Bloukrans, experience tour guides will take you on a historical journey through the environment conquered by bridge engineers many years ago with a perfect view of the thrill seekers jumping off the bridge.
Flying Fox - The thrill of flight
Secured by a custom designed system you leap off the platform and fly along the cable for 200m before reaching the centre of the bridge arch.Take place daily at Bloukrans, an ultimate experience of the Gorge and scenic viewing method. An experience of the silence and solitude of the majestic Tsitsikamma Forest, Bloukrans river by dangling safely and free as a bird. Catch a glimpse of what a jumper experiences, accept you face the right way up
Forest Trails
Explore the eco-experience and Adventures in the Tsitsikamma, Bloukrans & Surroundings. Big Tree - experience a 660-year-old Yellowwood "Mother of our indigenous forest".
Paul Sauer Bridge
The Paul Sauer Bridge (1954), 160km from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, spans the impressive Storms River Gorge on South Africa's Garden Route. It is erroneously known to many as the Storms River Bridge. It is a marvel of architecture and engineering and was designed by Italian Riccardo Morandi.
Petroport Tsitsikamma at the Storms River Bridge is an impressive stop for tourists individual and in coaches, as well as South Africans. Petroport Tsitsikamma offers a Bonjour a 24 hour convenience shop, Café Bonjour a 24 hour fast food outlet, Steers Restaurant and fast food outlet The Pantry, a delicatessen offering jams, biltong, nuts and various interesting eats, a Curio Shop and ATM.
Big Tree
The well sign-posted "Big Tree" is located a short way west of the Paul Sauer Bridge along the N2. A pathway through indigenous bush leads to the Yellowwood giant. Walking to the tree takes about 10 minutes. The tree is estimated to be ±800 years old, it stands 36.6 metres high and has a circumference of almost 9 metres.
Storms River Village
Storms River located between Paul Sauer Bridge and the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, approx. a kilometre south of the N2. It's surrounded by plantations and forest. The peaceful village is really just a collection of smallholdings, a few houses and very basic shops. It offers a surprising range of middle-range accommodation.
The main attraction of the (place) village is a number of great adventure-type activities operated from or close to the village, also known as the Adventure Capital of South Africa. Options include Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, 10 slides from 10 platforms 30 metres above the Tsitsikamma Forest for 3 hours, two companies doing tubing from the Old Storms River Bridge, mountain bike trials, abseiling, Woodcutters journey for forest tractor rides and picnics.
Waterfall Zipline Tour
Two hours of adventure criss-crossing a river on a slide system. Other adventures available from here are Gravity Zone Abseil and Quad Bike Tours.
Storms River Mouth
The Storms River Mouth section of the Tsitsikamma National Park is quite special. The section's rest camp is wedged between overgrown mountainside and a rugged rocky coastline. The Rest Camp offers a range of middle-range (chalets, cottages & oceanettes) and basic ("forest huts") accommodation as well as a camping ground.
Other facilities include a restaurant and dining deck with great ocean views, a tidal pool and a small curios and convenience store. A number of short trails (2-6km) allow you to explore the coastal bush and rocky shoreline. The most popular heads to the nearby river mouth and pedestrian hang-bridge that spans it.
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