Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Tsitsikamma National Park is without doubt one of the most popular national parks in the country, second probably only to the Kruger National Park which is obviously not a coastal reserve like Tsitsikamma.The park itself is quite unique as it not only consists of 80km of lush coastal forest but also extends 5km out to sea, which makes it a marine reserve as well. The Tsitsikamma rainforest is well known for its gigantic hardwoods of stinkwood (similar to Ebony) and yellow wood, both of which are used in South Africa in the production of expensive furniture. The forests are made extra spectacular by the thick tangle of climbing vegetation and forest ferns that gives the whole region a magical atmosphere. This coast is very wild and rocky with deep river valleys, cutting through the mountains on their way to the Indian Ocean. The Storms river mouth is one of these gorges that make this area one of the most beautiful sections of the Garden Route.
The Tsitsikamma National Park is divided into two different sections which are only accessed from the national road (N2).The western section of the park includes the famous Nature’s Valley with it’s plethora of short walks , hiking trails and river crossings. This region has a magnificent long section of sandy beach and some wonderfully secluded accommodation for tourists who really want to get away for the hustle and bustle of city life. The eastern part of the park is where the Storms River has over millennia, cut a deep gorge on its way through to the Indian Ocean. The mouth of the Storms River is spanned by a large suspension bridge that enables one to hike across and then up to the spectacular view point. The forest in this section of the park is rich in birdlife , the brightest of which is the Knysna Lourie (bright green with red under wings).If you sit quietly somewhere along the shoreline , you might be lucky enough to spot the rare African Black Oystercatcher with it’s strikingly red eyes ,legs and beak. The forests here are also home to a special little mammal called the Blue Duiker – an antelope that is only 30cm tall!
The Storms river park is the starting point of South Africa’s most famous hike, the Otter Trail. This is a five day hike that follows the coastline, passing under waterfalls, crossing rivers and cutting through the forests on its way to the finish point at Nature’s Valley. This trail is managed by South African Forestry and needs to be booked up to a year in advance.
Have a look further on our Cape Town Travel-Day Tours Category to view a selection of tours from which to choose. Remember that you will benefit from all our Special Preferential Rates should you book your Tours/Accommodation/Safari through us.
Should you wish to book a Tour or discuss and plan your itinerary then please contact us Now