Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park is situated on the Garden Route in th

Tsitsikamma National Park is situated on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. Tsitsikamma National Park is where the booming breakers of the Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores, where temperate high forest and fynbos roll down to the sea in an unspoilt verdant carpet, where ancient rivers carve their paths to the ocean down rocky ravines. This, "the place of much water", is the Tsitsikamma National Park. The heartland of the park stretches some 5 km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish.

Dolphins frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing for the sheer joy of life, and the gentle giant of the ocean, the southern right whale visits here, coming inshore to breed.

Attractions in the Tsitsikamma Nataional Park

• Dolphins and porpoises – keeping vigil on the ocean will produce sightings of schools of dolphins and porpoises frolicking in the waves.
• African Black Oystercatcher – this red data species is one of South Africa’s most threatened bird species. Several pairs nest along the park’s rocky coastline.
• Knysna Lourie – these beautiful birds with a gruff call are common in the forest.
• Cape Clawless Otter – the source of the name of the Otter Trail, this shy and elusive species hunts crabs along the park’s coastline and rivers alike.
• Blue Duiker – this miniature antelope is found in the forests.

Tsitsikamma Africa’s first marine national park, comprises a narrow coastal plain bounded by cliffs and beaches and extending five kilometers out to sea. Beautiful and wild, the park encompasses 80 km of rocky coastline featuring quiet tidal pools, deep gorges and evergreen forests. Fynbos, small mammals and a prolific birdlife add to the enchantment of the region. From Storms River Mouth, nature trails meander into the forest and along the coast. One of the most scenically rewarding, the five day otter trail, follows the shoreline for most of it’s route. For an experience with a difference, a snorkeling and scuba trail will introduce you to an underwater world inhabited by fascinating marine creatures. But if you only want to relax and soak up the sun, two exquisite beaches were designed with you in mind. Fully-equipped log cabins and oceanettes enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Facilities include an a la carte restaurant, tourist shop, a camping ground, swimming pool and a Laundromat. Forty conference delegates are catered for.

Angling

Permitted within a restricted area. Collecting of bait and spearfishing prohibited.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Only persons with a third class SAUU or equivalent diving certificate may scuba dive.

Bathing

These are two small beaches. A swimming pool is available for resident visitors only

Hiking

The Otter Trail runs along the coast for 42 km from Storms River Mouth to Nature’s valley. It is recommended for fit hikers only. The duration of the hike is five days with four overnight stops. Hikers must carry their own necessities. Bunks and mattresses are essential. There are a number of shorter day walks in the park varying in distance and duration. More information on these is available from the Information Centre at the Park.

Accommodation in and around Garden Route