Tsitsikamma National Park
General Information:
A small coastal national park, called the “place of much water” found just south of the Formosa Nature Reserve and east of Plettenberg bay. Tsitsikamma National Park is where the high forest canopy runs down the embankment to meet the rocky coast. Tsitsikamma National Park continues out to sea which protects the reef fish and other wildlife in the area.
This National Park is South Africa’s treat for those who would rather see marine wildlife like dolphins and porpoises playing in the waves that beat against this rocky coast. For bird lovers, this park is home to the beautiful African Black Oystercatcher and the Knysna Lourie. For the hiking enthusiast, the Otter Hiking Trail runs right along the coast from Groot River to the Storms River Mouth, a total of 42.5 km and should take 5 days and 4 nights to complete. An important note – book the trail cabins ahead of time and do this through SANParks.
Highlights:
- Hiking
- Birding (African Black Oystercatcher)
- Abseiling & climbing
- Mountain biking
- Tractor-trailer rides
- 4×4 trails
- Tree top tours
- Kloofing – more details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kloofing
- Marine wildlife like dolphins, porpoises and reef fish
- Rocky beaches
Accommodation:
There are two rest camps in the park.
- Storms River Mouth Rest C amp – A fully serviced rest camp with cleaning every day. Fuel is available at this rest camp as is a restaurant.
- Nature’s Valley Rest Camp – A very rustic camp with few facilities to speak of though electricity and hot water are available.
Access:
The Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park is easily accessible from the N2 highway running along South Africa’s coast – about 600 km from Cape Town and 200km from Port Elizabeth. The park gates are open between 6am and 10pm with camp security from 6pm to 7am, and all day visitors need to have left the park by 21:30.
Map of Tsitsikamma National Park:
