Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the most beautiful places along South Africa’s Garden Route. The name Tsitsikamma means “place of much water,” which perfectly fits this area with its 80 kilometers of rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and stunning scenery. It’s a destination you simply shouldn’t miss. From scenic hikes to adrenaline-filled activities like kayaking and bungee jumping, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tsitsikamma. Discover the best hikes and the top things to do in Tsitsikamma National Park here!
Tsitsikamma National Park: 7 best things to do
Tsitsikamma National Park has been a protected nature reserve since 1964, becoming the first Marine National Park in South Africa. This means that no boats are allowed off the coastline and fishing is prohibited. Therefore, when you are in Tsitsikamma you can fully enjoy the beautiful, untouched environment. Read on to discover the best hikes and best things to do in Tsitsikamma National Park in South Africa!
TRAVEL TIP: If you are in this area between June and November, you have a chance to see whales! You can also find dolphins, cliff dassies and the rare oystercatcher in this nature reserve.
Opening hours & entrance fee Tsitsikamma National Park
You can visit Tsitsikamma National Park daily between 06:00 in the morning and 18:00 in the evening. These opening hours vary slightly by season, so when driving into the park be sure to ask when the park closes. When you drive into Tsitsikamma you also pay an entrance fee at the entrance. For adults it is 326 ZAR, for children between the ages of 2 and 11 it is 163 ZAR and your ticket is valid for one day.
1) Mouth Trail
Distance: 2 to 3 km – Duration: 1 hour – Out and back
In Tsitsikamma National Park you can hike endlessly. If there is one hike you must do in Tsitsikamma, it is the Mouth Trail (also called Suspension Bridge trail ). This accessible hike takes you along a wooden deck trail to two suspension bridges. Here you hike from cliff to cliff over the rugged ocean which is a spectacular sight! Many hikers turn back after the second suspension bridge, but you can hike a little further to a viewpoint.
2) Waterfall Trail
Distance: 6 km – Duration: 4 hours – Out and back
Are you spending a full day in Tsitsikamma National Park in South Africa? Then we recommend combining the above hike with the Waterfall Trail. Park your car at the Otter Trail Caravan Site and start the hike from here. The first part you walk through stretches of forest and over beaches with the sea always on your left. The last part of this hike is a bit more challenging where you have to scramble over boulders until you reach the impressive waterfall that plunges into the sea. You then return via the same path. We do recommend doing this hike during low tide, as the sea can sometimes be wild and it is slippery to walk over the rocks when the tide is high.
3) Otter Trail
Distance: 42 km – Duration: 5 days – One way
Can’t get enough of hiking and are you looking for a unique challenge? The Otter Trail might be for you. This multi-day hike is one of the most beautiful coastal treks in South Africa. Over five days, you will follow the rugged coastline of the Garden Route between Storms River and Nature Valley. Along the way you will pass river mouths, cliffs and pristine nature. This challenging hike is limited to a small number of hikers per day, so registering in advance is necessary. All details about the Otter Trail are available on this official website.
4) Blue Diver Trail
Distance: 4 km – Duration: 2 hours – Loop
The Blue Diver Trail is a lesser known hike in Tsitsikamma National Park so it is often very quiet on this trail. You walk here among the green fynbos of the park with a chance of spotting wildlife such as the Blue Diver, a type of antelope. During the hike you will also pass the Agulhas lookout point from where you have a beautiful view of the ocean. This hike makes a loop and is very accessible!
Tsitsikamma National Park has just one restaurant: Cattle Baron. Located near the start of several hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a good meal between walks. The restaurant also has a small souvenir shop and restrooms.
5) Kayaking on the Storms River
Want to do something more exciting than hiking? In Tsitsikamma National Park you’ll also find plenty of other activities that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping! For example, kayaking on the Storms River is one of the best things to do in Tsitsikamma, South Africa. You’ll start out on the open sea before paddling beneath suspension bridges and into the dramatic Storms River Gorge. From there, you switch to a lilo (an inflatable boat) to navigate your way through the gorge as it narrows around you. You can book this activity here.
6) Zipline Canopy Tour
Want to experience Tsitsikamma National Park from a different perspective? Then join on a Zipline Canopy tour! During this 2.5 hour tour you zipline 30 meters above the ground between the high treetops. Meanwhile, the guide will tell you all kinds of interesting facts about the fauna and flora of the Tsitsikamma rainforest.
7) Bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge
Bloukrans Bridge is not located in Tsitsikama National Park itself but is definitely worth a mention. This is in fact the highest bungee jump in the world at a whopping 216 meters! You will also find a cafe right by the bungee jump from where you can admire the daredevils jumping. Would you also like to bungee jump? Book the activity in advance to be sure of a place.! Even if you do not want to jump, we still recommend a stop at the Bloukrans Bridge, because the bridge itself is also very impressive to see.
Where to stay in Tsitsikamma National Park
Most travelers visit Tsitsikamma from the nearby town of Storms River. Here you will find several accommodations and restaurants where it is pleasant to stay. A little further outside Stormsrivier you will find The Fernery Lodge. This lodge is located high on a cliff from where you have a great view of the ocean.
- Budget ($): Storms River Forest Lodge
- Comfort ($$): Tsitsikamma Village Inn
- Luxurious ($$$): The Fernery Lodge
Those who want can also stay overnight in the national park itself. Here you’ll find two different camps: the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and the Nature’s Valley Rest Camp. These camps consist of small forest cabins and cabins ranging from two people to larger groups. For up-to-date information on booking these camps, visit the official website of Sanparks.
How to visit Tsitsikamma in South Africa
Tsitsikamma National Park is located on the Garden Route in South Africa, between Plettenberg Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay. From Plettenberg Bay it is about a 45-minute drive to the entrance of Tsitsikamma, from Jeffrey’s Bay it takes about an hour. From Cape Town, where you will find an international airport, it is about a 7-hour drive.
Best time to visit Tsitsikamma in South Africa
The Garden Route and Tsitsikamma in South Africa is a destination that you can visit all year round. The best months are April to May (autumn) and October to November (spring). Then the weather is pleasant, less crowded and between September and November you also have a chance to see whales. The most popular period is South African summer (December to February), then you have the best chance of good weather but it is also busier.
Still have questions about what to do in Tsitsikamma in South Africa? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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