"Place of Much Water"

Tsitsikamma BeachThe Mountains, pristine forests and wild unspoiled rocky coast creates an unbelievable setting. The Tsitsikamma National Park is is situated at the heart of the the Garden Route it covers over 80 kilometre long coastal strip between Nature's Valley and the mouth of the Storms River. Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan (early inhabitants of the area) word meaning, “place of much water.”

The Tsitsikamma’s spectacular scenery includes 180m high cliffs, ever-green forests and fynbos (proteas and heath) rolling down to the sea in a lush carpet where ancient rivers have carved their path to the ocean through rocky ravines.

Tsitsikamma National Park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. This is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the world, conserving 11 percent of South Africa’s Temperate South Coast rocky shoreline.

View of Tsitsikamma MountainsThe Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates various cultural heritage sites ranging from Khoisan cultural heritage sites such as caves, shell middens and rock art to more recent cultural historic sites such as the ruins of small fisher settlements, remnants of the past forestry industries and grave sites.

Two long hiking routes with some huts for overnight stays are well established. Some indigenous Yellowwood trees still exist here, over 800 years old. There is abundance of bird life, smaller mammals can be seen through the park.

The 5 day Otter Trail of 48 km and the Tsitsikamma Trail of 72 km, is probably the most well known trail world wide and offers the tourist an adventure of a life time experiencing the plant and animal world first hand.

Tsistikamma ForestThe Tsitsikamma Forest has a variety of fauna and flora. Explore the gorges, caves and winding paths. Visit the famous 36m high Yellowwood Big Tree and the steel cable suspension bridge built in 1969. Variety of wildlife can be found such as the Cape claw less otter, whales, seals, dolphins, grysbok, blue duiker, vervet monkeys, baboons, leopard, honey badger, bushpigs, mongoose, and countless species of birds.

The forest also hosts an abundance of tress like the Outeniqua yellow-wood, saffron wood, elder, stinkwood, cape chestnut, fynbos, proteas, white milkwood just a few to mention.

Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park
Storms River 6308, South Africa.
Tel +27 42 541-1607; Fax +27 42 541-1629.

Bookings and reservations: South African National Parks
P.O. Box 787, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Tel +27 12 343-1991, Fax +27 12 343-0905
eMail Reservations@parks-sa.co.za

Attractions

  • Tsitsikamma Mountains
  • Hiking trails
  • Snorkeling
  • Diving
  • Trails
  • Robbehoek Kloof Trails
  • Quteniqua Biking Trails

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