Tsitsikamma National Park

...place of much water


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.

5 Things to seek
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.

Accommodation
Storms River Mouth Restcamp
All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.

Forest Huts – communal facilities (2 beds)
Forest Cabins (a.k.a. Dolphin Cabins) – self equipped units 2 beds)
Chalets – self equipped detached open plan units (2 single beds and either bunk beds, bed in lounge or double sleeper couch)
Oceanettes – self equipped detached units on the ocean edge (3 or 4 beds)
Cottages – self equipped free standing units (3 beds)
Family Cottages – larger version of above (4 beds) - 2 bedrooms
Honeymoon Cottages (double bed)
Camping
All with communal ablution, laundry and washing up facilities. A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or motorised caravan will be permitted per site.

Caravan only sites with power point and view
Caravan only sites with power point and no view
Tent only site with no power point but with a view
Camping sites (caravan or tent)
Camping (tent or caravan) without power
Nature’s Valley Restcamp
40 km west of Storms River at Nature’s Valley.

All forest huts and ablutions have electricity as well as electric geysers in the ablutions. The forest huts are also fitted with a standard three point electric plug. The camping sites have not been electrified at this stage.

Two coin-operated washing machines and tumble driers are available in the main ablution facility.

Two-bed forest huts with communal ablution facilities.
Camping
All with communal ablution, laundry and washing up facilities. A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or motorised caravan will be permitted per site.

Camping (tent or caravan) without power

Activities
Most of these activities are safe enough to undertake unguided. For a small fee, groups of more than ten people can book a guide to accompany them and discover more about the history and ecology of the area.

All activities are dependent on favourable weather conditions.

For more information or directions, visit the Information desk, Enviro Centre or Reception at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp.

Recreational activities and adventures (Otter Trail Start; Abseiling; Scuba-diving; Hiking Tsitsikamma coast; Snorkelling; Boat rides up the Storms River; Canoeing – Natures Valley Comp, Hiking www.footprint.co.za.

The park has a joint initiative it runs with private parties from on the park’s periphery. The result is a semi-luxury hiking trail known as the Dolphin Trail.

Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail: Two - six day hiking trail (with optional equipment porterage): journey through forest, fynbos and many rivers in the spectacular Tsitsikamma mountains.

Storms River Mouth Restcamp

"Spirit of Tsitsikamma" boat rides
The Otter Trail, 42 km long, 5 days and 4 nights - Tariff: (www.footprint.co.za); Check Availability.
Several nature trails (1-3 hours)
Dolphin Trail – a joint initiative with private parties adjacent the park Tariff
Marine and River Activities (boat trips, snorkelling and SCUBA diving)
Bathing at a small beach, and swimming pool (for resident guests only)
All angling in the Tsitsikamma National Park is prohibited
Guided outings (Eco-guides from local communities)
Holiday programme during school holidays
Activities for School Groups.
Nature’s Valley Restcamp
A network of 6 nature trails (2-6 hours - Bird watching)
Board sailing, rowing, sailing and canoeing on the river
No powerboats
Bathing at Nature’s Valley beach (2 km from restcamp)
Tsitsikamma region – activities
There are many activities in the area of the park, for which staying in the park is an excellent base. The following are some that SANParks recommends.

Abseiling & climbing
Hiking (www.footprint.co.za)
Mountain biking
Tractor-trailer rides
4x4 trails
Tree top tours
Kloofing
Bungee Jumping – worlds highest
Contact Storms River Adventures for details and tariffs.

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary - Contact Monkeyland for details and tariffs

For more information visit www.sanparks.org

©2001-2007 South African National Parks™ All rights reserved

Back to South African National Parks