About Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park Flora & Fauna
Tsitsikamma National Park is made up of mountainous terrain, rocky coastline, deep valleys and picturesque river gorges which support luxuriant foliage. About 30% of the park is covered in fynbos vegetation and sports numerous flowering plants including heather and proteas. The Tsitsikamma Forest is the home to the iconic ‘Big Tree’ which is the national tree of South Africa. The Big Tree is an 800-year old Yellowwood that stands tall at a height of 37 metres and has a trunk circumference of 9 metres. Some of the other plant species found in Tsitsikamma Park are ironwood, kamansi, stinkwood, hard and white pear, candlewood, Cape blackwood and forest elder. It also has climbers like red saffron and grapes, and orchids including moonlight orchids.
Tsitsikamma National Park sports different ecological regions and hence houses many different wildlife species. The dense forested slopes of mountains and hills are the home to endangered species like blue duikers, Cape clawless otters, bushbucks, grysboks, caracals, and bushpigs. Along the shoreline you can spot dolphins, porpoises and southern right whales. The Salt River near Nature’s Valley which joins the sea is a fish-less region as it houses many aquatic insects that have habituated to this area but is devoid of fish. The Tsitsikamma Park features 220 distinct species, the forest has 35 species and the coastline house 20 species of birds. Some of the birds found here are African black oystercatcher, African emerald cuckoos, olive woodpeckers and giant kingfishers.
Tsitsikamma National Park Tour Packages
Explore South Africa’s natural beauty with the five-day Garden Route tour package which includes a trip to Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and Wilderness Park. Apart from discovering the flora and fauna of the region, you can also go canoeing, hiking, and on game drives.
- Inclusions:
- Park fees
- Accommodation
- Professional guide
- Transportation
- Price: 501.09 USD
Also Check: South Africa Safari Packages
Enjoy a full day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park and take part in adventurous outdoor activities with this 1-Day Tsitsikamma National Park Day Tour package. You can visit the Storms River Bridge, the mighty Big Tree and waterfalls and then indulge in hiking, scuba diving, bungee jumping.
Inclusions:
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Professional guide
- Transportation
Price: 64.74 USD
Book an exclusive one-day tour to Tsitsikamma National Park to experience the thrill of the adventure activities it offers. This Zipline & Storms River Mouth Cruise Tour in Tsitsikamma National Park package lets you visit the mouth of the Storms River, walk along the suspension bridge and take part in the zipline adventure at Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Park.
Inclusions:
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Professional guide
- Transportation
Price: 264.01 USD
Book this one-day quad bike tour in Tsitsikamma National Park package to enjoy the wild adventures and the thrill of quad biking in the park’s reserve area. After a safety briefing session and a detailed instruction about manoeuvring the quad bike, you can ride through the wild landscape of the park and explore its flora and fauna.
Inclusions:
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Professional guide
- Transportation
- Quad bike and helmet
- Water
- Guided commentary about the flora and fauna.
Price: 38.28 USD
Spend three days discovering the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town with this luxury package. You will first be taken to the Tsitsikamma National Park where you can witness the iconic Big Tree in Tsitsikamma Forest. You will then be taken to the Storms River Mouth where you can opt to walk on the suspension bridge. The package also includes a stopover at Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay.
Inclusions:
- Professional guide
- Transportation
- Taxes/VAT
- Breakfast
Price: 836.78 USD
Enjoy a unique guided trip to the Tsitsikamma National Park and explore its wilderness on an offroad scooter with this exclusive tour package. As you zoom through the rainforest exploring the local fauna, you can spot wild baboons, antelope, wildcats and birds. On reaching Storms River, you can take a quick dip in the pool.
Inclusions:
- Professional guide
- Transportation
- Taxes/VAT
- Electric scooter and helmet
Price: 33.54 USD
Things to Do at Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is well-renowned for picturesque hiking trails and scenic waterfalls. Many such nature trails of different difficulty levels are found throughout the park. Otter Trail, Dolphin Trail, Mouth Trail, Waterfall Trail, Loerie Trail, Tsitsikamma Trail and Blue Duiker Trail are some of the best hiking trails in the park that offer captivating views of the landscape.
- Timings: 06.00 AM onwards
- Price: 10.87 USD per person for a one-night stay during the hike
Suggested Read: Things to Do in South Africa
Enjoy a close encounter with Tsitsikamma National Park’s famous Storms River with a 2.5 hour kayaking tour around the Storms River Mouth. You will have to paddle across the river in a kayak passing the bat’s cave, steep cliffs, and stunning views. As you gently wade deeper into the gorge, you can witness the hidden beauty of the river from different viewpoints.
- Timing: 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Price: 37.77 USD per person
Also Read: Places to Visit in South Africa
Go on a short hike along the suspension bridge over the Storms River and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape flanking the red-brown waters of the river. The suspension bridge, which is a popular tourist attraction, extends for 77 metres and takes about an hour to cross.
- Price: 3.70 USD per person for locals, 14.40 USD per person for foreigners
Indulge in a spine-chilling bungee jump as you swoop downward from the top of the arch of Bloukrans Bridge which is Africa’s biggest bridge. The bridge is 709 feet above the Bloukrans River and offers amazing views of the seascape. You will be taken on a zip line from the river bank to the arch to reach the jump point.
Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
Price: 76.11 USD per jump
‘Spirit of Tsitsikamma’ boat rides are for the less adventurous people who wish to witness the beauty of the Storms River. The boat ride takes you up to the Storms River Mouth to let you witness gorgeous views of the river, and also to the waterfall. The boat can accommodate up to 22 people and departs every 45 minutes.
- Price: 5.50 USD per person
If you are looking for an energetic and adventurous outdoor activity to indulge in Tsitsikamma National Park, go for quad biking. The quad bike tour takes you through the heart of the forest crossing lofty trees and charming ocean views which will want you to stop and soak in its beauty. The route involves passing through rugged terrain but is enjoyable for both newbies and experienced bikers.
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM
Price: 19.03 USD per person including quad bike and helmet
The Storms River of Tsitsikamma National Park is a true underwater treasure that houses diverse marine species. It facilitates a couple of adventurous aquatic sports like snorkelling and scuba diving which let you explore the marine biodiversity. As you dive deep into the ocean, you will swim past colourful fish, planktons, and other exotic sea creatures.
- Price: 10.87 USD per person per hour including a full snorkel set
Lodges and Camps in Tsitsikamma National Park
Nestled in the midst of the lush green forest and surrounded by mountains, the Tsitsikamma Lodge is a tranquil getaway. It has several free-standing wooden cabins with luxurious amenities that offer a pleasant and cosy stay. The private decks, lounge area and fireplace add to the charm of the lodge.
- Amenities:
- Spa
- Outdoor Pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free parking
- Price: Starts from 380.53 USD per night
Must Checkout: South Africa Safari Lodges
Tsitsikamma Village Inn is a lovely retreat in the picturesque village of Storms River and is close to the Tsitsikamma National Park. The inn sports colonial-style cottages with gardens and traditional Swiss-style chalets. It also arranges outdoor activities like hiking, canopy tours and mountain biking for its guests.
Amenities:
- Outdoor
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free breakfast
- Free parking
- Children’s playground
Price: Starts from 434.89 USD per night
LaLuna Lodge is a beautiful accommodation situated in the unspoiled wilderness of Storms River village in Tsitsikamma National Park. The lodge has four bedrooms and two canvas tents with comfortable amenities. It also has two spacious lounges, a patio and a fireplace near the campsite.
Amenities:
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- Restaurant
- BBQ Grill
Price: Starts from 11 USD per person per night
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is a humble accommodation located on the eastern edge of the Tsitsikamma National Park. It sports stunning scenery adorned with an 80-kilometre shoreline, pristine waters of the Indian Ocean and a verdant landscape showing the confluence of the former.
Amenities:
- Free parking
- Beach access
- Child friendly
- Restaurant
- Kitchens in some rooms
- Free parking
Price: 52.95USD per person per night
Enjoy a tranquil stay at Nature’s Valley Rest Camp in the Tsitsikamma region of the Garden Route National Park. This camp sports a lush green backdrop with a serene beach and hiking trails and hence is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and hikers. It has ten forest huts and two chalets for accommodation.
Amenities:
- Braai (BBQ) facilities
- Off street parking
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Price: 33.16 USD per night
Plan Your Visit to Tsitsikamma National Park
How to Reach
- By Flight: Plettenberg Bay Airport is the nearest airport to Tsitsikamma National Park and is located just 68 kilometres away. On arrival at the airport, you can hire a cab to the park to reach in an hour. You can alternatively fly to Port Elizabeth Airport which is 200 kilometres away from Tsitsikamma Park and then take a bus to the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tsitsikamma National Park is during spring and summer from October to April when the weather is moderate, pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and nature trails. The favourable climate and lush green landscape during this time is also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.
Shoes with good grip
Sweater or jacket
Rain coat
First aid kit
Insect repellent
Hand Sanitizer and wipes
Beach necessities like swimwear, towels, and goggles
Sunscreen
Umbrella
Travel adaptors for phones and cameras
Tsitsikamma National Park is free from malaria and hence antimalarial medicines and vaccinations are not mandatory. However, you will need to carry a negative yellow fever certificate.
Sightseeing is safe in Tsitsikamma but it is recommended to accompany an expert guide and travel in groups.
Swim in the areas supervised by a lifeguard at the beach and never swim alone.
It is advisable to obtain a map and plan your route in advance so that you can be alert while driving on the public roads and keep your luggage and valuables safe.
FAQ’s of Tsitsikamma National Park
What activities can we do at Tsitsikamma National Park camps?
Kayaking: Kayaking through the waters of the Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park is a wonderful experience since it lets you witness the hidden beauty of the river gorge. It is a 2.5 hour trip during which you will cross the bat’s cave, steep cliffs and the suspension bridge.
Quad biking: You can hire a bike and a helmet and go on a quad biking trail through the rugged terrain and brooks of the Tsitsikamma Park. On the trail through the heart of the forest, you will come across many captivating views and locations.
Hiking: Tsitsikamma Nature Park is an alluring tourist destination that is filled with a plethora of nature trails. You can go hiking along these trails while admiring the scenic beauty and exploring the native flora of the park.
How many days do you need in Tsitsikamma National Park?
Tsitsikamma National Park is a multi-faceted destination with a plethora of outdoor activities like hiking, boat rides, canopy tours, kayaking, and scuba diving. Hence it would require five or six days to explore and enjoy Tsitsikamma National Park to its fullest.
What is the best time of year to visit the Tsitsikamma National Park?
The best time of the year to visit Tsitsikamma National Park is during the dry season of spring and early summer from October to April when the weather is comfortable and soothing for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
What facilities will I get in Tsitsikamma National Park camps?
Braai/ Barbecue area
Semi equipped kitchenette
Free Wifi
Children’s Playgrounds
Restaurant
Bar fridge
Parking
Dry cleaning and laundry facilities
Which are the best places to visit in Tsitsikamma National Park?
Tsitsikamma Forest's Big Tree: The dense natural forest of Tsitsikamma sports the iconic ‘Big Tree’ which is an 800-year old Yellowwood. It stands tall at 37 metres height and has a trunk circumference of 9 metres, thus towering over the rest of the canopy.
Bloukrans Pass: Bloukrans Pass is one of the respected and most spectacular passes in South Africa with deep ravines, twists and turns. It is an amazing route canopied by trees from both sides which makes travelling along the pass exciting.
Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area: Situated on the coast of Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma marine protected area is one of the oldest in the country. It provides protection for marine habitat and wildlife including birds and fish.