Tsitsikamma is South Africa's Adventure Capital
Scuba Dive, Bungee Jump, Zip-line and Hike in Eastern Cape Province
Feb 16, 2009
Located at the remote tail end of Eastern Cape Province at the mouth of the Storms River, Tsitsikkamma National Park is an ecotourism mecca, appealing to both eco-travelers and adventure travelers. It is accessible from Western Cape province via the renowned Garden Route.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park was established in 1964 and includes a marine reserve made up of 80 kilometers of coastline. The locally famous Storms River Suspension Bridge crosses the mouth of Storms River, near the beginning of the internationally famed Dolphin Trail.
The name Tsitsikamma comes from the Khoi language, and means "place of abundant or sparkling water." Tsitsikamma is bordered by the Bloukrans River to the west, the Eerste River to the east, the Tsitsikamma mountains to the north, and the Indian Ocean to the south. Adventure activities are centered around the village near the park entrance, at the mouth of the Storms River.
The climate is mild-year round, although rainfall can be heavy (which makes for lush forest). The terrain is also and sculpted cut by deep canyons.
Adventure Travel Tours in Tsitsikamma
- A scuba diving operator is stationed near the park's entrance, not far from the mouth of the Storms River. If conditions are calm, take advantage of them! The area has both snorkeling and scuba diving trails, and as a protected marine reserve, so there's a lot to see. But conditions are often choppy, sometimes dangerous; scuba diving is not always possible.
- A zip line takes visitors on a tour of the yellow-wood canopy forest, sliding along zip lines 100 feet above the forest floor.
- The world's highest commercial bungee jump (216 meters, or 709 feet) takes off from the center of the Bloukrans River Bridge.
- Birdwatching is another popular activity. Look for Cormorants, Kelp Gulls and African Black Oystercatchers along the coastline; Pied and Giant Kingfishers are seen at tidal pools and rivers, along with Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot. In the forest, look for the Knysna Loerie, Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Knysna and Olive Woodpecker, Chorister Robin and Grey Cuckooshrike.
- The Dolphin Trail is one of South Africa's most popular hikes. This four-day three-night trip is a fully catered and guided hiking trip from cabin to cabin.The Otter Tail offers a more rugged experience for independent hikers.
Sustainable Travel in Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma is more than just a place where tourists can test their mettle on adrenaline-fueled adventure. Management is trying to conserve the area with facilities that sit easily on the land. Accommodations are lovely, but low-key, including self-catering cottages, caravan parks, tentsites, and lodges, including the lovely Tsitsikamma Lodge. Perhaps most noteworthy is the management’s commitment to the ideals of sustainable tourism as a factor in local economic development. There is an emphasis on training local residents, especially members of historically disadvantaged ethnic groups, so they can fill jobs in all levels of service and management.
Considering how remote it is, Tsitsikamma is not that hard to get to, as it lies just at the end of the famed Garden Route, itself a major tourist attraction. This "Garden of the Garden Route" is well worth a visit.
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