6 Nature & Parks in Tsitsikamma National Park That You Shouldn't Miss

April 24, 2022 Frederic Celentano

Discover the best top things to do in Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa including Otter Trail, The Dolphin Trail, Waterfall Trail, Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail, Loerie Trail, Storms River Mouth Rest Camp.
Restaurants in Tsitsikamma National Park

1. Otter Trail

Garden Route Coast, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa 270124265111
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 80 reviews

Otter Trail

Reviewed By belindas731 - Durban, South Africa

Amazing, challenging, adventurous, beautiful! Don’t think you can just get up off the couch and hike the Otter trail - it requires cardio fitness and strong legs and arms to carry the backpack and you up those steep ascents! However, don’t not try if you haven’t had time to train - just take lots of Deep Heat/ Arnica ice and anti-inflamm tabs because you will feel muscles you never thought you had! It’s absolutely worth the effort and worse comes to worse, you take one of the escape routes... you tried! You’ll also need a head for heights as there are a couple of rock climbs that take you up high... all the better to see dear. This was our first Otter Hike for the whole group so we found ourselves chasing low tides on day 3 (Lottering 10:50) and day 4 (Bloukrans 11:30). In the end it was the Kleinbos river (!) which gave us the biggest challenge as the flow of water from upstream was quite strong due to previous days rain. We laughed our way through the other 2 biggies. Every day of the year is going to offer up a different set of weather conditions for river crossings and hiking - be prepared and try reach the big rivers round low tide (it helps take the stress out of the event). But worse comes to worse, take the escape... hey - you’re on the Otter, it’s part of the adventure!! Practical tips: We all had different priorities when it came to luxury ‘necessities’ - some had a small pillow, some binoculars, some whiskey, some goggles & snorkels (or small swimming goggles) - take what will add to the enjoyment of your experience.... just don’t overpack! Don’t share toothpaste or Vaseline with someone sleeping in the other cabin - it’s a schlep. 2 thumbs up for water bladder, but take an empty water bottle for practical use around camp Trek pole - some of the group swore by them and a few put them away. Suggest you take one (safe) and decide on route. Some of us drank the water without purification drops (we only filled up at the huts) and were fine. If in doubt, rather use them. If you like taking photos, carry a pouch around your neck to store your phone in for easy access (but remember to cover it in plastic if it rains or water crossings) Red survival bags for river crossings are so big - we tested 2 backpacks in 1 surv bag across the Bloukrans and it worked fine. Share between 2 and save weight and space on the hike. Bloubaai (Blue Bay) turnoff is now clearly sign marked. Leave your bags on the trail, put your lunch in a small bag and carry it down to the beach. Lovely spot. It’s not a bad thing if you get to the huts early on a few days - you can chill, wash & recover in a beautiful setting. By the way, crows can open your top zipper, open your marshmallow packet and fly off with your booty. Did I mention we saw an Otter?? Day 3 Elandsbos River. JUST DO IT!!

2. The Dolphin Trail

Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa +27 42 280 3588 [email protected] http://www.dolphintrail.co.za/
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

The Dolphin Trail

Imagine the beauty of the famous Otter Trail, but without heavy backpacks. Join us for 4 days of unspoilt beauty hiking the magnificent Tsitsikamma coast, with 3 nights in charming lodges, all meals inclusive, and accompanied by experienced guides. This experience is memorable and special.

Reviewed By helenhoare - Cape Town, South Africa

Such a treat to have extremely professional and informative guides - Werner and JJ - to shepherd a happy group of two South Africans and eight delightful Germans through the magical Tsitsikamma (place of sparkling waters) National Park. The two day hiking path weaves between ancient indigenous forests, fynbos and the rocky seashore, At the end of each day, we were welcomed at the friendly four star accommodation at "Misty Mountain" and "The Fernery". A supreme experience of a pristine world. Thank you from Christopher and Helen

3. Waterfall Trail

Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa http://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/storms_river/tourism/naturetrails.php
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 110 reviews

Waterfall Trail

Reviewed By williamhblair - Muizenberg, South Africa

Excellent coastal trail! You definitely need good shoes for slippery rocks and be able to boulder a bit.

4. Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail

Lottering Forest Station, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa +27 42 280 3953 http://www.mtoecotourism.co.za/tsitsikamma-trail
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail

The Tsitsikamma Trail was South Africa's first officially accredited hiking trail and has recently been allocated the Green Flag Certificate for a trail under excellent management

Reviewed By Superdoller - Cape Town Central, South Africa

A fabulous area to hike in where the amazing flora will delight your senses. It is not a walk in the park so be prepared. The porterage is recommended as some hills are brutal and in full sun sapping your strength. Mosquitoes and trees lying on the paths put extra strain on your good mood so be warned. Extra water is needed to cool you down as there can be long stretches without water. Do not rely on the distance markers as they are frustratingly wrong. It is a damn long walk and just. Know that it is a 6-7 hour trudge each day with many ups and downs. Day 3 to the Heuningbos hut is the most strenuous. Day 4 is the longest but very pleasant. Use tea lights to start your fire..works like a dream and so pleasant sitting next to a fire after a hard days hike. The pools at Bloukrans hut are. With walking to after your hike. It is a short down walk and worth the effort. Conserve the tank water for cooking. The

5. Loerie Trail

Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsrivermouth, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

6. Storms River Mouth Rest Camp

Garden Route National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/storms_river/

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