What to do and see in Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape: The Best Things to do

April 17, 2022 Carley Gatson

Discover the best top things to do in Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa including Face Adrenalin, Otter Trail, Storms River Suspension Bridge, The Dolphin Trail, Tsitsikamma Segway Tours, Waterfall Trail, Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail, Bloukrans Bridge, Bitou Art Gallery, Tsitsikamma Forest’s Big Tree.
Restaurants in Tsitsikamma National Park

1. Face Adrenalin

Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,418 reviews

Face Adrenalin

THE BLOUKRANS BUNGY EXPERIENCE The bungy jump takes place from the top of the arch of Africa’s biggest bridge. To get out to the jump point we send you out on a zipline from the bank to the arch. From there, it’s time for your bungy jump - the worlds best bungy! Bloukrans Bungy is the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump from a bridge, in the world.Bloukrans utilizes pendulum bungy technology ensuring you the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible.

2. 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!!

3. Storms River Suspension Bridge

Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa +27 42 281 1607 http://www.sanparks.co.za
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,022 reviews

Storms River Suspension Bridge

This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge.

Reviewed By west0909 - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States

There is an entrance fee to the park, but IMHO it's worth every penny--the park is just another one of the amazing landscapes South Africa has to offer, but is so unlike the rest. The walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge is lovely, the type of walk you want to have your camera at the ready throughout b/c every turn is more beautiful than the next. The walk to the bridge was 20-30 minutes each way, leisurely, and was quite accessible (it wouldn't be doable with wheels, there are too many stairs, but it is a board-path that makes for pretty easy walking. There are several suspension bridges (the one in all the pictures at the mouth of the river, then a few others right nearby). We only had time to walk tot he bridge and back, but you can continue onto other paths to make the journey as long as you'd like. If the weather is cooperating, the views alone are worth the walk, but the walk itself is a great experience, too.

4. 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

5. Tsitsikamma Segway Tours

Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 235 reviews

Tsitsikamma Segway Tours

Tsitsikamma Segway tours is located in Stormsriver Village at Tsitsikamma Backpackers, along the Garden Route in the Tsitsikamma. Bordering the Tsitsikamma National Park this is a scenic location and an awesome stop over. Your tour starts with a 20 minute training session; from there we depart from the backpackers, through the village and into the local indigenous forest. Our 2 hour tour includes a visit to the Big Tree. The tour is fully guided and refreshment is served halfway. Helmets are provided. Please wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen and shoes.All permits fees are included. 1 or 2 hour tours available. Pre bookings essential. Min age is 6 years old.

6. 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.

7. 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
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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

8. Bloukrans Bridge

N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Bloukrans Bridge

Reviewed By dheerajkummar - Mumbai, India

Visited here for Bungee Jump in May 2018 and was awestruck to see this marvelous piece of engineering. Jumped from this bridge and now proudly boasts about jumping from the highest bungee bridge in the world!

110 Fynbos Street, Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa +27 82 296 2000 http://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/gardenroute/bitou-art-gallery/
Excellent
25%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

Bitou Art Gallery

10. Tsitsikamma Forest’s Big Tree

Just west of the Paul Sauer Bridge on the N2, Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa +27 42 285 0562 http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-the-big-tree-in-tsitsikamma
Excellent
24%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
10%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 213 reviews

Tsitsikamma Forest’s Big Tree

Reviewed By NomadsNature - Pretoria, South Africa

The Tsitsikamma Big Tree was re-opened to visitors during September 2020. A small coffee shop is available, but it was not open at the time of our visit. A wooden walkway winds through the forest and leads to another majestic big tree. There is a hiking trail available for a longer walk.

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