Best Outdoor Activities in Storms River & Tsitsikamma Forest
The Storms River Village and the Tsitsikamma Forest are two of the most popular attractions along the Garden Route. They are destinations that promise an adventure, discovering a unique collection of fauna and flora.
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a firm favourite amongst families, offering an aerial view of a pristine forest that is home to several smaller mammals and birds. One may spot African wild cats, shrews, caracals, honey badgers and weasels.
Tsitsikamma was the first to offer a tree top canopy tour in South Africa, boasting 10 platforms that sit as high as 30 metres above the forest floor. There are a total of 10 slides - the longest being 100 metres.
The tour begins with a safety brief before climbing into a full body harness and heading to the first platform. The tour is led by professional guides who share their knowledge of the forest during the 2 to 3 hour trip.
Walking Trails
The Otter Trail is suited to the more adventurous travelers and avid hikers, covering a distance of 42 kilometers that can be fairly strenuous. The trail begins at Storms River Mouth and passes through a waterfall, a fascinating cave and the shoreline where dolphins and whales are often spotted. The trail also includes a river crossing which should only be attempted at low tide. This trail is incredibly beautiful and brings you that much closer to nature.
The Waterfall Trail route is 3 kilometers long and runs along the coastline to a gorgeous waterfall. The walk isn’t far but the terrain is jagged and slippery so it is best to attempt the hike at low tide.
The Loerie Trail is one of the short hikes from Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and doesn’t require permits. The two-kilometre circular route cuts through beautiful forest and passes through pristine coastal fynbos. There is an incredible viewing point where travelers often spot whales during the winter months.
Bird Watching
With so many walking trails in the Tsitsikamma Forest and around Storms River, it is possible to view various bird species.
At Storms River Rest Camp particuluary; Cormorants, Kelp Gulls and African Black Oystercatchers are found along the coastline.
Generally seen hovering over the sea are the Cape Gannets, whilst the Pied and Giant Kingfishers love to hunt for fish at the tidal pools and in the rivers.
Seen occasionally along the Groot River are the Half-collared Kingfishers and African Finfoots. Other favourites to be seen in the forest include the Chorister Robin-chats and Knysna Loerie.
Bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge
The Bloukrans Bridge is located 20 kilometers west of the Storms River Bridge on the N2 heading towards Plettenberg Bay.
Regarded as the highest commercial bungee jump bridge in the world, Bloukrans is not for the faint hearted. Stepping into a full body harness, one walks to the top of the arch which stands 216 metres above the Bloukrans River before plunging off the bridge head first.
Blackwater Tubing
Blackwater Tubing on the Storms River is a fun activity for all to enjoy. The experience has you venture into the most beautiful and remote areas of the Tsitsikamma National Park. The one route explores the Plaatbos Nature reserve and includes a paddle board experience, whilst the other route visits the Goesa Nature reserve and Tsitsikamma National Park. The Plaatbos tubing experience is 3 hours in duration whilst the Goesa tubing experience is 6 hours in duration and conducted in one man inflated tubes.
