The Tsitsikamma National Park is arguably the most beautiful part of the Garden Route. Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”, stretching from the Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the East and Indian Ocean in the south.
This region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and for offering some of the best adventure activities in the country. Here are five activities not to be missed when visiting the park.
Bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge
The Bloukrans Bridge is Africa’s highest, standing 216 meters above the breathtaking Bloukrans River valley. Regarded to be the highest bungee in the world, nothing can prepare you for the experience of throwing yourself more than 200 metres down towards the river below. They use pendulum bungee technology and full body harnesses to ensure that the journey down is as smooth and comfortable as possible. There are also bridge walks available for those who are not that adventurous to jump.
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
Savor the beauty of the indigenous forest by gliding along steel cables that are set 30 meters above the ground and showcase the incredible scenery and birdlife of the Tsitsikamma. This tour is led by qualified guides who ensure that you move between the ten treetop platforms safely, winding around huge Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are as old as 700 years.
Hiking the Otter Trail
The Otter Trail is South Africa’s oldest and most popular hiking trail, covering 45km of pristine wilderness. This trail takes about five days to complete and requires one to be moderately fit and have a good technical hiking ability. The trail starts above the Tsitsikamma Forest and requires one to ascend and descend log stairs that can be rather relentless, whilst crossing the Bloukrans River and climbing the boulders and crags on the other side can be rather challenging. The trail ends on the gorgeous Blue Flag beach at Nature’s Valley.
Blackwater Tubing
Blackwater Tubing is a fun way to explore the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Climbing into an inflatable river tube, you journey along the Storms River, paddling and swimming as you admire the beautiful scenery. For an even greater thrill, it is also possible to enjoy rock and tube jumps as high as 8 meters.
Kayak and Lilo Tour
This tour is explores the famous Storms River, paddling up-stream past bat caves and beautiful landscapes. Once at the rocks, you jump into an inflatable lilo and visit areas of the gorge that are inaccessible by boat. After a few fun cliff jumps, you return to the Storms River rest camp.
