From Storms River to Natures Valley.
Tsitsikamma, described as The Garden of Eden, with protected ancient forest, coastal and marine areas, is one of the world’s choice destinations. It is a bucket list destination! A Mecca for photographers, the views are incredible, either walking through the lush forest or along the coast.
There is plenty to see and do for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies as well as everyone in between. The highlighted links allow you to see more detail and to book. The area has good weather throughout the year but be prepared to see a few seasons on one trip. Around the forest there are no 5 stars places to stay, but we have selected the places that we believe are good. Nothing goes onto The Saunter unless highly recommended. If you absolutely have to have 5 star, we recommend some gems nearby in the Central Garden Route.
There are good swimming spots all over. Snorkelling or diving is worthwhile with sea urchins, (so wear shoes) anemones and various sponges to see. Hiking and biking rule in this area. It is a place of the outdoors and where one can re-align within the best of our natural world. In the forest looking around there is a wealth of fernery and some tree bases have beautifully coloured semi circles of fungi. Look up and be awed by the magnificence of these huge trees. This is an indigenous rain forest with 116 types of giant tree including the giant Outenique Yellowwood tree.
There are many easy walking trails to enjoy. Take a short walk to one of the oldest giants, rather uncreatively named, “Big Tree”. At 120 feet (36.6 m) high, with a 30 feet (9 m) circumference around the base of the trunk… it is certainly just that… a very big tree!
The coastal hikes are moderate to seriously challenging. All go up… then of course, down again to allow you to cross streams reaching the sea. Some of these are rust coloured but the water from most is delicious. The parks officials will tell you where not to drink. Little waterfalls trickle into the streams. Sharks, whales and dolphin may be seen from vantage points. Take a fairly easy day hike to a large waterfall which ends in a gorgeous rock pool high above the shore. This is actually Day 1 of the famous Otter Trail. For those not registered for the trail, you will have to turn around at the waterfall.
The Otter Trail is ranked as one of the world’s top hikes. Click on the link to see details of this incredible 5 day hike.
Bird life is prolific, both in the forest and along the coast. The coastal rocks are bordered either by forest or exquisite fynbos, an indigenous Cape shrub with many varieties which attracts nectar loving birds. Look out for the Knysna Lourie (Touraco), and on the coast, the Oyster Catcher.
In the area are 4 wildlife sanctuaries where the previously caged have relative freedom in their no petting homes, and can be themselves with minimal human interaction. They are worth visiting.
Activities include an adrenaline pumping 10 stage zip line through the high forest canopy, as well as an incredible trip up the canyon from the Storms River estuary, by kayak initially, then on lilos to allow you to float through the narrowest part.
At the western edge of the Tsitsikamma, is a glorious long stretch of sandy beach, with a sheltered lagoon: Nature’s Valley. Visit an artist studio here. Else Kruger’s work enhances many European home walls.
Storms River town is sweet. You can wander around and visit a very good micro craft brewery, buy some delicious cheeses and then time travel to the 60s by eating at the fun Marilyn’s Diner. Very good burgers, milkshakes and all you would find in a diner of the period… including a juke box plus a gorgeous pink Cadillac which you do not have to be a petrol head to fall for.
Do not leave the area without visiting Storm’s River mouth. Take a walk over the suspension bridges to appreciate this beautiful spot. You can climb the hill for a fantastic view of the mouth and coast. If the sea is rough, the waves hurl themselves onto to rocks in an awesome display. Storm’s River by name and by nature!
Happy Sauntering!
