Tsitsikamma National Park
Perched on the border between the Garden Route and the Little Karoo, Tsitsikamma National Park is a magnificent coastal reserve with tropical indigenous rainforest and dramatic coastline. Tsitsikamma holiday packages offer visitors an opportunity to stop over near the Garden Route and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery as well as numerous adventure sports, from kayaking, ziplining and mountain biking to bungee jumping, tubing and cliff jumping. A holiday in the Tsitsikamma area is ideal for the perfect family getaway, with plenty of outdoor fun and excitement.
Tsitsikamma and Storms River attractions and things to do
- Hike the famous Otter Trail or the more accessible Dolphin Trail.
- Visit Storms River Mouth, a marine protected area where one can view sharks and manta rays.
- Discover the Big Tree, estimated to be around 800 years old, with its 9m circumference.
- Cycle the renowned 22km Storms River Cycle Trail through forest and mountain fynbos.
- Bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge.
- Embark on an exciting offroad adventure, following the Elephant Trail through the forest to a historic wagon resting place.
- Enjoy kayaking under the Storms River suspension bridge.
- Participate in the ultimate tubing adventure experience in Tsitsikamma National Park.
- Soak up the sun on the beach in Nature’s Valley.
- Watch dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Tsitsikamma National Park is full of natural splendour, with mystical forests and untouched coastline begging to be explored. This magnificent destination is perfect for adventurers and active families and couples. Experience the best of the region on a Tsitsikamma holiday package from Thompsons Holidays.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit?
- The Tsitsikamma region is a year-round destination with a mild sub-tropical climate.
- The region is busiest in spring (August and September) and summer (December and January).
- Tsitsikamma is ideal as part of a self-drive Garden Route holiday between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Non-stop drive duration from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 8 hours (750km) via N2.
- Alternatively, you can fly to Port Elizabeth and hire a car from there.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
- Flight duration from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
- Drive time from Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma National Park: 2 hours.
Travel tips
What must I pack?
- Tsitsikamma is an outdoor lover's paradise, and therefore the appropriate clothing is a necessity: comfortable hiking gear, hat, sturdy shoes and waterproof jackets for the rainforest.
- For visits to Nature's Valley, beachwear is a must.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat, swimsuits and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit, regular prescription medication, and insect repellent.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic; instead, take fabric shopping bags with you.
- Do not support unethical wildlife encounters.
Safety tips
- If self-driving, obey the rules of the road and stick to the speed limit.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables.
- If valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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