Tsitsikamma in the Western Cape

Tsitsikamma National Park

Second only to the Kruger National Park is Tsitsikamma National Park. The best time to visit this area is between November and February. The park itself is split into two sections - to the West, you will find De Vasselot which includes the Nature's Valley resort. Here you will find quite a few short walks through forest and across rivers and a wonderful stretch of sandy coastline.

To the East, is Storms River Mouth where the wild Storms River meets the Indian Ocean via a deep gorge. Walking here is very popular with some really lovely hikes across the forest covered cliffs. If you enjoy bird watching then there is an array of birds to be spotted here including the Knysna Lourie which you can spot by its flash of red in its wings. You may even spot a rare African black oystercatcher which has black feathers and red eyes, beak and legs.

The coast here is rocky and reminiscent of parts of Cornwall in England. This area of rainforest is the last remnants of a rainforest that used to cover this coastal area. If you are taking in the Garden Route then this is a must stop along your way. The whole area covers some 80kms of land and also extends 5km out to sea providing essential protection to the fish and mammals found here. One of the most popular trails for hiking in this area is the Otter Hiking Trail. It is so popular that you have to book well in advance (one year sometimes) to take in an amazing 5 day hike across rivers, though forests, and passing waterfalls. If you stop at the restaurant at the Storms River Mouth you can take a short walk to a suspension bridge which provides some amazing views. This area is extremely well catered for in terms of accommodation with something to suit all budgets.

From an accommodation point of view, we highly recommend the Tsitsikamma Lodge - surrounded by mountains and tucked away in the forest, the Tsitsikamma Lodge is a haven of peace where a warm welcome and friendly service, combined with nature, provides a perfect break. Set in beautiful gardens, and built entirely of logs, the Lodge has 32 cosy cabins, each with its own spa-bath, private deck and barbecue area. There’s also a honeymoon suite with a sunken lounge and a crackling wood fire.... Built on stilts, this is a place where romance is literally in the air!

Tsitsikamma is home to a wide variety of activities – bird watching, horse riding, black water tubing, canoeing, etc. Or you might like to follow the river and nature trails or take a picnic in the forest. For the more adventurous, there’s the Tree Top Canopy tour and our very own Strip-Tease River Trail! For a more gentle activity, why not spoil yourself with a great treatment at our Spa or stroll along to the library for a relaxing read, or take a dip in the swimming pool? And when the sparkling air builds up an appetite, our licensed restaurant offers delicious home-cooked meals! Tsitsikamma Lodge is an AA Award Winning Leisure Hotel, which offers unobtrusive and personal service. An ideal place to enjoy time with the family, spend a romantic few days, or just take time out, it also offers superb conferencing facilities for up to 40 delegates. Tsitsikamma Lodge.

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