The Tsitsikamma National Park is a reserve on the Garden Route, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape, South Africa. It is a coastal reserve which is popular for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail. On 6 March 2009, It was merged with the Wilderness National Park and various other areas of land to form the Garden Route National Park.
The park covers an 80Km (50 miles) long stretch of coastline. Nature’s Valley is close to the western end of the park, and the main accommodation is at the Storms River Mouth. Near to the park is the Bloukrans Bridge 216 metres (709ft), which is the world’s highest bridge bungee jump.
The word “Tsitsikamma” is from the Khoekhoe language tse-tsesa, meaning “clear”, and gami, meaning “water”, probably referring to the clear water of the Tsitsikamma River. It is also refers to as ‘place of much water’ and ‘waters begin’.
Activities carried out in the park are:
- Hiking
- Scuba-diving and snorkelling
- Inter-tidal excursions
- Kayaking and tubing
- The Otter Trail
- Dolphin Trail
- Tsitsikamma Trail
- Several nature trails (1-3 hours)
- “Spirit of Tsitsikamma” boat rides
- Marine and River Activities
- Bathing at a small beach, and swimming pool
- Guided outings (Eco-Guides from local communities)
- Activities for School Groups
- Holiday programme during school holidays