Storms River

Storms River (Stormsriver) is a small village in the Eastern Cape on the Garden Route surrounded by pine plantations along the N2. It is the gateway to the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Understand
Only a short drive east of Knysna, Storms River comprises more than just a village – it is a synonym for anything adventurous and daring, mild or wild. Storms River mouth is spanned by a suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views over rocks and coves and crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The bridge leads to a lookout point from which sweeping views over a verdant forest and the Storms River camp reward any hike to this area. A first-class eco-destination, ecologically sensitive activities such as bungee jumping from the Bloukrans River Bridge, and canopy tours, are two of the most popular things to do at Storms River and surrounds!

By car
Located on the N2 the village is easily accessible by car from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town as well as other towns along the Garden Route.

By bus
The main companies stop in Storms River at the petrol station on their Cape Town—Port Elizabeth run. The petrol station is 5 km from town, all establishments in Storms River will charge something like R50 for pick up and drop off. The cheaper option: the public bus, drives from Knysna towards Port Elizabeth in the morning, returning to Knysna in the afternoon. The bus stops north of Storms River West (township) on the N2 (which is walking distance), around 07:30 and 15:30, bus fare to PE costs R60, way less than what the main companies charge.

By rail & plane
There is no rail station nor airport in Storms River. Though the nearest train station is at Assegaai, in Kareedouw (40 km), as a stop of the Apple Express. The nearest airports are located either in George or in Port Elizabeth, both 180 km away.

Get around
The village is small enough to get around on foot or by bike, or you can take your vehicle.

See
Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the main attractions near Storms River and is 5 km west of the village along the N2.

Hiking
Starting at the Forest Station down-town Storms River, all have free self-issue permits at unmanned gates.



Mountain biking
A 22-km cycle route, starting from Storms River Village, through the old Storms River Pass, passing the low water bridge over the Storms River, all the way to the viewpoint of the Tsitsikamma National Park over Storms River Mouth. From there on you can cycle the same road back, or you could walk down (with your bike) towards the suspension bridge and exit through the rest camp, returning to Storms River Village over the N2. By entering the National Park from the rear, you're not paying entrance fees! Mountain bikes can be hired in town from the Mild2Wild Adventure Center and at all 3 backpackers.

River tubing
River tubing in the Storms River starts around 08:00 with a briefing, then you get fitted with wetsuits and other gear, a short 4x4 ride gets you near the river, you'll have to walk the last bit, a very steep descent. When the river is high, you can paddle all the way, when the river is low, tubing becomes more of a 'kloofing' experience. Takes till 12:00, where get picked up with a 4x4, driven back to town for dry clothes and a well deserved lunch. There are 2 operators in town.

Go next

 * Tsitsikamma - The surrounding area offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities and other activities.
 * The rest of the Garden Route. Including Nature's Valley to the west, and Port Elizabeth to the east.