Tsitsikamma



Tsitsikamma is in the Cacadu District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Understand
The Tsitsikamma forms part of the Cacadu District of the Eastern Cape and is branded as one of the Cacadu District's seven wonders due to its beauty. Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning "place of abundant or sparkling water". The area is covered in large tracts of indigenous forest and Fynbos with deep river gorges that cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea, creating spectacular waterfalls and deep kloofs.

A must-see is the Tsitsikamma National Park with its abundance of birds and wildlife, and the chance to watch whales and dolphins play along the rugged untouched coastline or explore the Khoisan rock art and enjoy many walking and hiking trails. From treetop canopy tours, white water tubing to experiencing a 7-second free-fall from the world's highest commercial bungee jump location, Tsitsikamma is an action packed destination for the adventurous. Alternatively, you could take a walk on the wild side in the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest - home to the giant Outeniqua Yellowwood - or simply relax and unwind in a completely serene wonderland of forest, mountain & sea.

By plane
There are two airports located in close proximity to Tsitsikamma. The closest is in George, 144 km away while the Port Elizabeth airport is 182 km from Tsitsikamma. There are regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African airports to George and Port Elizabeth.

By car
Tsitsikamma is easily accessible by motorways from Cape Town (579 km), Bloemfontein (781 km) and East London (460 km). Of course, you can also drive from Johannesburg (1217 km). The road conditions are fairly good if you are coming from any of these cities.

By bus
All major South African coach companies offer regular schedules to and from destinations like Tsitsikamma. It is also on the Baz Bus route.

See

 * Langkloof (Route 62) - Better known as the Fruit Route, the Langkloof fruit region is the second largest deciduous fruit-producing area in South Africa. This used to be the home ground of Bushmen and Gonagua Hottentots. Today the 'Apple Express' runs through the valley, linking all the fruit growing villages and towns.
 * Nature's Valley — a small village on the Garden Route mostly surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Park with a network of trails that covers the surrounding hills and beaches
 * Storms River - Located just outside Tsitsikamma National Park, this area has become a hot spot for many tourists in South Africa. Activities include canopy tours, various exciting hiking trails and the Storms River Mouth Walks. The Tsitsikamma Petroport has a restaurant, curio shop, petrol station and take-away outlet. The Bloukrans Bridge is the world's largest single span bridge and is also home to the world's highest bungee jump location. For the less adventurous, there are curio shops, spectacular views to take in and the indigenous plant nursery in which to get lost.
 * Tsitsikamma National Park - The heartland of Tsitsikamma National Park stretches 5 km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish. Dolphins frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing while the gentle giant of the ocean, the Southern Right Whale, comes inshore to breed. Sightings of wildlife in the Park are not uncommon so be on the look out for African Black Oystercatchers, the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otters and the Blue Duiker.
 * Nature's Valley — a small village on the Garden Route mostly surrounded by the Tsitsikamma National Park with a network of trails that covers the surrounding hills and beaches
 * Storms River - Located just outside Tsitsikamma National Park, this area has become a hot spot for many tourists in South Africa. Activities include canopy tours, various exciting hiking trails and the Storms River Mouth Walks. The Tsitsikamma Petroport has a restaurant, curio shop, petrol station and take-away outlet. The Bloukrans Bridge is the world's largest single span bridge and is also home to the world's highest bungee jump location. For the less adventurous, there are curio shops, spectacular views to take in and the indigenous plant nursery in which to get lost.
 * Tsitsikamma National Park - The heartland of Tsitsikamma National Park stretches 5 km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish. Dolphins frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing while the gentle giant of the ocean, the Southern Right Whale, comes inshore to breed. Sightings of wildlife in the Park are not uncommon so be on the look out for African Black Oystercatchers, the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otters and the Blue Duiker.
 * Tsitsikamma National Park - The heartland of Tsitsikamma National Park stretches 5 km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish. Dolphins frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing while the gentle giant of the ocean, the Southern Right Whale, comes inshore to breed. Sightings of wildlife in the Park are not uncommon so be on the look out for African Black Oystercatchers, the Knysna Loerie, Cape Clawless Otters and the Blue Duiker.

Do
Amidst the tranquility there is still room for adventure. Tsitsikamma offers everything from hiking trails to quad-biking, to 4x4 routes, canoeing, white water tubing, treetop canopy tours, bird watching and abseiling in the Kouga Mountains. Scenic helicopter flights from Storms River Bridge and a leap from the world's highest commercial bungy jump are strongly recommended.


 * Visit the Tsitsikamma National Park

Sleep
Most of the available accommodation is in Storms River, they appear to be more affordable.

Connect


For general enquiries please make use of the following directory numbers:


 * Local telephone directory: 1023
 * International telephone directory: 10903

Go next
The Tsitsikamma forms part of the Garden Route and is located in close proximity to other smaller seaside villages such as Eersterivier. The Baviaanskloof is also close to Tsitsikamma.


 * Addo
 * Baviaans
 * Grahamstown
 * Jeffreys Bay
 * St Francis
 * Western Cape Karoo
 * Sunshine Coast