GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK - TSITSIKAMMA

Garden Route National Park - Tsitsikamma, South Africa

Where the booming breakers of the Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores, where temperate high forest and fynbos roll down to the sea in an unspoilt verdant carpet, where ancient rivers carve their paths to the ocean down rocky ravines.

This, "the place of much water", is the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park. The heartland of the Park stretches some 5km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish.

Dolphins frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing for the sheer joy of life, and the gentle giant of the ocean, the southern right whale visits here, coming inshore to breed.

5 Things To Seek

• Dolphins and Porpoises – keeping vigil on the ocean will produce sightings of schools of dolphins and porpoises frolicking in the waves
• African Black Oystercatcher – this red data species is one of South Africa’s most threatened bird species - several pairs nest along the park’s rocky coastline
• Knysna Lourie – these beautiful birds with a gruff call are common in the forest
• Cape Clawless Otter – the source of the name of the Otter Trail, this shy and elusive species hunts crabs along the park’s coastline and rivers alike
• Blue Duiker – this miniature antelope is found in the forests

Accommodation

All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.

• Forest Huts – communal facilities (2 beds)
• Forest Cabins (a.k.a. Dolphin Cabins) – self equipped units 2 beds
• Chalets – self equipped detached open plan units (2 single beds and either bunk beds, bed in lounge or double sleeper couch)
• Oceanettes – self equipped detached units on the ocean edge (3 or 4 beds)
• Cottages – self equipped free standing units (3 beds)
• Family Cottages – larger version of above (4 beds) - 2 bedrooms
• Honeymoon Cottages (double bed)

Camping

All with communal ablution, laundry and washing up facilities. A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or motorised caravan will be permitted per site.

• Caravan only sites with power point and view
• Caravan only sites with power point and no view
• Tent only site with no power point but with a view
• Camping sites (caravan or tent)
• Camping (tent or caravan) without power

Activities

Most of these activities are safe enough to undertake unguided.  For a small fee, groups of more than ten people can book a guide to accompany them and discover more about the history and ecology of the area.

All activities are dependent on favourable weather conditions.

• The Otter Trail, 42km long, 5 days and 4 nights
• Several nature trails (1-3 hours)
• Dolphin Trail – a joint initiative with private parties adjacent the Park
• Marine and River Activities
• Kayaking and Lilo adventure in Tsitsikamma
• Snorkelling in Storms River Mouth
• Scuba Diving in Storms River Mouth
• Boat Cruises
• Swimming at a small beach, and swimming pool (for resident guests only)

Contact us for more information and bookings

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