Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park is a coastal protected area on South Africa’s southern shoreline that conserves rugged coastline, indigenous forest and marine habitats. The park is widely known for its dramatic sea cliffs, river gorges and established hiking routes.

The park contains the Storms River Mouth and short coastal trails and is the start/end point of the multi-day Otter Trail, which runs about 42 kilometres along the coast. Key visitor activities include day hiking on marked trails, paddling and shore-based wildlife viewing; some sections include suspension bridges and cliff-top viewpoints.

Originally designated to protect its indigenous coastal forest and river gorges, the Tsitsikamma area was later incorporated administratively into the larger Garden Route National Park. The region’s infrastructure developed to support recreational hiking, guided activities and controlled access to sensitive coastal zones.

Tsitsikamma occupies a stretch of the Garden Route coastline between Plettenberg Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay, along the southern coast of South Africa. The park lies on the coastal belt west of the Tsitsikamma village and is accessed from nearby towns along the Garden Route; it is several hours by road from larger regional cities.

• Otter Trail length and permits: The Otter Trail is approximately 42 kilometres long and is one of South Africa's best-known multi-day coastal hikes; bookings and trail permits are required well in advance.
• Top short walks: Storms River Mouth has short, accessible trails and a suspension bridge that provide safe viewpoints into the gorge and the surf zone; these are among the park's most visited sections.

What to See #

• Otter Trail: A long-distance coastal hiking route that crosses the park from Nature's Valley to Storms River Mouth, covering about 42 kilometres and requiring multi-day planning and permits for overnight shelters.
• Storms River Mouth and suspension bridge: A dramatic river gorge where the Storms River empties into the sea, featuring a pedestrian suspension bridge and popular short walks that provide views into the gorge and the surf-exposed coastline.
• Adjacent marine protection areas: A protected coastal-marine zone adjacent to the park that conserves kelp beds, reef systems and intertidal habitats important for diving, snorkeling and marine biodiversity monitoring.