Tsitsikamma National Park

The Tsitsikamma National Park is a coastal park dedicated to the protection of both marine a land life. When it was formed in 1964 it became South Africa’s first marine national park. It has recently joined with the Wilderness National Park to for the Garden Route National Park. Tsitsikamma is a khoisan phrase meaning “place of abundant water”, a very appropriate description for the area as well as the National Park.

The 80km stretch of coastline that the park covers is home to playful dolphins, the gentle Southern Right Whales, as well as many endangered fish species. There are many land based animals that inhabit the Tsitsikamma landscape, but it is known for its abundance of birdlife. Kingfishers, the Knysna Loerie, the African Black Oyster Catcher and Cormorants are just a few of the many bird species that can be spotted in the area.

Tsitsikamma Activities

The Otter Trail is a famous hike that can be found in the Tsitsikamma National Park. It is a 48km long walk that gives the hiker a chance to get in touch with the multitude of plant and animal life that inhabits the park.

Just outside the eastern end of the park is the Bloukrans Bridge, which crosses over the Storm’s River as it heads towards the ocean. The Bloukrans Bridge is a popular attraction for passersby, the reason for this being that it is where the highest bungee jump in the world takes place. At a staggering height of 216m, the Bloukrans bungee jump is not for the feint of heart; in fact it isn’t for anyone who doesn’t have a heart running at 100 percent, maybe even 110 percent.