Tsitsikamma is the eastern end of the Garden Route National Park, a narrow ribbon of indigenous forest, fynbos and rocky shoreline where the mountains run almost straight into the Indian Ocean. The name is usually said to come from a Khoi word for a place of much water, and the rivers here run tea-brown and cut deep gorges through the sandstone. Most visitors head for the Storms River Mouth rest camp, where a short trail leads through coastal forest to a series of suspension bridges swaying above the river mouth, with surf pounding the boulders below. The park is managed by SANParks, which runs the rest camp, the restaurant and the day-visitor gate, and pays for it through a daily conservation fee for visitors. Beyond the bridges there are shaded forest loops, a trail to a small waterfall, birdwatching, a rock-pool shoreline to explore and, for the multi-day hiker, the famous Otter Trail. It is a place for fresh air and big views rather than big queues, and it is easy to combine with the canopy tour and the bungy that sit just outside the park.
Planning your visit
The entry point most people use is the Storms River Mouth gate, where you pay the park's daily conservation fee and park near the restaurant. From there the bridge trail is a gentle walk on wooden boardwalks and stairs that takes a good part of a morning with photo stops, and the waterfall trail continues along the shore for those who want more. Fees differ for international, regional and South African visitors, and the Wild Card conservation pass can be good value if you will visit several parks, so check the SANParks site before you go.
Bridge status
The suspension bridges at Storms River Mouth have been rebuilt in phases through 2026, with some bridges and the main span closing at different times while the work continued, and the finish date moved back more than once because of bad weather. We could not find a later notice, so check the SANParks news page or ask the park office on the day, and treat the bridge as a bonus rather than the only reason to come, because the forest and the shore are worth the trip regardless.
Making a day of it
Arrive early, walk the forest trail before the heat and crowds, then have lunch at the rest camp restaurant, which looks out over the ocean. Kayak and lilo trips up the river gorge run in suitable conditions and are worth asking about at the gate.
Pair it with a canopy zipline tour in the village or a stop at the Bloukrans Bridge on the drive, and consider staying in Storms River village so you can start early. Bring a rain layer, since the forest is wet and the weather turns quickly, and good shoes for the wooden steps.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a coastal national park, with boardwalk and forest trails, suspension bridges at the river mouth, a rocky shoreline and a restaurant at the rest camp.
Best time
Early morning for cooler walking and fewer people; the forest is green and the river runs full after rain.
How long
Three to five hours covers the bridge trail, the shoreline and lunch.
Tips
Check the SANParks site for current bridge and trail notices before you drive in, carry a rain layer and wear shoes with grip for the wet wooden steps.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a short, scenic walk and a taste of the wild Tsitsikamma coast.
- Families
- The bridge trail is a gentle boardwalk walk that most children manage, though there are stairs and no step-free route.
- Couples
- Walk the forest trail early, then have a slow lunch looking out over the ocean.
- Pair with
- The canopy zipline tour and the Bloukrans Bridge bungy, both a short drive away.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Are the Storms River suspension bridges open?+
The bridges were being rebuilt in phases through 2026, with closures at different times and a finish date that slipped. Check the SANParks news page or ask at the gate on the day.
Do I pay to enter Tsitsikamma National Park?+
Yes, a daily conservation fee applies and it differs for international, regional and South African visitors. A Wild Card pass covers entry if you are visiting several parks.
How long is the walk to the bridges?+
The trail from the rest camp is a gentle boardwalk walk of about two kilometres, and most people take an hour or two with photo stops. The waterfall trail adds more time if you want a longer outing.
Can I stay inside the park?+
Yes, SANParks runs the Storms River Mouth rest camp with accommodation and a campsite, and it books up in school holidays. Many visitors prefer the village of Storms River a short drive away.
What is the Otter Trail?+
It is a famous multi-day coastal hike through the park that needs advance booking well ahead of time. It is a serious undertaking, so day visitors usually stick to the shorter trails.
