Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

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Tsitsikamma National Park, home to South Africa’s most popular hiking trail, is a great place to take adventurous kids. Here, the forest meets the sea and gives way to some of Africa’s most beautiful coast. Scuba dive, snorkel, abseil, and canoe. Watch sea life and enjoy birding. Hike the Otter Trail, 42.5 km from start to finish, or take shorter nature walks and explore the forest as well as the shoreline. And if the kids are in need of a dose of adrenalin take a glided tour through the tree tops.

Getting there

Tsitsikamma National Park is located 615 km (382 miles) from Cape Town, 195 km (121 miles) from Port Elizabeth and 68 km (42 miles) from Plettenberg Bay. Both the Storms River and Nature's Valley areas are accessible from the N2. The nearest Airport is Plettenburg Bay. Most major car rental service the Plettenburg Bay airport.

Map It!
Google Maps
Driving Directions
SANParks.org

Getting around

The best way to explore Tsitsikamma is get out and walk. But take care when selecting a trail, they vary both in length and difficulty. In addition to the age limit (12 - 65) on the Otter Trail access your level of physical fitness before you undertake this 5 day hike, day 3 is nearly 14 miles on difficult terrain.

Nature Trails
SANParks.org
Otter Trail
SANParks.org

When to travel

The best time of year to visit Tsitsikamma is in the dry season, June and July, and late summer, February and March, when the heat and the crowds have dissipated. The peak season (December, January, April, and July) coincides with South African school holidays.

Weather Forecast & Climate History
Weather Underground
South African Weather Service

Travel health & child safety

Tsitsikamma National Park is situated in the malaria free Western Cape province. In South Africa, malaria is prevalent in areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo including the Kruger National Park as well as the coastal and northern reaches of KwaZulu-Natal.

Malaria Risk Map
Malaria in Southern Africa

Opening hours

The gates to the park are open daily 7:00-19:00. The office is open daily 7:30-18:00.

Gate Times
South African National Parks

Fees

A daily conservation fee is levied on all day use and overnight guests. Wild Cards offer unlimited access to for 1 year. Children are half price. Camping is charged separately.

Fee Schedule
South African National Parks

Things to keep in mind

Overnight reservations should be made well in advance. Fishing is not permitted.