TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK

"Tsitsikamma" is derived from the Hottentot words ‘tse-tsesa’ meaning clear and ‘gami’ meaning water. The name probably refers to the clear waters of the Tsitsikamma River. Tsitsikamma, South Africa’s first marine park, extends along a rocky coastline of 80km, stretching for 5 km out into the sea. Bang in the middle of South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, Tsitsikamma must surely rank as one of the prettiest game parks in the country. Cliffs and beaches bound a narrow coastal plain, and vast stretches of fynbos (characteristic Cape vegetation, including woody shrubs, heath, protea, geranium, stinkwood and the giant Outeniqua yellowwood tree- all in all, over 7,700 species of plants) cover much of the area.

But what makes Tsitsikamma really worthwhile is the amazing range of experiences it offers. Whether you just want a quiet, relaxing day on one of Tsitsikamma’s two beaches, or prefer to go surfing, canoeing, swimming, hiking or birdwatching- Tsitsikamma has it all.

Quiet tidal pools and clear blue waters harbour a wealth of aquatic life, and well-planned `scuba trails’ mark areas where the underwater panorama is at its best.

On land, too, there’s plenty to see. Deep gorges and temperate evergreen forests are crisscrossed by six hiking trails, including the famous five-day Otter Trail, which wends its way along the shoreline, providing ample scope for wildlife watching, both terrestrial and marine. Starting from Storm’s River Mouth, the Otter Trail makes its way to Natures Valley, covering 41 km of caves, cliffs and waterfalls. The trail is worth the trek not just for the scenic beauty of the area, but also for the varied wildlife you’re likely to see- dolphins and whales in the waters, caracal, genet, chacma baboon, dassie, mongoose and other small mammals on land. Among Tsitsikamma’s prominent bird species are the African black oystercatcher, the orange-breasted sunbird, Nerina trogan and the colourful Knysna Loerie.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a rare Cape clawless otter, after which the Otter Trail is named.

Entry Permits
The Park gates are open from 7.00 am to 9.30 pm, and an entrance fee has to be paid at the gate. The fee for adults is R18; for children it’s about R10.

Bookings also need to be made in advance for hiking along the Otter Trail. It’s an immensely popular trail, and literally thousands of avid walkers are in line to `do’ the Otter Trail. A hiking permit for the Otter Trail costs R400 per person, and only twelve hikers are permitted per day, in groups of at least four each. Hiking permits for the other trails in Tsitsikamma are cheaper, usually about R200 per person.

Access
The Park is 195 km from Port Elizabeth and 615 km from Cape Town, and both cities have buses going to and from the park. Good tarred roads from Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay (68 km away) and Humansdorp (99 km from Tsitsikamma) lead to the Park, making it a great idea to drive your own vehicle. The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth, and it has good air connections to all of South Africa’s larger airports.

Best time to visit
Tsitsikamma is accessible throughout the year, with May to November being the peak season. The climate here is temperate, with rainfall being highest in October and May, and lowest in June and July.

Accommodation
Amenities include sites for tents and caravans, conference facilities, public telephone, a shop, restaurant, a garage within 30km, a Laundromat, a medical clinic with doctor and other facilities within 55km. Bunks and mattresses exist in cottages along the Otter Trail, and elsewhere within the Park are a swimming pool, tarred roads and even two beaches - all making Tsitsikamma a fairly comfortable wilderness destination.

Seaside cottages known as `oceanettes’, log cabins, guesthouses and campsites are among the options available for accommodation. Tariffs in Tsitsikamma range from about R80 for camping to beyond R500 for a family cottage. In between is a vast range of options, covering virtually every budget category.

For bookings and reservations, contact the offices of South African National Parks Board (in Pretoria, 643, Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Tel: 27 (0)12 343-1991).

For detailed country and visitor information, see South Africa.