Bungy jumps, forest gorges, and coastal boardwalks — your guide to the Garden Route's wildest stretch.
Nestled along South Africa's famous Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is a hidden gem of rugged coastline, towering indigenous forest, dramatic gorges, and deep cultural history. The name comes from the Khoisan for "place of much water," and it lives up to it — cascading rivers, a wild coastline, and forest so lush it feels prehistoric.
Getting there: Tsitsikamma sits at the eastern end of the Garden Route, roughly 45–60 minutes' drive from Plettenberg Bay along the N2 (about 60–75km, depending on whether you're headed to Storms River Village or Storms River Mouth). The route takes you over the Bloukrans Bridge — home to the bungy jump below — and through a Tsitsikamma toll gate, so budget a little extra time and cash for that. It's an easy day trip from Plett, though with four activities this good, it's worth considering a night or two in Storms River Village itself. Here are four of the best ways to experience it.
1. Hike the Trails of Tsitsikamma National Park
The walk to Storms River Mouth and its suspension bridges is one of the most rewarding short hikes on the Garden Route. Wooden boardwalks wind under the forest canopy, waves crash below, and birdsong fills the air the whole way. For those who want more, an uphill spur climbs to a hilltop lookout with sweeping views over the sea and coastline.
Feeling more energetic? The 6km waterfall trail is a rugged out-and-back hike that ends at a swimmable waterfall, with a water-break cave along the way. Bring a swimsuit, proper hiking shoes, and plenty of sunscreen.
For a real challenge, the legendary Otter Trail is a five-day, fully-guided coastal hike through forest, over rivers, and along dramatic cliffs — one of South Africa's most sought-after multi-day trails. It's run by SANParks, has strict fitness requirements, and books out many months in advance, so plan well ahead if this is on your list.
2. Bloukrans Bungy & SkyWalk — Africa's Biggest Bridge
For the ultimate adrenaline hit, leap from Bloukrans Bridge, Africa's highest commercial bungy jump, secured in a full-body harness with an ankle-connected bungy cord and 216 metres of the Bloukrans River Valley opening up beneath you.
Not ready to jump? The SkyWalk Tour lets you experience the bridge without leaving solid ground — a guided walk out onto the suspended skywalk beneath the road deck, with a stop at the Hang Out Zone to lean out over the edge (harnessed, of course) and watch other jumpers take the plunge. There's now also a zipline option straight out to the centre of the bridge for those who want a taste of the adrenaline with a softer landing.
Book now: bloukransbungy.com
3. Tsitsikamma Segway Tours — An Eco-Friendly Way to Explore
Glide through Stormsriver Village and the surrounding pine and indigenous forest on a guided Segway tour — a relaxed, eco-friendly way to take in the scenery without breaking a sweat. Tours start with a short training session before heading out along a choice of forest and village routes, with 1-hour and 2-hour options available. It's an easy, all-ages activity — reviewers note that even young kids can join in with a guide's help — so it works well for families or anyone after a gentler pace than the bungy jump next door
Book now: segwayfun.co.za
4. Kayak & Lilo Adventures — Into the Heart of the Gorge
Paddle out from the Storms River harbour, cross the ocean, and glide beneath the iconic Storms River Mouth suspension bridge before heading up into the Storms River Gorge itself. Once the water gets too shallow for kayaks, you'll swap onto lilos — small inflatable rafts built to squeeze into the narrower parts of the gorge — and float past towering cliffs, bat caves, and deep, still pools. Most trips end with the option to cliff-jump into the pools on the way back.
It's a fully guided, no-experience-necessary outing that runs year-round (wetsuits are provided for the cooler months), and it consistently ranks as one of the most-loved activities in the area.
Book now: untouchedadventures.com
Whether you're after coastal serenity, forest immersion, or a serious adrenaline rush, Tsitsikamma packs an outsized amount of adventure into a small stretch of the Garden Route. Book ahead where you can — especially for the Otter Trail and the bungy — and give yourself more than a single day if your itinerary allows it.
Note: prices, operating hours, and booking requirements can change — it's worth checking each operator's website before you travel.
