Things to do in the Tsitsikamma

Tsitsikamma – the Khoisan word meaning place of abundant water refers to an 80km stretch of the South Coast of South Africa in the well-known region of the Garden Route.

Tsitsikamma is characterised by a steep coastal escarpment lined with dense indigenous forests that spread their tendrils into the deep cut ravines of the Tsitsikamma mountain range.

The jagged coastline receives little outer reef protection from the Antarctic weather systems and is therefore consistently battered by huge southern swells. This explosive coastal escarpment coupled with the proximity of the Tsitsikamma mountains is a world of unique and pristine beauty and is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

 The geography of Tsitsikamma with its mountains so close to the coastline creates steep drainage for its many river systems most of which are no longer than 25 km,  are almost inaccessible and are utterly unnavigable.

There is however one of these river systems that stands out and has enticed the adventure seeker to explore its mysterious path to the Indian Ocean for many years.

The Storms River has forged an incredible gorge and canyon on its way to the jagged coastline. 

Proclaimed in 1973 as the Tsitsikamma National Park, and more recently, Garden Route National Park - Tsitsikamma Section, under the custodianship of SANParks (South African National Parks), this coastal National Park is comes second to Kruger National Park in visitor popularity.

Tubing the Storms River is the original experience that set the adventure scene in Tsitsikamma some 50 years ago and introduced the Storms River Gorge as one of the first iconic adventure attractions on the Garden Route.  The delicate negotiation with this phenomenal river on specialized one-man inflatable river tubes takes you on an unforgettable journey through Tsitsikamma’s diverse habitat. It is the only activity that provides an experience of our pristine forests, rivers and unique coast line all in one extraordinary excursion.

The operation is based at the award-winning Tube ‘n Axe Boutique Lodge in Storms River Village.