Recently incorporated into a broader nature reserve called the Garden Route National Park, the Tsitsikamma National Park lies at the eastern end of the Garden Route on South Africa’s southern coastline.

The 54000ha Tsitsikamma National Park was the first protected marine reserve to be established in Africa and stretches from the stunningly-beautiful lagoon at Nature’s Valley in the west, to the Groot River in the east and a further 5km out to sea. The park covers many vegetation types, from the gloomy forests with many trees reaching 20m to the sky, to scenic dunes covered in fynbos (fine bush) and rocky stretches of coastline with high crags spilling volumes of fresh water out to sea.

Tsitsikamma Nature Park is a nature lover’s playground and has become a hotbed of adventure activity. South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, the 48km Otter Trail, travels through the reserve. Advanced booking to walk this trail is essential, however, there are 4 other less strenuous but no less scenic hiking routes in the park.

Two marine-related trails are on offer; the scuba and snorkel trails give participants the opportunity to view varied marine life in the area’s pristine waters.

The forests hold ancient trees, some as old as 800 years, and a featured tree is the Big Tree, an Outeniqua Yellowwood that is over 35m in height with a girth of 9m. Mammals include leopard and baboon being the largest and the bush pig and Narina Trogon bird being the most difficult to spot. A walk over the Storms River swing bridge is a good spot for photos.

Thrill seekers flock to the park to attempt abseiling (rappelling), zip lining over the tree canopy, river rafting, tubing, mountain biking, bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge nearby and guided hikes through the forests, all offered by certified adventure companies.

The park has an onsite restaurant and small shop to obtain essential provisions and the nearest town of Plettenberg Bay is less than an hour’s drive away. It’s in one of South Africa’s most popular regions – the Garden Route – and is recommended for anyone with a love for the outdoors.