naar boven

Where the booming breakers of the Indian Ocean relentlessly pound rocky shores, where temperate high forest and fynbos roll down to the sea in an unspoilt verdant carpet, where ancient rivers carve their paths to the ocean down rocky ravines. This, "the place of much water", is the Tsitsikamma National Park. The heartland of the park stretches some 5 km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish.

Dolphins frolic in the breakers, surfing and playing for the sheer joy of life, and the gentle giant of the ocean, the southern right whale visits here, coming inshore to breed.

5 Things to seek

• Dolphins and porpoises - keeping vigil on the ocean will produce sightings of schools of dolphins and porpoises frolicking in the waves.
• African Black Oystercatcher - this red data species is one of South Africa’s most threatened bird species. Several pairs nest along the park’s rocky coastline.
• Knysna Lourie - these beautiful birds with a gruff call are common in the forest.
• Cape Clawless Otter - the source of the name of the Otter Trail, this shy and elusive species hunts crabs along the park’s coastline and rivers alike.
• Blue Duiker - this miniature antelope is found in the forests.

Climate

A temperate coastal climate with an annual rainfall of 1 200 mm. The wettest months are May and October, and the driest are June and July.

Day visitors

Day visitors are welcome subject to the payment of a nominal daily conservation fee.

Official hours

• Gate opening and closing times: 07:00 – 19:00
• Security service 19:00 – 07:00
• Visitors with reserved accommodation who arrive after 18:00 may collect their keys to their accommodation at the entrance gate.
• Check-in - 12:00
• Check-out - 9:00