Tsitsikamma Trail

About Tsitsikamma Trail

It is no wonder that South Africa's first officially accredited hiking trail is also one of its most beautiful. The two- to six-day Tsitsikamma Trail has been recognised for its natural beauty, safety, biodiversity, and superior management and was awarded a Green Flag Certificate. This means more than a qualification, though. It means that this is one of the best trails that winds its way through the Tsitsikamma, which is a spectacular forested area along the Garden Route.

The Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail showcases the very best of the area – Afromontane forests, rivers that wind through ancient gorges, tall trees that tower overhead, endless varieties of endemic fynbos, and the fauna and flora that is so abundant in this part of South Africa. The trail passes a number of rivers and streams (perfect for a quick, refreshing dip), and showcases the incredible scenery of river gorges, mountains and lush vegetation.

It covers a total length of 60 kilometres; beginning at Nature's Valley and ending at the Storms River Bridge or the Storms River. Although it is a six-day trail, there are other options available to hikers that want to head out for only two, three, four, or five days. After each day, there is a hut for an overnight stay, with its own access route and safe parking at the start.

Along the way, you may see or hear vervet monkeys, baboons, large-spotted genets, bushbucks, caracals, blue duikers, and maybe even the shy and elusive leopard. There are incredible bird species here too; ranging from the Narina trogon and forest buzzard to the protea canary and Rameron pigeon.

A slack-packing option is available for those hikers that want to focus on birding, swimming, and photography rather than on carrying all of their kit.

Nature's Valley is about 30 minutes from Plettenberg Bay and an hour from Knysna.