Tsitsikamma was the first marine national park in Africa and visitors will delight in its wonderful diversity. In addition to its marine resources, the sandy beaches are most inviting and it is no wonder that Strandlopers once inhabited the caves along the shore. A number of middens, containing shellfish and other remains, are visible reminders of these former residents.

Family cottages offering four, seven or eight beds can be booked at the scenic Storms River Mouth rest camp. Four-bed cottages and oceanettes are also available as well as threebed bed-sitters and twobed forest huts with communal ablution facilities. All accommodation is serviced daily and bedding, towels and soap are provided. The camp also offers conference facilities, an a la Carte restaurant and an information centre. The breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park can cater for a maximum of 40 conference delegates. Both caravan- and campsites are available and the swimming pool is reserved for resident guests only.

Several nature trails and guided outings should keep even the most discerning landlubber happy! Enjoy the spectacular view offered from a swing bridge over the Storms River or attempt the five-day, 42 km Otter Trail, one of the most popular and demanding trails in South Africa. The Otter is set amongst luscious vegetation and an abundance of water and kicks off at the Storms River Mouth rest camp and follows the picturesque coastline towards the Groot River estuary. On the fourth day, the trail crosses the Bloukrans River and winds up at the dizzying cliffs of the coastal plateau. A word of warning, the Otter hiking trail is most definitely not for the faint-hearted or the unfit!

For those who prefer to get thoroughly wet, snorkelling and swimming are always firm favourites. An unusual feature of the park is the spectacular underwater trails.

A scuba diving and a snorkelling trail have been specifically marked out to introduce the park’s wonderland of marine life.

The De Vasselot rest camp lies some 40 km west of the Storms River and comes equipped with twobed huts, a canoe, a rechargeable lamp and communal ablution facilities. The appealing caravan and camping sites on the Groot River, ideal for bird watching, are set amongst some indigenous yellowwood trees. Various day trails traverse the De Vasselot section and provide both the fit and the weary with an equal opportunity to foray into the forest. Alternatively, pack a picnic hamper and explore the river at leisure in your canoe. Board sailing and sailing are also allowed on the river. If you feel like a swim, drop in at the beautiful beach at Nature’s Valley, 2 km from the De Vasselot rest camp.