Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikamma National Park

Storms River Mouth is a gorgeous area located in the heart of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Explore hiking trails, camp on the banks of the Storms River Mouth,  adventure along the river on a kayaking tour or join a zipling tour through the Tsitsikamma Forest.

Where?

Tsitsikamma National Park is located just where the Western Cape becomes the Eastern Cape near the Bloukrans Bridge. You’ll need to drive along the Tsitsikamma Toll section of the N2 to get here so make sure you factor in the toll price when planning your budget (R170 per vehicle). To get to Storms River Mouth you’ll take the Storms River Mouth, Tsitsikamma National park turn off and drive a short distance to get to the National Park gate. Once you’ve entered the gate you’ll drive down towards the sea following the Storms River Mouth signs. When you start seeing the camp sites and chalets drive on a little further to the day visitor parking.

Entrance Fees

Daily Conservation Fees: 1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024

Tsitsikamma Section – Storms River Mouth	Adults (12+ years)	Children (2 – 11 years)
South African Citizens and Residents	R74	R37
SADC Nationals	R148	R74
International (non-South African) Citizens	R296	R148

Where to stay?

Stay at Storm’s River Mouth Rest Camp or The Village Lodge or Boutique Vintage Forest Cabin to be close to the Tstitsikamma National Park.

I always book my accommodation through Booking.com

 

What to do?

Go for a hike along the Storms River Mouth Trail

This hiking trail starts just after the main beach at Storms River Mouth. Once you’ve crossed the beach you’ll arrive at the sign for the trail. Keep left up a fairly steep set of stairs and you’ll be on the right track for the Storms River Mouth Hiking Trail. The hike is about 2km long and involves some steep climbs and hair-raising downhill sections. It will take between 1-2 hours to go there and back depending on your fitness and is accessible to anyone with normal walking fitness.

The trail follows a boardwalk nestled deep in the Tsitsikamma forest. It’s a beautiful shady and lush walk, with the path lined by bright green trees and dangling mosses.

Every now and then you’ll be treated to a break in the foliage for a breath taking view of the gorgeous coastline. Dolphins and whales can be spotted frolicking through the surf as you look out at the turquoise blue ocean.

The walk takes you slightly up the river mouth giving you a glimpse of the vastness of the Storm’s River Gorge. Sheer cliffs covered in green foliage and mosses plunging steeply into the Storms River. The final destination is the three suspension bridges at the Storm’s River Mouth.

 

Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridges

There are three suspension bridges at the turn around point of the Storms River Mouth Trail. The longest one is 77m and spans the whole river mouth. You’ll be able to admire the transition from sea water to river as the deep blue water gradually turns to browny green. If you enjoy a little swaying sensation then you’ll love the walk across. However, if you’re like me and have the reality of motion sickness to deal with, then maybe just go halfway, enjoy the view and turn around. It can also get pretty crowded in high tourist season which will further amplify the swaying.

If you’d like to continue across the whole suspension bridge you’ll reach a pebbled beach. From here it looks like there’s a steep trail up a peak to a viewing spot. We didn’t end up crossing to the other side but this is an option if you’d like more of a strenuous hike.

Coming back along the main suspension bridge you’ll be able to cross another two bridges which then loop back to the Storms River Mouth boardwalk trail. These are much shorter bridges and don’t sway as much. They provide a wonderful viewing point of the ocean. After enjoying the suspension bridges and gorgeous views of the Storms River Mouth you can come back along the boardwalk finishing the hiking trail.

Go on a kayaking trip with Untouched Adventures

Untouched Adventures does guided kayaking adventures up the Storms River Mouth. You’ll kayak upriver from the ocean or the Tsitsikamma Forest (conditions depending), into a dramatic cave full of bats, and between towering cliffs. At low water, hop on a “lilo” inflatable mattress to explore further upriver, with ample opportunities for cliff-jumping en route. Finally, float and kayak back towards the sea.

You can also join this Blackwater Tubing Experience.

 

Have a swim at one of the bays

On your way back along the boardwalk choose your favourite secluded bay and pop down for a swim. We walked back and went down to the bay just before the main beach (on the suspension bridge side). The main beach gets quite crowded and so finding a quieter spot is advisable. This bay had a lovely little beach, crystal clear blue waters and a little rock jumping spot.

We parked off here for a few hours enjoying the warm sun, eating our picnic lunch and delighting in the lovely swimming water. The water was so clear and our only regret was that we’d decided to leave our masks and snorkels in the car. While there didn’t appear to be too much in the way of marine life where we were swimming it would have been lovely to open our eyes and enjoy the crystal clear underwater view. However, there were a few rocky reefs that probably held a wide diversity of marine life had we been able to have a proper look. Next time! Luke enjoyed jumping off the rocks into the ocean.

Once you’ve had enough sunshine and sea you can head back out the Park. We did this as a half day trip on our way from Cape St Francis to Nature’s Valley. So we can definitely recommend it as a break in your journey between two places. If you’d prefer to spend some more time enjoying this beautiful spot in nature then book your stay at  Storms River Mouth Rest Camp or The Village Lodge or Boutique Vintage Forest Cabin to be close to the Tstitsikamma National Park. You’ll be able to explore a few different bays and enjoy some more of the incredible hiking trails the Tsitsikamma National Park has to offer. Alternatively you can do it as a day trip during your stay in Nature’s Valley.

The Garden Route is best explored by car. Hire your car with Discover Cars:

 

If you’re looking to explore more of the Tsitsikamma Forest check out the Tsitsikamma Trail, a 6 day mutli-day hike. For more Garden Route recommendations check out my Knysna Guide and Robberg Nature Reserve Hiking Guide.