The Tsitsikamma Forest, Garden Route

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The rugged Tsitsikamma coastline, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

© South African Tourism

The Tsitsikamma forest is home to plenty of adventurous activities... from the world's highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, to the Storms River Adventure centre, the Tsitsikamma canopy tour, The Tsitsikamma Waterfall Zipline adventure,  scuba diving sites and the Woodcutters Journey, as well as plenty of hiking trails, of which the Otter Trail and Dolphin Trails are the most famous.

Nature-based activities abound and there is plenty of bird life. The coastline is home to a very delicately balanced marine eco-system and some of the finest whale and dolphin viewing sites.

The Tsitsikamma region of the eastern Cape stretches from the Bloukrans river in the west, to Eerste Rivier to the east and on the north from the Tsitsikamma mountains to the Indian ocean in the south.

The Tsitsikamma National Park forms part of the greater Garden Route National Park. The area is covered by large areas of indigenous forest as well as commercial plantations and fynbos. There are also many rivers in the area, which have carved deep gorges as they wind their way from the plateau to the sea. The climate is mild all year round making this a great destination with many adventure activities on offer.

This the largest marine reserve in South Africa and an indigenous rain forest that harbours 116 types of giant tree including the giant Outenique Yellowwood Trees. There is a special walk to the biggest of the these, The Big Tree which is a Yellowwood giant estimated to be ±800 years old, it stands 36.6 metres high and has a circumference of almost 9 metres.

With activities, shops, accommodation and tour operators all easily to hand, it's easy to try out at a variety of adventure activities, while experiencing the incredible beauty of the Tsitsikamma forest first-hand.