The Ultimate Eastern Cape Holiday Destination: Tsitsikama for Adventure and Leisure

 Story by Anele Zikali

From breath-taking nature views, to waking up to the sight of an eco friendly cabins and having first time experiences of its wild adventures, Tsitsikama is one of the destinations you can bless yourself with. Rolling hills, the famous bridge walk and forest walks that bring relaxation and are good for mental health, to adrenaline pumping activities like bungee jumping and water sights and activities, Tsitsikama lives a remarkable touch for many repeating visitors. 

Accommodation and traveling

The area has quite plenty of ideal packages for everyone, comes with multiple options for romantic destinations, honeymoon resorts to groups and individual accommodation. The sweet love offer comes with a cosy private outdoor bed and jaccuzi, setting a heated atmosphere of love making. 

Traveling has to be booked in time in such areas however because of Tsitsikama's popularity, access to the airport, shuttles and arranged hikes and tours are not difficult to achieve. So there is nothing standing on the way for anyone when it comes to reaching your destination of choice. 

Private resorts for lovers

Many people post on their social media as group outings, enjoying activities in the landscape areas which goes to show that Tsitsikama is indeed a well oiled running machine, it has a properly designed offerings for holiday lovers, making it easy for people to find a well organized place. 

Food, activities-to-do, Wi-Fi and shuttle services are usually available in most accommodations facilities, making things easier for guests. As Tsitsikama comes with variety, people get to choose from misty mountain reserves, to lush trees and large group swimming pool, braai places and child friendly spots. 

Top Ten Activities-to-do in Tsitsikama

1. Bridge walk

The famous coastal walkway at Storms River Suspension Bridge where people get to walk on the wooden surface built above the bridge with space underneath it and water at the bottom. Surrounded by greenery hills and some rocks. It is not for everyone, it is better suited for those who are not scared of taking a bit of risk and keep concentration just for a while whilst crossing fingers! 

2. Bungee jumping of all time

There's no other place that offers an adrenaline thrilling experience like Tsitsikama. Offering one of Earth’s highest bungee jumps, the Bloukrans Bridge arcs 710 feet 216 meters above the Bloukrans River in Tsitsikamma National Park. Its slender-looking span is intriguing for some whilst frightening for others. The bungee, which drops more than 650 feet 200 meters with 5 seconds of free fall lives historical experiences. 

It is always posted in socials by first time encounters and those who live to repeat the out of the ordinary experience. Loud screams and trusted ropes, diving from the top to the bottom can shake up your whole body and ignite the soul. That is why Tsitsikama bungy jumping ranks amongst the world's best. 

3. Zipline and Skywalk Rappelling  

Those who are scared of bunjee jumping can opt for zipline or skywalk in the same vicinity or choose to do all three a activities, adventurers are spoilt for choices in this side of the world. The zipline is 30 meters above the forest floor. It's time to glide between platforms and fly in the Tsitsikamma indigenous forest, the first of its kind in Africa.

If all the flying and jumping are not your thing, then opt for the skywalk that will let you see the area where bungee place and zip walk and face the earth from afar. 

4. Scooter tour and quad biking 

Enjoy a fully guided electric scooter tour of Tsitsikamma Forest, one of the most beautiful indigenous forest that is about 800 years old. The scooter riders get to experience the ultimate destination by riding through the towering tree canopies of the forest, to seeing animals at Tsitsikama National Park. 

Quad biking also involves riding around the Tsitsikama National Park, sight seeing forests, waterfalls, wonderful nature your fynbos and lush grass, canopy trees and wild animals. 

 5. Dolphin Trail

Tsitsikama is home to dolphins so whether you want to watch by the sea side whilst enjoying everything beach view, the dolphins might come out to wave a hello. To stand a chance to see more dolphins or not to miss them, some take the dolphin trail, a chance to see the sea view at its best with nature in the surrounding areas.

6. Otter trail

Tsitsikama is also famous for its five day Otter trail  hiking from one point to the other crossing rivers and mountains. It is a chance to wander in nature and get lost in the charming coastal walk with your lover or stretch some legs alone and it does not have to be the five day trail.

7. Tsitsikama Blackwater and the Waterfall trail

Since it's Tsitsikama everything about it has its unique touch from mother nature, this time it is the Blackwater. Not just any water, you get a chance to dive in and enjoy some Blackwater Tubing activities. These waters offer a unique and adventurous experience on the Storms River. For maximum experience, you can choose from the guided tours through the Plaatbos and Goesa Nature reserves, with options for swimming, rock jumping, and hiking. 

Please note the times and seasons because the tubing experience is not always open. It is available every day from September to April, with the adventure starting at 7 am and concluding at approximately 12 pm, followed by lunch at 1 pm. The activities are weather-dependent, and guests are advised to check the current conditions before planning their visit. 

8. Mountain trail

Hikers are sorted when it comes to Tsitsikama, if it is not small trails, it is fun ones by the sea to challenging ones in the mountains. If it is time to distract from all life's pressures, then one of the Tsitsikama trails should be in your ultimate destinations.

9. Art and Food Experience

With so many outdoor activities, Tsitsikama offers food that is good for outdoors, sit-in and takeaway restaurants that also sell soul food that feel like a wholesome home cooked meal like mutton curry. Guests get to enjoy their braai and seafood. For hikers and those who love to explore a lot of outdoor activities, it is better to bring along suitable foods for those mountain trails. 

10. Wild Life Encounters

Animal lovers should not miss the coasts wonderful conducive environment for animals as it serves coastal fynbos and natural vegetation that are a huge benefit to many animals. Tsitsikama is abundant in nature, you get to see elephants, leopards, monkeys, baboons, bushbucks, antelopes and Cape Clawless Otters.

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