Tsitsikamma National Park is a dynamic destination with incredible coastal scenery, rivers, forests and an abundance of indigenous fynbos. One of the very best ways to take in all this beauty is from a kayak.
There is no better way to experience this magnificent area, and get in an adventure while you’re at it.
Tsitsikamma Adventures on the River
Experience a memorable adventure within the incredibly beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Kayaking along Storms River, South Africa, will be both deeply calming and invigorating. This is one of those experiences that, when you step back and survey the joys of your life, will stand out among the best.
Tsitsikamma is a coastal National Park, found along the famous Garden Route. The surrounding towns are quaint and lovely, and a vacation in this area is sure to be special already. Unlike other parts of South Africa, this area is full of forests and verdant greenery.
Take a Kayak Tour
This is a calm and easy kayaking experience, so it is ideal for the whole family. Children from 5 and above can join in on the fun, and no previous experience is needed from any of you. So if you’ve been searching for something that the kids and grandparents can enjoy in equal measure, look no further!
It is also a fantastic activity to do with friends or romantic partners, as we know that nothing bonds people together like a grand adventure in the splendor of untouched nature.
This is not a white water rafting river, which is why it is safe for almost all ages. The journey will be smooth and peaceful and will give you a great chance to really take in your surroundings.
The Adventure
You’ll start by launching out into the sea near Storms River Mouth. Admire the coast from a gorgeous perspective while you kayak towards the river mouth.
If the seas are too rough for this part of the tour (because you always want to say on the safe side of nature), not to worry. You can then take an easy and exciting hike to the swing bridge and start your kayaking tour from a nearby point along Storms River.
And talking about the unpredictability of nature: if it rains, there is also no reason to agonize, as rain won’t stop you. It only adds an exciting element to the scenery. After all, you’ll be wet already anyway.
Two people can fit in each kayak, so not all the pressure of rowing is on you. Take turns to relax and look around you. Or practice your teamwork with: “left, right, left”. Either way you choose to row, it won’t be hard and does not require a high fitness level.
That being said, there is a weight limit per boat of 190kg. So if you’ve been sampling all of South Africa’s best dishes, you might want to step on a scale before stepping into your kayak. But here’s a pro tip: if you’re not sure about whether your kayak might reach its limit, get a child to join your boat!
Check out prices for the Tsitsikamma kayaking tour here!
Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park
Storms River is a space that you could visit a thousand years back without seeing more than a minor difference. It is brilliantly forested, with some of the most spectacular growth happening along the river that you’ll traverse.
If you’ve ever dreamed of floating along an untouched paradise, this is your chance to do it.
Our favorite part of kayaking is that you can slowly take in your surroundings, while also being able to interact with what you find interesting.
Jump out of your kayak for a cool down. Lean down and peer into the clear waters beneath you, spotting all sorts of beauties. There is even a stop where the intrepid amongst your party can do some cliff jumping.
Cliff Jumping
The cliff jumping is assuredly safe, and an absolute thrill. After you’ve gotten your zen on during the beautiful kayaking trip, an adrenaline rush is exactly what you need to be fully enjoying yourself.
Children from as young as 5, as well as the elderly grandparents have safely jumped at this point. So while it’s not compulsory, it is strongly recommended, as we believe that each opportunity for fun should be grasped.
The underwater world is just as rich as and beautiful as the one we inhabit above ground. Which is why you’ll really appreciate being able to glimpse it so well from your kayaks, and when you jump in the water.
Storm’s River is an untouched biodiverse underwater environment that we are committed to preserving. So come and take a look at what the world should look like.
Other Tsitsikamma Attractions
The Tsitsikamma National Park is well-known as an adventure holiday destination. Don’t let the calm, sleepy quality of the town fool you. This area is geared towards all sorts of extreme sports, as well as more peaceful activities.
Here’s a list of some of Tsitsikamma’s best attractions: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, diving, swimming, climbing, abseiling, bungee jumping, mountain biking and sailing.
So we hope that you’re staying for a while, because you’ll definitely want to cram a few of these adventures into your time on the beautiful Garden Route.
And if you’re not looking for a wild holiday in the sun, there are also more serene options to be found here. Whale watching, the beautiful scenery, as well as the famous otters and dolphin trails are perhaps the attractions that will pull you in.
Final words on Kayaking in Tsitsikamma
There are a lot of stunning attractions in this area, but we still suggest that you make the tranquil kayaking trip a feature on your itinerary. There really is no better way to take in the scenery. You might even end up whale and dolphin watching from your kayak while making your way to Storms River mouth from the sea.
So make the most of your time, and climb in a kayak.