The Tsitsikamma National Park is a protected area on the Garden Route , Western Cape and Eastern Cape , South Africa . It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail . On 6 March 2009 it was amalgamated with the Wilderness National Park and various other areas of land to form the Garden Route National Park .
31-543: The park covers an 80 kilometres (50 miles) long stretch of coastline. Nature's Valley is at the western end of the park, and the main accommodation is at Storms River Mouth . Near the park is the Bloukrans Bridge , the world's highest bridge bungee jump at 216 metres (709 ft). The word "Tsitsikamma" originates from the Khoekhoe language tse-tsesa , meaning "clear", and gami , meaning "water", probably referring to
62-611: A number of aquatic insect species new to science in the Salt River , which lies at the western end of Nature's Valley. The isolated position of the river, a lack of fish and its acidic and unpolluted water are thought to have been factors in ensuring the undisturbed survival of these primitive forms. New housing developments within the catchment area of the Salt River may threaten the continued existence of these unique insects. Tsitsikamma National Park The Tsitsikamma National Park
93-635: A restaurant, shop, chalets, campsite and caravan park, information centre, adventure bookings office, the Agulhas lookout platform, trees marked with their national tree list numbers, and underwater trails. The restaurant was destroyed by fire in November 2016. This camp is situated in De Vasselot on the banks of the Groot River, about 30 km from Plettenberg Bay and about 40 km from Storms River Rest Camp. It
124-659: A rocky path leads to the Salt River Mouth after crossing Pebble Beach, a large area completely covered in sea-smoothed cobbles. East of Nature's Valley is the Groot River Lagoon, which marks the end of the Otter Trail , starting at Storms River Mouth, 60 km further east. This 5-day trail is considered by many hikers to be the finest in South Africa, being strenuous, scenic and extremely varied. The route meanders along
155-625: Is a protected area on the Garden Route , Western Cape and Eastern Cape , South Africa . It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail . On 6 March 2009 it was amalgamated with the Wilderness National Park and various other areas of land to form the Garden Route National Park . The park covers an 80 kilometres (50 miles) long stretch of coastline. Nature's Valley
186-521: Is a shortcut to the Blue Duiker Trail, marked with a yellow sign. This trail passes next to a waterfall and has gorgeous views over the marine reserve. During the whaling period, and if the sea is calm, whales can often be seen from the top of the cliffs. The Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area is situated along the shoreline of the park, and provides protection for marine habitat and wildlife, including birds and threatened and endangered fish species. It
217-461: Is a shortcut to the Blue Duiker Trail, marked with a yellow sign. This trail passes next to a waterfall and has gorgeous views over the marine reserve. During the whaling period, and if the sea is calm, whales can often be seen from the top of the cliffs. The Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area is situated along the shoreline of the park, and provides protection for marine habitat and wildlife, including birds and threatened and endangered fish species. It
248-462: Is an easy stroll that leads along the western side of the river mouth, past the Strandloper Cave to the suspension bridge across the mouth. On the other side of the bridge, there is a short but very steep climb to a lookout point from which there are fine views of the mouth and the camp. 2. The Waterfall Trail is a short but demanding hike that follows the first 2.65 kilometres (1.65 miles) of
279-554: Is an ideal region for bird watchers and has a variety of trails for hikers. The Otter Trail starts at the Storms River camp and the South African National Parks has laid out several short trails for day visitors. Set in the Garden Route , the trails lead through coastal and forest scenes, as well as various waterfalls, streams, and rivers. l. The Suspension Bridge and Lookout Trail is an easy stroll that leads along
310-544: Is at the western end of the park, and the main accommodation is at Storms River Mouth . Near the park is the Bloukrans Bridge , the world's highest bridge bungee jump at 216 metres (709 ft). The word "Tsitsikamma" originates from the Khoekhoe language tse-tsesa , meaning "clear", and gami , meaning "water", probably referring to the clear water of the Tsitsikamma River . Other meanings are 'place of much water' and 'waters begin'. Various amenities, including
341-414: Is one of the largest and oldest restricted (no-take) MPAs in the world. The location is in near pristine condition and is thus a suitable area for research on endangered fish species. It was designated as a Marine Protected Area in 1964. The length of the protected shoreline is 60 km, and the area of protected ocean is 186 km . The MPA is also managed by SANParks. [REDACTED] Diving
SECTION 10
#1732868996564372-409: Is one of the largest and oldest restricted (no-take) MPAs in the world. The location is in near pristine condition and is thus a suitable area for research on endangered fish species. It was designated as a Marine Protected Area in 1964. The length of the protected shoreline is 60 km, and the area of protected ocean is 186 km. The MPA is also managed by SANParks. [REDACTED] Diving
403-601: Is part of the Tsitsikamma Park , and in turn part of the Garden Route National Park . Nature's Valley, and the surrounding coastline, was occupied by Old Stone Age or Paleolithic man from 1 million years ago. Paleolithic man lived in the area in caves and under overhangs, collecting food in the tidal zone and hunting for a rich variety of wildlife. Various glacial periods interrupted this coastal occupation. San hunter-gatherers lived in this area from about 10,000 years ago until they were displaced by Khoikhoi herders from
434-545: Is situated in De Vasselot on the banks of the Groot River, about 30 km from Plettenberg Bay and about 40 km from Storms River Rest Camp. It is an ideal region for bird watchers and has a variety of trails for hikers. The Otter Trail starts at the Storms River camp and the South African National Parks has laid out several short trails for day visitors. Set in the Garden Route , the trails lead through coastal and forest scenes, as well as various waterfalls, streams, and rivers. l. The Suspension Bridge and Lookout Trail
465-402: Is still in existence (2022). Another member of his family shot the last Tsitsikamma elephant in 1881. In the face of continued pressure to sell a portion of his farm, Barnardo finally relented in 1941 and sold an area of 1.6963 morgen to a syndicate of ten buyers for the sum of £755. In 1943 Baron Ulrich Behr of Kurland bought the option to purchase the remainder of Barnardo's property from
496-518: The Otter Trail; hikers may not walk beyond the waterfall unless hiking the Otter Trail. 3. The Blue Duiker Trail starts just west of the information centre and leads through the scrub forest tip to the Agulhas lookout from where whales and dolphins can often be spotted in winter. After crossing a short section of fynbos, the trail takes hikers into the dry forest with some fine Sickle-leaved Yellowwoods evident. The Blue Duiker Trail continues through
527-607: The Tsitsikamma travel guide from Wikivoyage Nature%27s Valley Nature's Valley is a holiday resort and small village on the Garden Route along the southern Cape coast of South Africa. Nature's Valley lies between the Salt River, the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains , the Indian Ocean and the Groot River lagoon. Nature's Valley has a balmy climate and is surrounded by the de Vasselot Nature Reserve which
558-600: The Van Reenen family, who had acquired the option in the 1920s, but had never exercised it. Behr then went through all the steps necessary to have the land proclaimed for development. In 1953 the township was declared and formally named "Nature's Valley" by Behr, a name that had been used by the syndicate at the suggestion of Wide du Preez of "The Crags". A network of trails covers the surrounding hills and beaches. The lagoon offers sheltered water for sailing and canoeing, without powerboating and beach buggies. A walk along beaches and
589-411: The clear water of the Tsitsikamma River . Other meanings are 'place of much water' and 'waters begin'. Various amenities, including a restaurant, shop, chalets, campsite and caravan park, information centre, adventure bookings office, the Agulhas lookout platform, trees marked with their national tree list numbers, and underwater trails. The restaurant was destroyed by fire in November 2016. This camp
620-477: The coast through evergreen forest, past boulder-strewn beaches and frequently crossing tannin-stained streams. Huts are available for the hiker at the end of each day, but bookings have to be made well in advance. The Brenton blue butterfly, Orachrysops niobe , was first described from Knysna by Roland Trimen in 1858, and was not seen again until discovered in 1977 at Nature's Valley and shortly thereafter in 1979 at Brenton-on-Sea. The Nature's Valley population
651-572: The coastal area which lay further east was possible only via the Langkloof valley, which lies immediately north of the Tsitsikamma Mountains . Nature's Valley only became easily accessible after Thomas Bain completed the Grootrivier Pass in 1880. He and Captain Christopher Harison (later Conservator of Forests) first explored the route in 1868 to test its feasibility. Harison's interest in
SECTION 20
#1732868996564682-595: The demands of road transport would dictate the building of a freeway with enormous concrete bridges – a tribute to the skill of engineers, and bringing in its wake considerable collateral damage to the environment. After Bain's completion of the Groot River Pass, the Forestry Department proclaimed three lots in the Valley – one for its own use and the other two sold to private individuals. The first person to settle in
713-474: The forest, crossing a stream below a delightful waterfall. Several more streams and a cavernous tree bole mark the route. After crossing the road to the camp, the path drops to the coast just west of the start of the Waterfall/Otter trails and returns past the campsite and chalets. Birdlife unique to the forest is found west of the road, which makes this trail a favorite with birdwatchers. 4. The Lourie Trail
744-416: The forest, crossing a stream below a delightful waterfall. Several more streams and a cavernous tree bole mark the route. After crossing the road to the camp, the path drops to the coast just west of the start of the Waterfall/Otter trails and returns past the campsite and chalets. Birdlife unique to the forest is found west of the road, which makes this trail a favorite with birdwatchers. 4. The Lourie Trail
775-600: The interior. For a long time travel along the Garden Route parallel to the coastline was impossible, due to the extremely deep and precipitous river gorges blocking all east–west traffic. Charles Collier Michell reported in 1839: " there is no practical way – not even a footpath, from Plettenberg Bay to the Tzitzikamma country ". Thomas Bain built a road from George to Knysna , the so-called "Seven Passes Road", which took from 1867 to 1883 to complete. Previously, access to
806-430: The now accessible valley, and who acquired a 69-hectare lot from Telfer Anderson, was Hendrik Jacobus Hermanus Barnardo [also referred to as Hendrick Grootrivier] {uncle of Ignatius Phillip(Naas) Barnardo} who had been a foreman at Bain's Groot River construction camp. Barnardo was an enigmatic character who went to extreme lengths to protect the trees of the area, but enthusiastically led the slaughter of wildlife throughout
837-436: The region. Barnardo married three times and fathered 19 children. The names of his wife's, (no first name) Van Rooyen; with children(4), Michael John, Christian Henry, Susie, Babes. (no first name) Stroebel; with children(2), Harding Jouy, Hercule en Easy. Luanna Toit; with children(6),Maggie, Willem, Eddy, Leon, Benny, Ivy. They lived at Covie, just opposite the graveyard where the forefathers and relatives were buried. It
868-484: The road stemmed from his belief that it could be used to halt the runaway destruction of the forest started by Dutch East India Company woodcutters in 1777 and carried on by their descendants. At the time that Bain and Harison reconnoitred the route, Bain was supervising the construction of no fewer than six passes, so that 10 years would elapse before he could start work on the Groot River Pass . A hundred years later
899-420: The waterfall unless hiking the Otter Trail. 3. The Blue Duiker Trail starts just west of the information centre and leads through the scrub forest tip to the Agulhas lookout from where whales and dolphins can often be spotted in winter. After crossing a short section of fynbos, the trail takes hikers into the dry forest with some fine Sickle-leaved Yellowwoods evident. The Blue Duiker Trail continues through
930-413: The western side of the river mouth, past the Strandloper Cave to the suspension bridge across the mouth. On the other side of the bridge, there is a short but very steep climb to a lookout point from which there are fine views of the mouth and the camp. 2. The Waterfall Trail is a short but demanding hike that follows the first 2.65 kilometres (1.65 miles) of the Otter Trail; hikers may not walk beyond
961-610: Was assumed to be extinct when no more sightings were made after 1984. The cause of this decline was felt to be the absence of fynbos fires causing a shortage of the butterfly's foodplant Indigofera erecta , and accordingly a controlled burn was carried out in April 2003, with a reintroduction of butterfly eggs in August 2005. In 2000 researchers from the Albany Museum in Grahamstown discovered