TSITSIKAMMA, a region of exceptional natural beauty, stretches from Nature’s Valley, just outside Plettenberg Bay, in the west to Oyster Bay in the east. The region is best-known for a dramatic coastline and ancient, indigenous Afromontane forest. It’s a national park, Africa’s oldest marine protected area and home to lovely stretches of endemic Fynbos. This is a special region and it’s Plett’s closest neighbour, so we get to enjoy exploring frequently!
SALT RIVER HIKE
Nature’s Valley is spectacular. It’s that simple. This idyllic hamlet is located within the Tsitsikamma National Park and surrounded by coastline, forest, lagoon and river. It’s a nature-lovers paradise and is crisscrossed with walks and hikes. The most popular is the Salt River Hike: a 5km hike along the coastline to the deserted Salt River Mouth. You’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’ve been transported to an island paradise! The hike is moderately strenuous and you should allow more than enough time to complete in daylight. Distance from Amakaya: 35km
BUNGY & ZIPLINE
Hold onto your GoPro – this is one epic adventure! The Bloukrans Bridge straddles the Eastern and Western Cape provinces and, at 216m, is the highest bungy in the world! With panoramic views across the forest to the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the roar of passing traffic above – this is an otherworldly experience for everyone brave enough to try it! Add in the new zipline onto the bridge and you’re in for a memorable, adrenaline-fueled adventure. Find out more about Plett High Five. Distance from Amakaya: 39km
CANOPY TOUR
The indigenous forest of Tsitsikamma is lovely when you’re on the ground, with enormous yellowwood trees creating a cool canopy, whispering streams and lush, green ferns. But from the height of the trees themselves? Unforgettable. Take ten zipline rides along eleven platforms, many built around Outeniqua yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old, as you sail gently through the trees with the forest floor 30m below.
Find out more about Plett High Five. Distance from Amakaya: 63km
STORMS RIVER MOUTH
Storms River Mouth and the coastal section of the Tsitsikamma National Park have attained legendary status among travellers as one of the most beautiful locations in South Africa. The marine protected area, which protects 80km of rocky coastline, is the oldest in Africa. The underwater marine life is abundant and divers can spot rays, sand sharks and multitudes of reef fish – it’s a perfectly lovely place to snorkel or scuba dive. There are many hikes from which to choose and the most popular two would have to be to the suspension bridge and the waterfall. Put aside a full day to explore here. Distance from Amakaya: 68km
KAYAK & LILO ADVENTURE
If you’re travelling to the national park and Storms River, be sure to make time for the kayak and lilo adventure, presented by Untouched Adventures. This combo excursion, which can be enjoyed year-round, starts off at the mouth. Kayakers paddle under the suspension bridge and into the ancient gorge, passing amongst the towering gorge walls. Visitors then swap their kayaks for lilos to paddle even further into the gorge, rock jumping and enjoying the sights and sounds of this magical place. Find out more about Plett High Five. Distance from Amakaya: 68km