After hiking the Big Tree Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park I drove less than 6 miles (10 km) and turned off N2…
…towards the Indian Ocean and the mouth of the Storms River.
Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 50 miles (80 km) of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes in addition to indigenous forests .
I was captivated by the crashing waves on the tightly folded sedimentary rocks.
The word Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan phrase meaning place of abundant water.
The park is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world conserving 11 percent of South Africa’s Temperate South Coast rocky shoreline.
This remote mountainous region offers secluded valleys covered in forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea.
The annual rainfall of 47 inches (1200 mm) a year means beautiful flowers even if I don’t know what they’re called.
After sitting then walking for a while just caught up in the ocean waves I explored reception, restaurant and gift shop.
There are also cabins…
…and a campground in the park which I hope to return to for a longer visit in the future.
Got back to the car to see this dassie watching me.
Then back on the road to Knysna.
Beautiful photos of the waves and ocean. Cute critter! Looks like a wonderful place to visit! Great post, Gaelyn
You've shown us such a variety of landscape and now seascape, South Africa is a wonderland for those who enjoy natural beauty.
Wow what an absolutely gorgeous place and the coast is spectacular! I have never heard of a Dassie, so I learned something today thanks!
Those amazing memories again 🙂 Nigel said we last camped there in 1982!! Diane
What a great tour! Wish I had been there too.
aloha,
what an exciting area to visit, i enjoyed the tour immensely its beautiful
thanks for sharing that with us today
You said, "The park is one of the largest Marine Protected Areas…"
That's a heckuva double-entendre. (lol)
Gorgeous scenery, must have been an awesome trip!
Great shots of some stunning scenery. I really need to make it to the ocean before too long.
Tsitsikamma reminded me slightly of the Oregon coast with the crashing waves and rock formations. I enjoyed this post!
Aaaaahhhhh…. The Tsitsikamma National Park is such a stunning place. The big rock the waves crash against that you photographed is called Skietklip which means Shooting Rock in English. The camp site at Storms River Mouth is one of my favorite camp sites because you are so close to where the waves crash on the rocks. I notice that you don't have pictures of the suspension bridge, so I assume you didn't have time to do the 1km walk down to the river mouth.
Beautiful….I love the ocean and crashing waves.
Gaelyn. Wonderful captures and facts of one of the most beautiful areas/provinces(the Western Cape) in South Africa. My children are on holiday there now and intend to do the Bungu Jump off the bridge if they can take little Joel (who turns one at the end of this month)! The flower is Tecoma Capensis (Cape Honeysuckle) Too beautiful. It shouldn't grow in the Free State but I had several thriving shrubs in the large garden next door. Thanks for the trip! (((hugs))) Jo
The open road is always so appealing. The crashing waves, brooding sky, rocky shores, lush valleys and forests are visual delights that are appreciated best during a road trip. Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey.
wow ! great pictures!
Oh, my heavens what a beautiful place on our earth. Thankfully, it's preserved. Those waves and foaming water, those dense rocks, amazing….amazing. Thank you for sharing your adventure.
I have enjoyed your last few posts. I think it is time to plan another big trip, perhaps as a tour guide.
Such stunning and enticing photos! Looking forward to your next post.