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Category: Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park Storms River mouth South Africa

Stormsriver peaks Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

After hiking the Big Tree Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park I drove less than 6 miles (10 km) and turned off N2…

Indian Ocean view Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

…towards the Indian Ocean and the mouth of the Storms River.

Waves crashing Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

Tsitsikamma National Park incorporates 50 miles (80 km) of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes in addition to indigenous forests .

Waves crashing Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

I was captivated by the crashing waves on the tightly folded sedimentary rocks.

Waves crashing George's Bay into Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

The word Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan phrase meaning place of abundant water.

Waves crashing George's Bay into Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

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.

Stormsriver Mouth Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

This remote mountainous region offers secluded valleys covered in forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea.

Flowers Stormsriver Mouth Tsitsikamma Nationa Park Eastern Cape South Africa

The annual rainfall of 47 inches (1200 mm) a year means beautiful flowers even if I don’t know what they’re called.

Reception & dinning Stormsriver Mouth Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

After sitting then walking for a while just caught up in the ocean waves I explored reception, restaurant and gift shop.

Chalets along Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

There are also cabins…

Campground along Indian Ocean Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

…and a campground in the park which I hope to return to for a longer visit in the future.

Rock Hyrax Tsitsikamma National Park Stormsriver Mouth Eastern Cape South Africa

Got back to the car to see this dassie watching me.

Stormsriver peak leaving Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Then back on the road to Knysna.

 

South Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park , 18 Comments

Big Tree Trail Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa

Big Tree trail sign Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Just up the road from the Paul Sauer Bridge I stopped to see the “Big Tree” in Tsitsikamma National Park.

Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma Natonal Park Eastern Cape South Africa

The boardwalk trail led through a dense forest of lush green.

Aasblom along Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Aasblom

Plants I did not know.  I asked the Ranger on duty what this unusual star plant is.

Forest Tree-Fern along Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

Others had signs to explain.  This forest tree-fern found in Southern temperate regions, prefers wet to very-wet sites and grows in deep shade forming a dense understory.

The Big Tree Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

A short walk (the loop trail is only .3 m/.5 km) and I arrived at the “Big Tree” an 800 year-old Yellowood standing 120 feet/36.6 m tall.  Very impressive.

Big Tree trail Tsitsikamma National Park Eastern Cape South Africa

This was a great divergence from driving, but there was more to see in Tsitsikamma National Park.  I could here the sea calling my name.

South Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park , , 7 Comments

Lijit

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