Page 250 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

248  THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN C APE

8 Tsitsikamma

Tsitsikamma is a San word meaning “place of abundant
waters”. It is part of the Garden Route National Park
and extends for 68 km (42 miles) from Nature’s Valley to
Oubosstrand, and stretches seawards for some 5.5 km
(3 miles), offering licensed snorkellers and divers a unique
“underwater trail”. Within the park’s boundaries lie two of
South Africa’s most popular hikes, the Tsitsikamma and
Otter trails. Primeval forest, rugged mountain scenery and
panoramic views con tribute to their popularity with hikers.
. Yellowwood trees
The yellowwood is protected as
South Africa’s national tree; its hard
Bloukrans River gorge timber is highly valued.
is the site of an
overnight trail hut.

Tsitsikamma Trail
Keurbos J
Bloukrans River
Fynbos
The typical vegetation of this area is Bloukrans
coastal fynbos, which consists of low-
growing species of ericas and proteas.

Plettenberg Bloukrans River Cold Stream
Bay Lottering
Groot River Bloukrans Vark River Coldstream
Forest
station
Covie
Tsitsikamma
Nature’s Kalander J
Valley Otter Trail
André
Oakhurst
Groot J
River J
Lagoon Tsitsikamma Marine Reserve

Common dolphins
Hikers on the Otter Trail are
sure to see dolphins frolicking
in the waves.

. Otter Trail
This five-day coastal hike was the
country’s first official trail and stretches
from the mouth of the Storms River to
the superb beach at Nature’s Valley.
Hikers may spot whales, dolphins, seals
and Cape clawless otters along the way.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp387–8 and pp404–5

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