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The word Tsitsikamma is the Khoisan term for “place of much water,” which is the perfect description for this area. Stretching along the breathtaking southern coastline of South Africa, the Garden Route National Park is divided into three sections, the Tsitsikamma Section, Knysna Lakes Section and the Wilderness Section. Each of the sections has its own, unique character and rest camps where a variety of accommodation facilities and activities are offered.
Deep in the indigenous Diepwalle forest around Knysna, the rest camp offers accommodation in an elevated setting amidst the treetops, affording guests the opportunity to feel at one with the forest.
View LodgeThe Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park stretches from west of Nature’s Valley to the east of Storms River Mouth.
View LodgeA remote mountainous area with breathtaking sea views, deep and secluded valleys and 80 kilometres of rocky coastline is included in this spectacular reserve.
View LodgeThe Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park lies along the banks of the Touw River where the tides have an impact on the water level of the series of lakes connected to the river.
View LodgeThe world-renowned Tsitsikamma Forest is a magical place where elephants used to roam the indigenous forests and fynbos areas and where the mountain catchment areas create a wondrous habitat for unique fauna and flora. Become one with nature by immersing yourself in the forest to reconnect with the earth while enjoying unforgettable views and exploring to find the ancient giants of the forest - the Outeniqua yellow-wood, Podocarpus falcata and the last remaining Knysna elephants, Loxodonta africana.
Preserving the precious waterways of the Wilderness Lakes Complex and the Knysna Estuary and surrounding lakes, started in 1968 and resulted in the formation of the Wilderness National Park in 1980. Land and waterways are continuously added, and the Park is still developing and expanding to include most of the lakes between the village of Wilderness and Knysna.
Artefacts found suggest that this area was inhabited by the Khoi-Khoi about 2000 years ago, making a living by fishing, gathering roots and bulbs of plants and hunting small mammals in the nearby forest. When the Europeans arrived, the clans slowly disintegrated, and the people ended up in the employment of farmers. Reckless logging of the indigenous forests played a role in the development of the country but caused irreparable damage to the forests and natural resources in the George, Knysna and Tsitsikamma areas.
Over the years protective measures were taken by limiting woodcutting and the establishment of a forest research station in 1964 at Saasveld, near George. In 1964 the Tsitsikamma Coastal and Forest National Parks were proclaimed to establish the first marine protected area and ensure conservation of the coastal forests of the region. The Garden Route National Park of today, is a complex of protected areas, located in the coastal strip between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the sea.
The area has a pleasant and temperate climate and rainfall occurs throughout the year and mostly at night. The weather conditions make it ideal to visit the Garden Route National Park any time of the year.
Quite a few eco-regions and vegetation types are protected in the Garden
Route National Park. Each of the three sections have its own, unique
characteristics, which include the following:
A wide variety of mammals, birds and fish are still found in the Garden Route National Park. Explore all three sections of the park to increase the opportunities of viewing these creatures in their natural habitats.
The beautiful town of Knysna is situated central to all the sections of the Garden Route National Park. Sedgefield is also close by. A wide variety of shops and services are available in both towns.
Attracting adventurers and families, a wide variety of exciting activities are offered in and around the Garden Route National Park. Walks, hiking trails as well as mountain bike trails and 4x4-trails take one deep into the forest where the exceptional magic of the Tsitsikamma Forest can be experienced.
Many of the accommodation facilities as well as the pathways to some of the activities and attractions have been adapted to be wheelchair accessible. Please confirm when making a booking that the facilities are suitable as needed.