At the far eastern end of the Garden Route is the Tsitsikamma, a sparsely populated land with natural attractions barely touched on by most visitors despite the fact that three of the country's best trails; the Otter, Tsitsikamma and Dolphin trails, traverse the region.

The myriad of streams tumbling down from the mountains to the ocean inspired the indigenous Khoi people to call this place 'Tsitsikamma' — the place of sparkling waters. Rocky headlands interspersed with sandy beaches and patches of indigenous forest surrounded by Cape fynbos make for a unique contrast in the natural environment. The streams cut deep gorges through the coastal plateau, leaving a rugged and sometimes inaccessible area for nature to flourish and for the intrepid adventurer to explore.

The eastern and western borders of the Tsitsikamma are as hypothetical as that of the Garden Route but the most widely accepted are Plettenberg Bay to the west and the Tsitsikamma River (a small stream close to the better known Storms River) to the east. Here's a selection of some of the best activities in the region to get your blood, and adrenaline, pumping...

Bridge Walking
So you all know about the Bloukrans bungee — the highest bungee in the world. But did you know that the 216m high bridge over the Bloukrans Gorge is also the highest road bridge in Africa and, in fact, in the Southern Hemisphere. You can do a tour of this monument to human ingenuity secure in a state-of-the-art full body harness with experienced guides to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

The 40-minute tour gives you all the info on the construction of the bridge and its environment as you progress on a custom-made catwalk directly underneath the road surface. Then it's onto the arch and a prime view of the bungee site as well as breathtaking views of the mountains to the north and the ocean to the south — the highlight of Face Adrenalin's tour.

Skim over dolphins
Soar above the forests and the Plettenberg Bay region spotting dolphins and, in season, whales; or treat yourself to a fly-in safari to Storms River, or over the region to Shamwari with African Ramble. Bob Plane also launches dolphin and scenic glider trips from Plettenberg Bay airport and, further north, Stanley Island will whisk you over the southern Tsitsikamma in a motorised glider.

Go on a game walk
Buffalo Hills Game Reserve is now established as the best game viewing area west of Addo/Shamwari and they have now added a three-day portaged hike to their menu. The Oxwagon Trail starts with a game drive and a night at the private camp. Hikers set off the following morning from the Bitou river on a stunning trail that winds through indigenous forest to a fynbos covered ridge with stunning views from the beautiful wooden cabin that is the overnight hut.

Swing in the trees
Unique in Africa, and one of only three in the world, Stormsriver Adventure's Tree Tops Canopy Tour gives you full immersion in the magical indigenous forest. Whizz along a highwire 40m above the ground then take a well-earned breather on a high perch marveling at the Knysna loeries and life under the big green umbrella.

Hire a 'putt-putt'
Hire a little motorboat from Keurbooms River Adventures (044 532 7876) and 'putt' slowly up and down the Keurbooms river. Forested hills and cliffs characterise the section to the north of the N2 highway, with small sandy beaches ideal for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon away from it all. To the seaward side of the N2 you find a more tidal area, frequented by fishermen looking for the big one. Small boats are speckled across the junction of the Keurbooms and Bitou Rivers, a favourite haunt for fishermen. The birdlife along the tidal flats is excellent with many migratory species around. Watch out for the resident pair of fish eagles, their cry a clear reminder that you are still in Africa.

Get on your bike
Head off on one of the hectic tarred passes or go off-road into the forest. Marked trails from Robbehoek Trails and Stormsriver Adventures traverse the SAFCOL plantations and National Park providing some challenging riding. Deep South Eco, a new and very professional outfit based in Plettenberg Bay, specialises in guided trails. And if that's not tough enough, you can always include 110m abseil and a half-day of blackwater tubing before you start on a tough uphill from the low water bridge back to the village as part of Stormsriver's Gorge Challenge.

Escape to the hills
Chill out in a tree-level tent in Kouga Eco Adventures' remote bushcamp, dining under the stars and enjoying the silence of the wilderness. Activities include birdwatching, scenic 4x4 drives, rafting on Kouga River and abseiling down the cliffs.

Canoe up a creek
Set off on a two-day, Whiskey Creek flat-water canoe trail from the Keurbooms River bridge, through a gorge to a wide, flat section of serene and peaceful river surrounded by afromontane forests. Listen for the call of the fish eagle as you approach the overnight cabin (which sleeps ten) then chill out on the deck and enjoy the stunning views before paddling back in the morning. Canoes can also be hired for day trails from the Whiskey Creek bookings office.

Take a hike — Keurbooms Strand to Nature's Valley
Can't get a booking on the Otter trail? Well, not to worry, the trail between Keurbooms Strand and Natures Valley runs along one of the most spectacular coastlines in South Africa. The trail is characterised by huge sandstone outcrops and sandy beaches with the Tsitsikamma forest a couple of metres to the north and the Indian Ocean a couple of metres to the south.


This article is published courtesy of the 2003 Out There Adventure Guide
This close proximity to the ocean makes it essential to attempt this trail only during low tide. The trail starts at Keurbooms beach in front of the restaurant and heads east past Matjies River, Arch Rock, and Salt River to end in front of the restaurant in Natures Valley. The total distance of 12 kilometres can easily be covered in four hours, but allow at least two hours for exploring along the way. For more information contact SANParks (De Vasselot).

Cast a line
The Keurbooms Estuary is open to the sea all year round and is a great place for saltwater fly-fishing and large predator fish, as well as a number of estuarine species that move into the estuary to breed and hunt. Specific hot spots are at the mouth of the river and at the junction between the Keurbooms and Bietou Rivers. For more information contact the Plettenberg Bay Angling Club (044 535 9740).