Suspension Bridge Walk Tsitsikamma: A Helpful Guide
The Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge walk is a popular activity along South Africa’s Garden Route. It’s important not to mix it up with another iconic attraction in the region – The Storms River Bridge. Both are along the Garden Route, but they are different bridges. The Storms River Bridge, also called the Paul Sauer Bridge, is an arch bridge right next to the N2 highway. The Storms River Suspension Bridge, however, is in Tsitsikamma National Park, about 19 km (or a 25-minute drive) from the Storms River Bridge. Because of its location, people sometimes call it the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Tsitsikamma (Storms River) Suspension Bridge (above image) specifically, then this blog post is for you. I’ll share information on how to visit this iconic bridge, including details about the Storms River Suspension Bridge walk, Storms River Mouth (Tsitsikamma) entrance fee, and other useful tips and general information.
Want to know where to stay near Storms River Suspension Bridge?
Click HERE to jump straight to my Top 3 Accommodation recommendations near Storms River.
Alternatively, find some of the best Storms River Accomodation here.
- Basic Information for the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Walk
- Where does the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Walk start?
- What is the walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge like?
- What other activities can you enjoy around the Suspension Bridge at Tsitsikamma National Park?
- Where to stay near the Storms River Suspension Bridge
Basic Information for the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Walk
>>> Where to begin: The storms river bridge walk begins at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, which is located within the Storms River Mouth (Tsitsikamma section) of the Garden Route National Park.
>>> Distance and time: ~2km | 1.5 hours round trip
>>> Difficulty Level: Easy. The trail winds along a wooden boardwalk through the Forest and is suitable for children also.
>>> Storms River Suspension Bridge entrance fee: Because the Storms River Suspension Bridge is part of the National Park, you will need to pay a daily conservation fee to enter the region. The fee is payable when entering the Tsitsikamma (Storms River Mouth) section of The Garden Route National Park.
Daily Conservation fees for 1 November 2023 โ 31 October 2024 are as follows:
- South African Citizens and Residents: ZAR74 for adults (12+), ZAR37 for children (2-11 years)
- SADC Nationals: ZAR148 for adults (12+), ZAR74 for children (2-11 years)
- International (non-South African citizens: ZAR296 for adults (12+), ZAR148 for children (2-11 years)
>>> Opening and Closing Times: Day Visitors – 08:00am – 5pm.
Where does the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Walk start?
First, enter the park through the main gate at Storms River Mouth (The Garden Route Tsitsikamma Section Entrance). Here you will complete a gate registration and indemnity form, as well as pay the storms river mouth entrance fee. Then, you will get a trail map of all the hiking routes, which includes the walk to the suspension bridge.
After passing through the gates, continue following the road for about 20 minutes, until you eventually turn right at the entrance to the Otter Trail Caravan site. Park your car in the Kareedouw Parking Lot [GPS PIN} then head to the start of the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Walk.
Although the start of the trail isn’t clearly marked, you’ll notice a building called ‘Untouched Adventures’ in the distance, on the edge of the parking lot. Head straight for that building.
Go around the building, and then you’ll see a sign on a staircase, indicating the start of the walk to the suspension bridge.
What is the walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge like?
Overall, it’s a fairly easy walk with many lookout spots along the way to rest or to take pictures. The trail starts along a wooden boardwalk through the forest, with beautiful ocean views along the way. It’s about a one-hour round trip there and back from this starting point. However, if you’re like me and stop for a million photos along the way, allow for a bit more time.
There are actually a series of three bridges. The longest bridge is 77m long and hangs 7m above the gorge.
Pictures can’t capture the real magic of this place. Once you step onto the bridge, you get amazing views of the deep gorge shaped by the Storms River. The cliffs rising dramatically from the water are also really impressive! Far below us we could see people kayaking in the Gorge. It looked absolutely incredible and if you’re interested in this be sure to check out the Kayak & Lilo activity at Untouched Adventures on your way back. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour kayak adventure deep into the Storms River Gorge, and my goodness it must be phenomenal!
After you cross the last bridge, there’s a small pebble beach on the other side. It’s a nice place to dip your toes in the water and relax. Then, you can return to the beginning of the trail along the same path you took before. All in all it took us about 1.5 hours to complete the suspension bridge walk, including stops for photos.
A trip to the Storms River Suspension Bridge in Tsitsikamma National Park is a must for those who love nature and a little adventure. From a forest hike to the stunning views, the trail is a beautiful representation of what the region offers.
What other activities can you enjoy around the Suspension Bridge at Tsitsikamma National Park?
Tsitsikamma National Park is a playground for adventure! Below are just a few of the fun activities to enjoy in and around Storms River.
Activities at Storms River Mouth
Hiking. There are plenty of other hiking trails in the area. If you’re a day visitor and have already paid the entrance fee, why not make the most of your day by exploring the additional trails, such as the Waterfall Trail and Blue Duiker Trail. Fair warning, though. You need to be relatively fit to do multiple trails in a day.
Activities near Storms River Mouth
Go River Tubing – Take an adventurous ride through the gorge and gain a new perspective on your surroundings. Book your tickets here.
Jump Off Africa’s Highest Bridge – …with a bungee cord obviously. Take a walk on the wild side and put your nerves to the test with this jump 216m above the Bloukrans River. Reserve your spot here.
Swing Through the Forest – This Eco-wilderness zip-line adventure is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the forest and the wild life living it. Book your spot here.
Go offroad – Explore Storms River on offroad scooters for a truly unique experience that’s fun for the whole family! For an extra thrill, try riding quad bikes.
Take a Ride – Ride a Segway through the Pied Kingfisher trail and see the 1,000 year old Big Tree. Fun for the whole family. Check availability here.
Where to stay near the Storms River Suspension Bridge
This is one of my personal recommendations and if you’d like to read about our stay, click here.
Staying in the park at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp is another great choice. This puts you right in the middle of all the action.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank You.
The Big Tree, Tsitsikamma Forest: All you need to know
Storms River Mouth Hiking Trails: Your Ultimate Guide
Explore the Best of the Garden Route: A Three-week itinerary
Best things to do in Tsitsikamma National Park
Best things to do at Storms River Village
2 Comments
Kwena mochaki
I eould like recommendations for accomodation necr to storm river mouth and tsitsikamma suspension bridge
Samantha
Hello ๐ I have stayed at two places in the region that I recommend. Both are budget-friendly options. AMPERDA LOG CABINS in Tsitsikamma and BEAUTIFUL GARDEN COTTAGE at Storms River Village. Hope this helps!