The Garden Route – and all its pockets of Eden escapes along the way – is a highly sought-after and must visit destination; and this ultimate guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp steers you to a place where you can spend time in the lush green welcoming arms of nature, a place where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and where you can sign up for alternative – and thrilling – adventures.

The dramatic coastline with its rugged rocky shores holds promises of serenity and relaxation in its fresh ocean air.Storms River Mouth Restcamp forms part of the Garden Route National Park. The region – known as Tsitsikamma – was the home of the Khoisan, its first inhabitants thousands of years ago, and the name translates to “place of clear water”. It is a vivid and literal depiction of the abundance of waterfalls and rivers found in the area, which are often referred to as Coca-Cola waters due to the rich brown color caused by the high tannin content thanks to the surrounding vegetation. It is a destination rich in history, fluent in adventure – a pioneer in the eco-tourism industry in South Africa – and it also bears the title of being the oldest Marine Protected Area in Africa.Easily accessible by road, Storms River Mouth Restcamp – with its dramatic and stormy coastline, adventures and the indigenous forest with towering yellowwood trees and red-winged elusive Knysna Louries (turacos) swiftly moving from one branch to the next – will make you lose track of time as nature draws you closer and closer, wrapping you in that magical Tsitsikamma tranquility.

The Ultimate Guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp

Watch as the mist rolls in over the cliffs, meander through the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest and explore the depths of the ocean.The what, the where, the how and the why. Here is all you need to know about this beautiful section of the Tsitsikamma paradise in a nifty guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp.It is yours to explore; from the dark gorges to the moss-covered trees, from the thrilling adventures to watching the sun lifts its hat for a daily goodbye, from the ocean’s rumbling white-foamed waves, to the loud sound of silence in the middle of the forest.Go on. Discover.

Your Activity Guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp

Tsitsikamma has often been referred to as the adventure capital of South Africa. And being a South African National Park, Storms River Restcamp boasts a number of conservation-related and eco-tourism activities that have a minimal impact on the environment.Whether you want to feel the blood pumping through your veins, get wet and explore the water, experience the magnificent coastline or work up a sweat on a hiking trail – there is something to do for everyone visiting Storms River Mouth Restcamp.

Head out on one of the many hiking trails in the national park and keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking in the waves.Hiking: You can’t visit Storms River without setting foot on the world-famous (and probably most photographed) suspension bridge; hike the short Mouth Trail (1.2 miles) which takes you into the indigenous forest with a winding board walk and interesting tidbits of information of the fauna, flora and history, along the way. If you are adventurous, you can continue to a lookout point which continues after the main suspension bridge up the mountain along a steep path. The Lourie Trail (just over half a mile), gives you a glimpse of the different biomes – coastal forest and fynbos – and the viewpoint offers a splendid glimpse over the ocean. The Blue Duiker Trail is 2.3 miles, and if you are lucky you might spot a bushbuck along the way. The Waterfall Trail (the first section of the world-famous 5-day Otter Trail) is the longest at 3.7 miles, and requires a fair amount of climbing over rocks, but it is also the most scenic with a cave, and the reward of a waterfall at the turning point of the trail.Time for a swim: There is a small secluded beach (at the start of the Mouth Trail), a tidal pool at the day visitor’s picnic area and a swimming pool (only for overnight guests). Caution should be taken when swimming in the ocean.

Explore the Storms River Gorge on an adventure that will take you from paddling to floating on a lilo, all while admiring the surrounding environment.Marine and River Activities: One of the most popular activities to do is without a doubt the Kayaking and Lilo Adventure; get into a wet suit, kayak across the ocean into the gorge, and then hop onto a Lilo and relax as you drift along and marvel at nature’s wonders. If you want to explore the depths of the ocean and the abundance of marine life, snorkeling and scuba diving is also possible – all equipment is available for hire, and diving courses can also be done right there. If getting wet is not your idea of a day of fun, 30-minute boat cruises will take you into the gorge and give you an opportunity to see cliff faces and caverns, home to rare bat species.Other things to do nearby: There are also numerous of activities on offer a short distance from the restcamp, which mostly departs from, or takes place in, the quaint Storms River Village. Here you will also find many eateries, a brewery and local arts and crafts. These activities include a Segway Tour, a canopy tour which will take you to the heights of the trees and see you gliding from one tree to the next, mountain bikes can be hired, and you can zipline above a series of waterfalls. For something more at a leisurely pace, you can experience the forest in a vehicle on the Tsitsikamma Woodcutters Journey (it includes a picnic and a visit to a 500-year old tree known as the "Forest Guard) and there is also the 9-hole Fynbos Golf Course a bit further away. And of course, the highest commercial bungee jump in the world, at 708 feet, takes place at Bloukrans Bridge, a thrill not to miss if you are craving an adrenaline-fueled experience.Explore further: If time is on your side don’t miss out on the opportunity to go off the beaten path and explore the small village of Nature’s Valley, as well as the town of Plettenberg Bay where you can go wine-tasting, horse back riding, swimming, hiking in Roberg Nature Reserve and visiting wildlife sanctuaries such as Birds of Eden, Jukani and Monkeyland.Your Accommodation Guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp

Wake up the sound of crashing waves and the smell of coastal fynbos when staying at Storms River Mouth Restcamp.Storms River Mouth Restcamp has a variety of accommodation options, from camping facilities to family cottages.There are different camp sites available – seafront sites with power points to tent sites with no power points – and a maximum of 6 people are allowed per site. All camp sites share the communal ablution, washing and laundry facilities.Forest huts – with either an en-suite bathroom or shared communal facilities – and the Chalets, Oceanettes, Cottages and Honeymoon Cottage sleeps between 2 and 4 people per unit. While the forest huts are equipped with private braai (barbecue) facilities, basic cutlery and crockery, a communal kitchen should be used. All the other units boast its own en-suite bathrooms, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge with a television.Know before you goHere are a few last things in your guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp to keep in mind.Getting there: Storms River Mouth Restcamp is situated on the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape via the very accessible N2 highway, and all roads – as well as internal roads – are tarred. Cape Town is 365 miles away, Port Elizabeth (where there is also an airport) is 125 miles away, while George Airport is the closest at just 105 miles.Gate Times: The gate opens at 07:00 in the morning. Guests arriving after office hours (18:00 from April to September, 19:00 from October to March), can collect the keys to their accommodation from the security personnel but it is best to call ahead and notify the office that you will be arriving late.Weather: The Tsitsikamma region – which includes the Garden Route National Park’s Storms River Mouth Restcamp - has a pleasant average climate throughout the year. July is the coldest month, rainfall can be expected throughout the year (peaking in summer), while December to February are the warmest months with average temperatures between 75°F and 90°F.Facilities at Storms River Mouth Restcamp: There is a restaurant – overlooking the ocean – and it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week, while a shop sells souvenirs and necessities. Cards are accepted but there is no ATM facilities or fuel station at the restcamp; the nearest can be found at Storms River Bridge, 11 miles from the restcamp. In certain areas of the park signal is slightly limited.Book ahead: Storms River Mouth Restcamp is a popular getaway for South Africans, especially during December and January, long weekends and Easter Weekend. If this guide to Storms River Mouth Restcamp has put you in the mood the explore the Garden Route, contact us and we will help you plan a visit this ocean side gem.Conservation fee: Day visitors as well as overnight guests are charged a daily conservation fee.Keep in mind: You are entering a national park and a Marine Protected area; fishing is not allowed and no bait, shells, driftwood, plants or any other organism (living or dead) may be removed from the park. A variety of birds and bush buck, baboons, dassies and otters can be spotted in the park, please refrain from feeding animals.