En Route from Knysna to Gqberha (Port Elizabeth) on the Garden Route, there are a number of worthwhile stops. On the recommendation of a friend, we decided to stop at Tsitsikamma National Park. The park is known for its dramatic coastline and secluded beaches which contain a dense interior of indigenous forests. It is not uncommon to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals and whales in the coastal waters. There are many worthwhile multi-day hikes like the Otter Trail (5 days) and Dolphin Train (2 days) but we will have to save those for another future trip when the children are older.
We decided on the Mouth Trail, a 2 km short hike that is also the most popular hike at Tsitsikamma. Before we even started the hike, we came upon a small sand beach that was hard to tear the kids away from. They just wanted to play in the golden sand and run into the crashing waves. We promised to return after the hike for more play time.
The Mouth Trail took us along a wooden boardwalk through an indigenous forest with rich green foliage. At the mouth of the Storms River, there are three suspension bridges of about 70 meters each, that are thrilling to walk over. There was a sign that only 25 people are allowed on a bridge at a time.
Across the second bridge, we enjoyed a short break at a rock beach. The rocks had become so smooth and round after millions of years of being washed over by the rough ocean current. We found some rock sculptures around the beach. RY and DY enjoyed lifting the heavy rocks and throwing them into the ocean, only for the rocks to be washed back onto the shore a few moments later.
We walked the distance back to the trail head, savoring every moment in the lush forest with views of the rugged coastline below. When we reached the Sandy Bay gift shop, we found a picnic table to enjoy our picnic of salami sandwiches with avocado, tomato and greens, chips and oranges. After our half-day visit to Tsitsikamma National Park, we were back in the car and on our way.
