Storms River Village Tsitsikamma
Tsitsikamma – Eastern Cape
A quirky village filled with surprises and adventure
Elephants and humans during historical times at Tsitsikamma
A tiny village set in the heart of the forests and foothills of the Tsitsikamma mountain range but still high above the Indian Ocean is easy to miss whilst traveling on the N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth. Its name is Storms River Village. They say dynamite comes in small packages and this little hamlet will knock your socks off or at least quell some of your adventurous spirit.
The village of Storms River
But that is not all. You will find something quite unexpected yet interesting.
Cast your mind back about 2 000 years ago. Shell middens discovered along the shores provide evidence that hunter gatherers from that time, Khoi San people or strandlopers lived in caves on the coast in the cold and wet winter months.
In summer they migrated inland to hunt and collect bulbs and roots in impenetrable forests that towered above the earth. Yellowwoods (Podocarpus latifolius and Afrocarpus falcatus) and stinkwoods (Ocotea bullata and Celtis Africana) created those great indigenous woodlands.
Ferns, bulbous flowers, creepers and moss carpeted the floor of the forest which provided the edible plant matter. Streams and waterfalls meandered down towards the sea and supplied fresh water for them.
About the same time, herds of elephants migrated between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth and more than likely only had a light impact on the forest’s eco-system as essentially they did not live in the forest except for later years. The people and wildlife lived in relative harmony.
Fast-forward to the 1800’s when the comparatively undisturbed forest became a haven for woodcutters, hunters, botanists and geologists. Thomas Bain surveyed the area known as Zitzikama and built passes over Bloukrans and Storms River gorges.
The village of Storms River was established when it was developed into a construction camp for builders and later woodcutters. The trading and exporting of timber from yellowwood, stinkwood and other wood from the indigenous trees began.
Ivory hunting and the decline of natural habitat all but wiped out the elephants, now almost a mythical inhabitant of the forests.
Eventually the degradation of the forests needed preservation and thankfully Storms River was declared a National Park and a new era unfolded.
Back to present time. On a misty night you might think you hear the whispers of the ghosts of elephants and woodcutters. To ward off those eerie feelings, you can trade them in for a few adrenalin rush activities or just chill out with some welcoming and jovial South African hospitality at some venues within the village.
In May 2021 we had the opportunity to explore the tiny village of Storms River for a couple of hours.
Is Storms River South Africa’s most adventurous town?
Things to do in Storms River Village and Tsitsikamma:
Take a short 10-minute walk in the footsteps of the woodcutters and visit The Big Tree. This giant of the forest is an ancient 800-year-old yellowwood and is only 3 minutes’ drive or 1.8 km from the village. You will also have an idea of what the natural carpet of the forest looked like when you see the moss and ferns.
Roll around on wheels for an hour or two through the forest and village with Tsitsikamma Segway Experience.
Zipline through the crowns of the lush indigenous rainforest with Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, just a short drive away into the forest. Other trees you might see are milkwood, hard pear and ironwood.
Put your faith in a piece of elastic and bungy jump at Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest bridge. It takes about 15 minutes to get there and is approximately 25 km from the village.
See how far you can cycle or drive (if you dare and at your own risk) the Bloukrans Pass, just a bit further than the bridge. The pass unfortunately is in a sad state and is officially closed to traffic. Heavy rains and floods in November 2007 caused rock falls and damage to the roads and is overgrown in places. We drove around the mound of gravel that was placed on the road as a deterrent and went to see for ourselves. It should be fixed and reinstated at the very least as a tourist attraction because of the beautiful scenery. The road is hazardous with cracks forming and impassable as trees blocked the way so we could only drive a short section.
Bloukrans Pass
We could not drive any further
Sip an ale at Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery. Sadly we had no time to quench our thirst there.
Follow the elephant trail in a guided vehicle tour down the Storms River Pass on a Woodcutters Journey and hear about the history through the yellow and stinkwoods.
“The woodcutter’s life
“The Woodcutter’s day started with the sun. He would either walk the few miles of forest trail to the tree upon which he was working or wake up beside it to the smell of a smouldering ironwood fire and old ash and the clean scent of fresh wood-chips. Soon there would be the fragrance of coffee and tobacco smoke and then, with the first shafts of sunlight, the ringing of axes would begin again. A man and his sons might spend as long as a month working a giant yellowwood or stinkwood tree.” Hjalmar Thesen, Country Days (David Philip, Cape Town, 1974)
Their homes were sometimes no more than crude huts - often just temporary structures, built close to whichever tree they were working - food was scarce (their diet often consisted only of sweet potatoes), and hygiene was poor. But nevertheless, they were, “self-employed, willing and able to work, but often lacked the necessary capital, training and, most important, the opportunity to benefit from their labours.
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Devour a pizza at Papa Africa.
Tickle your tastebuds at the Taste Restaurant and Farmstall, South African Bistro style.
Indulge in a hearty meal at Hunters Pub and Café Bacchus at Tsitsikamma Village Inn.
Step into the 50’s and 60’s with Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley at Marilyn’s 60’s Diner where the décor of Cadillacs, Chevys and pinball machines will inspire you to shake, rattle and roll. While you are there you may as well try their delicious milkshakes and hamburgers.
Stay in a reconstructed historical Cape Village at Tsitsikamma Village Inn. Each building reflects different structure styles used in the Cape Colony during the 1800’s.
Head on down to Storms River Mouth Rest Camp for more adventures of hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Bloukrans Pass
If the adventures and eateries above isn’t enough you might even find a few more activities such as abseiling, canyoning or a quad bike tour.
Make sure you don’t bypass this delightful village and spend a few hours keeping yourself entertained or adventurously active. Time and budget did not allow us to do everything that I suggested, but I have saved it for my bucket list when I return.
Where is Storms River Village?
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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