Time is flying - Can´t believe it´s been over two weeks since my last post about the Garden Route - Nationalpark but there is still one section missing. The Tsitsikamma Section, for me the most beautiful part of the Garden Route and also the most visited. Although we´ve only spent one day here and only did one big hike it was really worth it to stop here. If you want to stay longer I would highly suggest to stay inside the Nationalpark on one of the camping grounds or in one of the many huts you can rent here. In my opinion it´s only worth it if you want to do several hikes, as there is nothing else to do.
But let me start in the morning, because the morning did not start as expected. First of all, look at that dirty car, remember when I wrote in one of my previous blogs that the car is still so clean, well did not last long.
Apart from being dirty we also had a flat tyre we luckily recognised before hitting the highway. It was a sunday but here in South Africa that isn´t a problem at all. We only drove it a few hundred meters to the gas station where they fixed it for a few Rands. First I was a bit sceptical but today, approximately 2000km later I´m convinced they did a good job.
Again it was only a short drive from Knysna to the Entrance of the Tsitsikamma Section. We had to pay entry again as nothing is for free here it seems. As we arrived in the park we only had a quick bite so we had enough energy for the hike. Did not want to turn around half way again.
We decided to go for the famous Suspension Bridge hike what seemed to be the most moderate walk. The walk to the bridge is relatively easy with just some stairs and a bit of up and down.
Once you´ve reached the bridge you have amazing views onto the bridge. The bridge that crosses the Stormsriver has a length of 77m. Standing on the bridge you have an awesome view into the river mouth where you can also rent Kayaks and explore the river.
It´s actually two bridges but only one crosses the river.
The bridge itself is a highlight already and you can look at it from so many different angles. This day we wanted a bit more and as this was only a short walk we decided to go for the top of the other side of the bridge and to the Stormsriver Viewpoint.
We were already wondering why we were the only ones taking the first big steps up the hill but we would find out a few minutes later.
From down there at the river to the Viewpoint its a pretty steep pathway and there is only one way and thats up...up up and more up. Some steps are so steep that you have to pull yourself up.
After we were halfway up we realised why we were the only ones hiking up there, because it was a torture. The views up here were already amazing so kept on walking in the hopes we´re near the top.
Finally there was a bench but unfortunately that bench did not mark the top and the viewing point. It was nothing but a good opportunity to take a short rest before the ascending continued.
The good thing when you´re the only one on a trail like this is that it is quiet and you can take your time to explore and enjoy the beauty up here. Lots of different wild flowers and also some big hawks flying above us.
After about 15 min more uphill walking we finally saw a viewing platform and we were not the only brave ones who made it up there. The view from here was absolutely breathtaking and it was definitely worth the pain.
We enjoyed the view and soaked up the fresh air up here, because we knew what is up next. Whoever walked up a path like this knows what is worse than going up. Right! Going down again. Legs were like pudding already and down hill is always bad for the knees. Anyway there is only one way...
Down at the river again we found a big whale bone again like a few days before. I have no idea why there are so many bones laying around.
To get back to the car park we choose a bit a different way that is not longer but gives you a different view of the bridge.
All in all a beautiful hiking trail. You should definitely feel fit and don´t have any injuries. I would also recommend wearing good shoes as the path is really tricky to walk at some points.
YOU WILL FIND THIS POST ON PINMAPPLE AS WELL
[//]:# (!pinmapple -34.020505 lat 23.908326 long Garden Route - Tsitsikamma Section d3scr)