The Tsitsikamma Waterfall Trail is quite possibly one of the most scenic hikes we have ever done. Our photos definintely don’t do it justice.
We hiked the Tsitsikamma Waterfall Trail with kids (aged 9 and 11) as part of our 2 week family holiday in South Africa and although they found it hard going, they loved it.
It is classed a difficult hike though so we wanted to give you as much information about the hike as possible so that you can decide whether or not to try it (with or without kids).
If you’re not sure about doing this hike, there are several other shorter hikes within the Storms River area that are ideal for families – like the Storms River suspension bridge walk.
Visiting the Garden Route and thinking about a safari? Take a look at our Garden Route safari guide to find out where to go.
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By the way, if you are researching this as part of a larger South African holiday and need more help and advice with planning and booking, we recommend Go2Africa who are leaders in the African travel industry. We have used them many times.
The Tsitsikamma Waterfall hike is located in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. This is one of our favourite places to visit on the Garden Route.
It is hard to describe just how stunning this area is and we recommend spending a bit of time there, staying either in the park at Storms River Rest Camp or in the nearby quaint little town of Stormsriver to really make the most of it.
There is so much to do in the Tsitsikamma area but our favourite thing without a doubt was the Waterfall Trail.
Our guide to hiking the Tsitsikamma National Park Waterfall Trail will give you all of the important information you need to know to attempt the hike.
Things you need to know about the Tsitsikamma Waterfall Trail
Entrance fees: The entrance fees to the Garden Route National Park Tsitsikamma Section (correct for 2025) are R326 for foreign adults / R78 for SA Citizen. Kids under 12 are R163 and R39. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. See here for more up to date prices. You will have to complete a registration and indemnity form to enter.
Tsitsikamma opening times: The park gates are open from 5.30 or 6.00 depending on the time of year and close between 17.30 and 18.30. See here for times.
Parking: You can park in the main car park near the Cattle Baron or there is a small parking area just outside the entrance to the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp.
Distance of hike: the trail is a 6km loop that follows the coast south from the starting point at the far end of the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp.
Time needed to complete hike: Whilst there are some easy sections, a lot of the hike is across large boulders which will slow you down. Allow 3-4 hours for the hike which gives you a 30 minute break at the waterfall for a swim.
Best time to do the waterfall trail: Ideally you want to start the hike as early as you can in the morning. Not only will it be less busy, you will also miss the heat of the midday sun and you will have time in the afternoon to see more of Tsitsikamma NP with your 24 hour ticket.
Families: Note that this hike is classed as difficult. Our kids (aged 9 and 11) managed it but were tired. We would recommend this for kids aged 8+ but you may have younger kids who are used to long hikes so it is totally your call. You may also struggle if you have bad knees.
Hiking the Tsitsikamma Waterfall Trail
We set off on the Waterfall day trail at 8.30 am. It starts off relatively easily, dipping in and out of the vegetation up above the rocky coastline. For around the first kilometer there is a clear track with signs. There are even steps and boardwalk in parts.
After the first kilometer the trail takes you towards the rocks and this is where it starts to get a bit tricky. We probably wouldn’t attempt this hike in the rain as there would be too many slippery rocks to navigate.
There are some markings on the rocks to direct you but these are not that clear and if you miss them, you may find yourself taking a route that is too difficult to pass and you need to retrace your steps.
Just over half way to the waterfall there is a bat cave which is great if you’re looking for a rest and a spot of shade because there isn’t much shade for this part of the walk.
The waterfall is a very welcome sight as you know you are half way at this point and can have a rest. There are no changing facilities here but there are plenty of rocks around for you to change discretely if you are not wearing your swimmers already.
The water is a brackish brown due to tannins released from the surrounding vegetation but it is a lovely temperature and is calm because it is completely shielded from the rough waters of the open ocean.
We spent around 30 minutes here then it was time to head back. The trail on the way back was busier and much hotter. We were very glad of our early start.
Keep a look out for rock hyrax on the way back. They’re very cute.
We arrived back around 12.30 which was perfect timing for lunch at Cattle Baron. After lunch we did a quick 2km hike to the suspension bridge. Although we were all very tired, it was definintely worth doing.
Tips for visiting the Tsitsikamma Waterfall Trail
- Your entrance ticket to Tsitsikamma National Park is valid for 24 hours. Arrive early enough to do the hike and you will have enough time to visit other Tsitsikamma attractions. Check out Canopy Tours, Segway Tours, Paddleboarding, Blackwater Tubing (for kids 12+)
- Bring snacks and water.
- Wear sturdy shoes. We saw someone attempting this in flip flops.
- Pack swimmers for a dip at the waterfall.
- Wear hats and have plenty of sunscreen as there isn’t much shade.
- Stay at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp – see here for accommodation options if you don’t have your own camping gear. The setting is quite spectacular. Alternatively, we stayed at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn nearby which had a pool.
