Tsitsikamma, a Khoi word meaning a place of abundant or sparkling water, is a hidden gem in the Eastern Cape worth seeing.
Just a two hour (around 188,2 kilometres) from Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma has become a place for travellers who want to tap into their adventurous side.
With its stupendous views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean, this little area allows travellers to experience glorious landscapes, cuisine and views.
If you want to plan a trip here, here are some tips:
The flight
The best way to get to Tsitsikamma is via a flight to any of the Eastern Cape towns, depending on how long you would like the journey to be. The fastest way to get there is through Port Elizabeth or George.
If travellers want to take a scenic route, a journey from East London may seem fitting.
The road trip
There are many small towns worth exploring along the route. One of them is St Francis Bay, which is roughly an hour away from Port Elizabeth. This coastal village set in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality is renowned for its fresh seafood and mouthwatering dishes.
Another town close by is Jeffreys Bay. Located in the Eastern Cape, just about 75 km southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is known for its world-renowned beaches and surfing waves. There are daily activities to keep you occupied until you continue your journey to Tsitsikamma.
The stay
There are plenty of accommodation venues to choose from once you reach Tsitsikamma. My personal favourites are Tsitsikamma Village Inn and The Fernery Lodge & Chalets. The Village Inn offers a historic charm. With 49 individually decorated rooms, this tranquil setting offers stupendous views of the mountains. It is also close to many adventures in the area.
The Fernery, on the other hand, sits above a 30-metre waterfall with views of the river gorge and the Indian Ocean.
The 4-star property is ideal for people wanting some luxury and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world.