Tsitsikamma MTB Route (Closest City/Town: Storms River Village)

Eastern Cape - Western Region EC

Tsitsikamma/ Storms River Trail

CLOSEST TOWN > Plettenberg Bay

TRAIL DESTINATION > Harkerville Forest

DISTANCE > 22–55km

GRADING > Moderate

OVERVIEW

Tsitsikamma, an ancient Khoi word for ‘place of abundant or sparkling water’, perfectly describes the lush and lovely region surrounding this tiny, eponymous village. It is a place of craggy peaks, secret beaches and temperate rainforest, where giant Podocarpus yellowwoods tower high above deep gorges and tranquil black-water pools.

On your bike

The Storms River MTB route follows the old national road through the Tsitsikamma National Park and along Storms River Pass. A good gravel road winds through spectacular indigenous forest, rich in Outeniqua yellowwood, stinkwood and candlewood, starting off fairly easily along a 2 km level stretch. A steep 5 km descent to the Storms River follows. The low-water bridge is a great place to have a swim, but watch out for strong currents when the river is high.

The climb from the river and onto the coastal bluff is a hard 2 km crank but then the gradient levels out onto the plateau. Take a sharp right and traverse the SAFCOL pine plantations following the MTB route markers for a few more kilometers of flat riding. Don’t miss the viewpoint overlooking Storms River Mouth and the Tsitsikamma National Park. The return trail cuts through a mature plantation before rejoining the original route and a long 5 km climb back to the trailhead.

If you’re keen to increase the distance of your ride, follow the SAFCOL jeep tracks in a clockwise direction to
generally follow the N2 back towards Storms River Village. You could shoot across the highway, or play it safe and cross along one of the flyover bridges to explore dozens of kilometres of jeep track networking through the plantations on the northern side of the N2. Misty Mountain Reserve, literally a stone’s throw away from Storms River Village, has four more trail options on its property for you to explore (www.mistymountainreserve.co.za).

Note: The first 7km of the trail traversing the Storms River pass is through National Parks land there is no charge and a self-issue permit and map is available at the gate at the beginning of the pass. The second section of the pass passes over MTO property to the lookout and you need a second permit for this section these permits are available from the office at Storms River

Off the bike

Storms River Village is a charming hamlet surrounded by temperate, indigenous forest and pine plantations. The Tsitsikamma Forest Inn boasts comfortable, friendly accommodation in their various cottages. Storms River Adventures offer a whole host of activities, from tree-top canopy tours and day hikes to black-water tubing. A short drive will take you to the Tsitsikamma National Park at Storms River Mouth, the start of the legendary Otter Trail and a host of day hikes. Other options include swimming off a lovely beach, snorkeling, whale-watching (in season) or relaxing at the restaurant and shop. Face Adrenaline also offers the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrantz Bridge.

CONTACT:

Route information: Tsitsikamma State Forest, Storms River Office

Address: Private Bag X530, Humansdorp, 6300

Telephone: 042 281 1557

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

More info: www.stormsriver.com

Tel: +27 42 281 1836

GPS: 33°58’26.6”S 23°53’14.7”E

Weather: {weather Plettenberg Bay, South Africa}

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Moderate

DURATION:

2 to 3 hours

CONFIGURATION :

22–55km circular

START POINT:

Start at Tsitsikamma State Forest office or at Tsitsikamma Forest Inn in Storms River Village

TERRAIN:

Gravel roads and plantation jeep track, river crossings

MAP:

Maps are available at the Storms River office

CELL RECEPTION: Good

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Free selfissue permits available at gate for first section; permit for SAPPI section from Storms River Adventures

FACILITIES:

Ablution facilities; parking at Tsitsikamma State Forest, Storms River office or Tsitsikamma Forest Inn

BEWARE OF:

Forestry vehicles, hikers; on the descent down the pass, beware of water humps across the road – they may not be high, but are steep enough to launch you

MORE INFORMATION:

Amazing forest
and coastal views

ROUTE EVENT INFO:

DATE OF EVENT: September 2012

DISTANCE OPTIONS:

3 day event

ORGANISER: www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za

HOW TO GET THERE

Start and finish at Tsitsikamma State Forest Storms River office in Storms River Village (not to be confused with Storms River Mouth). From the N2, turn off to Storms River Village (154km from Port Elizabeth and 75km from Plettenberg Bay). Follow this road into the village, turn left at the stop street, pass the Tsitsikamma Forest Inn, and you’ll see the office on your right.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

A mild climate all year round allows you to make the most of these trails throughout the year. Keep in mind that the high rainfall means you’ll get wet and muddy.