Day 74: South Africa Garden – Storms River & Tsitsikamma

Explore the South Africa Garden Route from Jeffreys Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park. Get road trip tips, must-visit stops like Storms River Bridge.

Main Journey – From Jeffreys Bay to Tsitsikamma
Events – Highlights of the Day
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Local Travel Tips – Driving the Garden Route
Travel Reflections

Main Journey – From Jeffreys Bay to Tsitsikamma

Buying Camping Supplies in Jeffreys Bay

Before heading deeper into the Garden Route, we made a quick stop at Pick n Pay in Jeffreys Bay to finally buy a tent.

There were various sizes and price ranges available, and we chose a small, budget-friendly two-person waterproof tent.
We debated buying an extra sleeping bag but decided against it because of its size and cost—a decision we would later regret.

We also stocked up on diapers before hitting the road.

Driving the Garden Route

The Garden Route is technically a highway, but it does not feel like one.

The vast landscapes and breathtaking scenery make it difficult to resist stopping for photos.
However, the speed limit is high, and cars move fast—150 km/h is common.
By the time we grabbed our camera, the scenery had already passed.

Despite this, we enjoyed the drive, watching Sweetie quietly staring out the window, lost in her own little world of discovery.

Storms River Bridge – A Breathtaking Stop

As we drove, we crossed a massive bridge over a deep canyon, which caught our attention.

We turned around, parked, and discovered it was the Storms River Bridge, a famous landmark.
The steep cliffs and deep valley below made us wonder how long the river had been carving its way through the rock.

Crossing the pedestrian walkway was both thrilling and terrifying.

The swaying bridge and dizzying heights made it difficult to take photos.
The view felt too vast for a camera to capture—it was something that had to be experienced in person.

Before leaving, we stopped at the visitor center, collected brochures for nearby attractions, and refueled the car.

Big Tree – A Walk Through a Majestic Forest

Further along the road, a sign for Big Tree caught our eye. Curious about what it was, we pulled over.

The area was surrounded by a beautiful pine forest, with towering trees stretching endlessly into the sky.
Sweetie picked up a large pinecone, proudly calling it a “pineapple,” excited to find her favorite fruit growing in nature.

The landscape felt familiar yet different from pine forests in Korea.

The forest’s sharp boundary lines made us wonder if it was artificially planted, but it seemed to be natural.
The cool, fresh air and the quiet of the forest made this a refreshing stop.

For those wanting to experience a protected pine forest up close, Big Tree is worth a visit.

Tsitsikamma National Park – A Disappointment

Tsitsikamma is often called the highlight of the Garden Route, so we were eager to visit.

The road signs were clear, making navigation easy even without a GPS.
However, upon arrival, the entrance staff informed us that bad weather had closed off all hiking trails.

Visitors were allowed inside but could only access the restaurant and gift shop.

We asked if we could visit the next day, but the response was uncertain: “If the weather is good, you can see it. If not, it will be the same as today.”
Since we had no guarantee, we had to move on, disappointed.

Sunset on the Road & Unexpected Stops

Leaving Tsitsikamma, we continued driving, making occasional stops to admire the scenery.

The Garden Route’s landscapes are so vast and beautiful that they cannot be fully captured in photographs.
As a result of multiple stops, we fell behind schedule and ended up driving during sunset.

Along the way, we spotted a massive bridge spanning another deep canyon.

This was Face Adrenalin, a popular bungee jumping location.
The height was so intimidating that Julie refused to let go of the car door handle while looking over the edge.

Events – Highlights of the Day

Bought a tent and supplies at Pick n Pay in Jeffreys Bay
Drove the Garden Route, stopping at Storms River Bridge for breathtaking views
Visited Big Tree and walked through a stunning pine forest
Arrived at Tsitsikamma National Park, but hiking trails were closed due to bad weather
Watched a beautiful sunset while driving through the Garden Route
Stopped at Face Adrenalin, one of the highest bungee jumping spots in the world

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Packing for a Camping Trip

Choose a quality tent—our budget tent was too thin for the cold nights.
Bring extra blankets or sleeping bags—we only had one, which was not enough for chilly African nights.

Car Travel with a Baby

Long drives can be tiring, so make frequent stops to let the baby stretch.
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as road stops may be limited.
A car seat is essential for safety, even if it is not legally required in South Africa.

Local Travel Tips – Driving the Garden Route

Best Stops Along the Way

Storms River Bridge – A breathtaking canyon and bridge experience.
Big Tree – A short, scenic walk through a beautiful pine forest.
Tsitsikamma National Park – Worth visiting, but check the weather in advance.

Garden Route Driving Tips

The speed limit is high, and cars often travel at 150 km/h.
Fill up on gas whenever possible—stations can be far apart.
Plan for extra time—the scenery is too beautiful not to stop and enjoy.

Travel Reflections

Unpredictable Nature

Africa does not always follow a set schedule.
Weather can change plans suddenly, as we learned at Tsitsikamma.

The Beauty of the Garden Route

The landscapes were too vast to capture in photos.
The best way to experience it is simply to go and see it for yourself.

Camping in Africa – A Unique Experience

Our first night camping under the African stars was unforgettable.
Despite the cold temperatures, the clear night sky made it all worthwhile.

That night, we set up camp at Glentana, near George, preparing our first campfire meal in Africa.
The warmth of the fire, the grilled steak and sweet potatoes, and the bright stars overhead made us feel truly connected to nature.

Though the night would be colder than expected, the memory of camping in Africa under a sky full of stars made it one of the most magical nights of our journey.