Temporary closure of Tsitsikamma's iconic Suspension Bridge: What travellers need to know

If you're planning to visit the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park over the next two weeks, you'll need to adjust your itinerary. One of the Garden Route's most popular attractions, the famous Storms River Suspension Bridge, will be completely closed from 20 July to 31 July 2026 while the final phase of refurbishment is completed.

The good news is that the project is now entering its final stretch. SANParks expects the upgraded bridges to reopen to visitors on 01 August 2026, earlier than previously anticipated.

What will be closed?

During the closure, visitors will not be able to access any of the three suspension bridges at Storms River Mouth.

The temporary closure is necessary to allow contractors to safely complete the remaining refurbishment work. For safety reasons, access to the suspension bridge trail will not be possible while construction crews are on site.

Good news for August visitors

There is a silver lining for anyone visiting later in the winter season. Earlier project timelines suggested the refurbishment would continue until the end of August, but the work has progressed faster than expected.

If everything stays on schedule, the bridge will reopen on 01 August 2026, allowing visitors to once again enjoy one of South Africa's most photographed coastal walks.

Can you still visit Tsitsikamma?

Yes. Although the suspension bridge will be inaccessible during the closure period, the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park remains open.

Travellers can still enjoy many of the area's other highlights, including:

• The spectacular indigenous forests.
• Scenic coastal viewpoints.
• Hiking trails that remain open outside the closed bridge section.
• The Storms River Mouth Rest Camp.
• Activities such as kayaking, lilo adventures and nearby zipline experiences (subject to operator schedules).

If seeing the suspension bridge is the main reason for your visit, it is worth postponing your trip until after 01 August 2026.

About the Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridges

The Storms River Suspension Bridge is among the Garden Route's most iconic landmarks. The three pedestrian bridges that actually make the Storms River Suspension Bridge span the dramatic mouth of the Storms River, where towering cliffs meet the Indian Ocean.

The short walk to the bridge is one of the park's signature experiences, offering spectacular coastal scenery, crashing waves and excellent opportunities to spot seabirds, dolphins and, during the migration season, even southern right whales offshore.

The refurbishment project will help preserve this much-loved attraction for years to come while improving visitor safety.

Traveller's tip

If you're driving the Garden Route in late July, consider spending extra time exploring nearby attractions such as Nature's Valley, Bloukrans Bridge, the Storms River village or Robberg Nature Reserve before returning to Tsitsikamma once the suspension bridges reopen.

With the reopening now expected on 01 August 2026, visitors arriving in August should once again be able to experience one of South Africa's most spectacular short walks.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Garden Route travel update: Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge remains open to visitors

Travellers heading to the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park can still enjoy one of the area’s most iconic experiences. The famous Suspension Bridge at Storms River Mouth remains open to visitors while refurbishment work continues.

The upgrade project, which started earlier in 2026, is aimed at strengthening and replacing important structural elements of the bridge to ensure it remains safe, durable and enjoyable for future generations of visitors. The work is being carried out while preserving the character and unique atmosphere that make the Suspension Bridge such a memorable stop along the Garden Route.

The refurbishment was initially expected to be completed by 23 June 2026, but ongoing periods of difficult weather conditions in the region have slowed construction progress. The completion date has now moved to the end of August 2026.

The good news for visitors is that access to the bridge has not been affected. South African National Parks (SANParks) is using a phased construction approach, allowing travellers to continue walking across the Suspension Bridge and enjoying the spectacular views over Storms River Mouth while the work takes place.

The Suspension Bridge is one of the highlights of any visit to Tsitsikamma. Hanging above the meeting point of the Storms River and the Indian Ocean, the bridge offers stunning coastal views and is a favourite stop for photographers, families and nature lovers exploring the Garden Route.

Visitors planning a trip to Storms River Mouth during the refurbishment period can therefore keep the Suspension Bridge on their itinerary. It remains one of the best ways to experience the dramatic coastline, forest scenery and natural beauty of Tsitsikamma.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Garden Route Update: Tsitsikamma suspension bridge rebuild underway

Visitors planning a trip to the iconic Tsitsikamma coastline should note that South African National Parks (SANParks) has commenced a planned reconstruction of the famous suspension bridge in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park in the Western Cape. The upgrade is aimed at ensuring long-term structural integrity, visitor safety, and the preservation of one of South Africa’s most photographed hiking attractions.

The full reconstruction project is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2026.

Why the Tsitsikamma suspension bridge is being rebuilt

Originally constructed in 1969, the suspension bridge spans the dramatic Storms River mouth and offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline, indigenous Tsitsikamma forest, and deep river gorge. Over decades of exposure to harsh marine conditions, key structural components have deteriorated.

The current project includes:

• Demolition and replacement of all superstructures on the three suspension bridges
• Rehabilitation and strengthening of supporting substructures
• Removal of deteriorated concrete
• Application of specialised repair mortars and protective coatings

These upgrades will extend the lifespan of the bridges while maintaining the character of the original design.

What this means for visitors (March–June 2026)

The suspension bridges form part of the popular 2 km Storms River Mouth hiking trail, which features stable wooden walkways and stairs suitable for families and visitors of varying fitness levels.

To minimise disruption during peak Garden Route travel months, SANParks is implementing the reconstruction in phases:

• Bridges 2 and 3:
• Currently closed, scheduled to reopen on 23 March 2026
• Main 77-metre suspension bridge:
• Closed from 24 March to 23 June 2026

Once Bridges 2 and 3 reopen, visitors will still be able to enjoy partial access to the trail. Full access to all bridges and the complete hiking route is expected to resume after 23 June 2026.

Travel Planning Advice for Garden Route Visitors

If you are visiting the Garden Route between March and June 2026:

• Expect limited access to the full suspension bridge circuit.
• Follow all on-site signage and official safety instructions.
• Consider alternative viewpoints and short coastal walks within the Tsitsikamma section of the park.

The reconstruction is a proactive infrastructure investment that ensures the Storms River suspension bridges remain a highlight of the Garden Route for decades to come.

For travellers planning a Garden Route self-drive itinerary, this temporary closure should not significantly impact overall trip planning - but it is worth factoring into your hiking expectations.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge temporarily closed for maintenance!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the iconic Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge, located at the Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, will be temporarily closed for essential maintenance from 02 February 2026 to 07 February 2026. The bridge is scheduled to reopen to visitors on 08 February 2026. SANParks emphasizes that this closure is necessary to ensure visitor safety while maintenance work is carried out.

The Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge is one of the park’s most visited attractions, offering breathtaking views of the Storms River Gorge and the surrounding indigenous forests. Stretching high above the river, the bridge provides a thrilling experience for nature lovers and photographers alike, making it a must-see stop on any Garden Route itinerary. Visitors are encouraged to explore alternative trails and viewpoints in the Tsitsikamma Section during the temporary closure.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.