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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Garden Route National Park: Opening of a temporary restaurant structure at Tsitsikamma section!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that it has opened a temporary restaurant structure at Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park after the previous structure was washed out by a storm surge on 16 September 2023. According to SANParks, the temporary restaurant boasts a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, offering visitors a unique blend of delectable cuisine. The permanent restaurant building structure is scheduled to be completed mid-2024. We'll keep you posted!

Garden Route National Park: Storm Surge in Tsitsikamma! [update #2]

update (19 September 2023): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on the storm surge and high spring tide in Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park:

• Nature’s Valley Rest Camp in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is now open to the public.
• Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open to the public. Accommodation facilities have not been affected by the storm surge and accommodation is still available for visitors who would like to overnight in the National Park. All the hiking trails are now open and accessible to the public including the Otter trail, Waterfall hiking trail and Mouth trail (Suspension bridge).
• The restaurant is closed until further notice. SANParks management is working on strategies for reconstructing temporary dining facility. In the meantime, SANParks is advising visitors to bring their own lunch. The Park shop remains open and operational to offer a convenient selection of drinks, snacks and cooking essentials, ensuring visitors have easy access to refreshments and supplies during their stay at the Camp.
• The Park telephone lines are now fully restored and operational. 

update (18 September 2023): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update (17 September 2023) on the storm surge and high spring tide in Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, which mainly occurred on 16 September 2023.

• the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open to the public
• the temporary restaurant structure within the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park has sustained severe damage and has been washed out by the storm surge. The restaurant remains closed. The Park shop is open and operational at this stage.
• All guests on the Otter Trail have been successfully evacuated through designated escape routes, ensuring their safety throughout the storm surge.
• The Waterfall hiking trail and the Mouth trails (Suspension bridge) have been temporarily closed. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of our visitors
• Nature's Valley Camp remains temporarily closed due to flooding experienced last night. Park management is actively addressing the situation and conducting necessary assessments. The camp will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
• The Wilderness and Knysna sections of the Garden Route National Park are also affected by the storm surge and high spring tide with minimal damage to infrastructure. The sections are accessible to the public and remain on high alert. Park management is currently assessing the damage.
• No injuries are currently reported in the Garden Route National Park. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when visiting this area and also check South African Weather Service for weather alerts and warnings.
• As a result of the ongoing storm surge, park communications remain offline. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that a storm surge is currently happening around the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park due to adverse weather conditions in the region. The management of the National Park and local authorities are assessing the situation as far as safety is concerned. All visitors and staff have been evacuated at this point to a safe area. The safety and well-being of all individuals within the Tsitsikamma section is of utmost importance. The management of the National Park is working diligently with local authorities to ensure the situation is managed effectively and that visitors are kept safe during this storm surge.
Visitors planning to visit the area are urged to exercise caution. SANParks communications in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is currently down due to the storm surge. We'll keep you posted!

Covid-19: South African National Parks to introduce stricter safety measures for Garden Route National Park during the festive season!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that stricter measures to curb infections with Covid-19 will be introduce for all three sections - Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wilderness - of the Garden Route National Park during this festive season. According to Vuyiswa Thabethe, General Manager for the Garden Route region of SANParks, the following measures will apply effective 16 December 2020: 

• A quota system will be implemented at all entrance gates in the Garden Route National Park in Tsitsikamma, Wilderness and Knysna. 
• Popular areas like Island Lake, Tarentaal and the Half-collard Kingfisher Trail will have a quota system, restricting the number of people entering the facilities.
• The Wilderness Lagoon area (Touw River Mouth), closer to the Wilderness beach, will be closed completely from the 15th of December 2020 to the 15th of January 2021. 
• Other controlled access areas in Wilderness include those leading to Big trees like Krisjian se Nek, Dalene Matthee memorial and popular picnic spots. Visitors will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• The Knysna estuary will remain open for water-based commercial tourism activities, recreational fishing and bait collecting (in allowed zones) as well as recreational water activities. 
• Knysna Estuary users are requested to comply with the required Covid-19 prevention protocols, including social distancing, regular sanitising and use of masks. 
• All permitted commercial operators on the Knysna estuary have signed COVID-19 declaration protocols to confirm they comply with all the necessary COVID-19 prevention protocols and hence provide a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.
• Knysna estuary users are requested to comply with the required vessel capacity, both in terms of safety regulations and in terms of COVID-19 prevention regulations to ensure recreational use of the estuary does not become one of the sources of infections.
• All hiking and cycling trails in Garden Route National Park remain open and will implement a quota system.
• Picnic areas in Garden Route National Park that do not have an entrance gate will remain closed.
• Vessel and boat permits, activity permits and other recreational permits are available at Park reception areas on Thesen Island office (Knysna), Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness and de Vasselot camp in Natures Valley.
• Visitors are reminded to always be in possession of a valid permit to avoid a fine being issued.
• Fishing and bait collection permits can only be purchased from the South African Post Office (SAPO) during official operating hours. 
• Annual or Seasonal Vessel Permits can be bought from the Thesen Island office (Knysna) Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00 and Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00, only.
• Cycling permits (annual, monthly, family and daily permits) can be obtained from the Garden of Eden, Harkerville Office or Diepwalle Office.
  

Garden Route National Park: Stringent safety measures will apply during the summer holidays!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that stringent safety measures will apply in all three sections - Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wilderness - of the Garden Route National Park during this summer holidays. According to Vuyiswa Thabethe, General Manager for the Garden Route region of SANParks, Park Rangers will be on high alert during this period keeping visible patrols in all areas to ensure compliance of rules, protection of nature and visitors alike. SANParks also encourages visitors to observe social distancing at all times, wear their masks, sanitize hands at all entrances and be willing to have their temperature checked.

• A quota system will be introduced in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park as from 16 December 2020. Popular areas like Island Lake, Tarentaal and the Half-collard Kingfisher Trail will have a quota system, restricting the number of people entering the facilities.
• The Lagoon area, closer to the Wilderness beach, will be closed completely from 15 December 2020 to 15 January 2021.
• Other controlled access areas include those leading to Big trees like Krisjian se Nek, Dalene Matthee memorial and popular picnic spots. Visitors will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Vessel and boat permits, activity permits and other recreational permits are available at Park reception areas on Thesen Island office (Knysna), Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness.
• Fishing and bait collection permits can only be purchased from the South African Post Office (SAPO) during official operating hours.
• Annual or Seasonal Vessel Permits can be bought from the Thesen Island office (Knysna) Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00 and Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00, only.
• Emergencies on the Knysna Estuary can be reported to the Knysna Ranger on Duty at 082 269 5007.
• Cycling permits (annual, monthly, family and daily permits) can be obtained from the Garden of Eden, Harkerville Office or Diepwalle Office.

Garden Route: Tsitsikamma is open for business after the fires!

According to a public announcement by the Tsitsikamma Tourism Association on facebook, tourism in the Tsitsikamma area has been unaffected by the devasting fires that started on 23 October 2018 in Lottering and on 29 October 2018 in the area from Stormsriver to Clarkson. There has been no loss of life, nor damage to houses reported. Serious damage has been caused to plantations and fence lines. All tourism operations in the Tsitsikamma area, including accommodation establishments, tour operators, eateries and other related businesses, are continuing as normal, the roads are open, the Garden Route National Park is open and the Stormsriver Village is ready again to receive visitors.

Eastern Cape: The attractions of Tsitsikamma - Gateway to the Garden Route!

The Emfuleni Corridor Tourism Association (ECTOUR), an umbrella body of tourism associations from various tourism nodes across South Africa's Eastern Cape, has released a new image video highlighting the various attractions of Tsitsikamma. The region, which sits on a 200m high plateau stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean.

South Africa: Eastern Cape launches new tourist route "Coastal Route"

The tourism authority of South Afirca's Eastern Cape Province, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, has launched tourist route. The so-called "Coastal Route" covers the entire length of the province's pristine coastline. The 800km route starts at Tstsikamma and includes famous attractions such as the Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, the rich heritage of Frontier Country, the picturesque village of Hogsback and the Amatola Mountains before reaching the unspoilt beaches of the Wild Coast.

The new "Coastal Route" aims to showcase the Eastern Cape’s biodiversity and contrasting landscapes, which feature primeval coastal forests, white sandy beaches, diverse wildlife, ancient rock art and Xhosa culture. The route is subdivided into a number of sub-routes, each with their own unique features and characteristics.

Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of Storms River Trail

Due to heavy rains, access to the Storms River Trail leading to the suspension bridge (crossing over Storms River) in the Tsitsikamma section (Storms River Rest Camp) of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) has been closed with immediate effect.
The situation is being closely monitored and the public will be notified once the necessary repairs to the boardwalk and safety measures have been completed. (via sanparks.org)

Promotional video: The Cacadu District (Eastern Cape, South Africa)

The Cacadu District, which was formerly the Western district, covers the rural western areas of the Eastern Cape province. The coastal parts of the district have temperate winter rainfall, with around 500 -700 mm of rain per year. The Tsitsikamma and Baviaans parks lie in the west of the district close to the Western Cape. The interior of the Cacadu District is mainly dry Karoo and grasslands comprised of commercial farms. In spite of the barren interior, the Sundays and Fish Rivers maintain large irrigated farming and these rivers are supplied by water from the Orange River. The only eco-system not found in the Cacadu District is the true desert. The district is one of the finest game viewing areas in South Africa. It is the place where major cultures in South Africa came into contact.



Accommodation in the Cacadu District: Tsitsikamma & Langkloof | Addo | Jeffreys Bay & St. Francis | Grahamstown | Sunshine Coast | Baviaans & The Gamtoos Valley | Karoo

View Cacudu District in a larger map

also on this blog: Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour | Hostelworld podcast: Jeffrey's Bay - A surfer's paradise | Shamwari Game Reserve Conservation Project & much more

Garden Route: Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour

A fantastically unique wilderness adventure. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of the magnificent Tsitsikamma Rain Forest canopy as you glide along steel zip cables thirty metres above the forest floor!

On arrival at Tsitsikamma forest, meet your guide for a detailed safety briefing and then head into the forest for your canopy adventure. The first of its kind in Africa, the tour consists of eight platforms located high in the treetops and nine slides, the longest of which stretches for 80 metres! Enjoy the adrenalin trill of gliding from platform to platform high above the forest floor and marvel at the fantastic scenery afforded by your elevated position including views of giant ferns way below. Throughout the tour, you guides will enthusiastically talk about the ecology of the forest - pointing out different trees and wildlife including birds such as Knysna Loeries, the elusive Narina Trogon and if you are lucky the Samago monkey.

more info & online booking >>
Garden Route tours >>
accommodation close to Tsitsikamma/in Stormsriver >>

Garden Route National Park: The Big Tree open to public again

The famous "Big Tree" in the Garden Route National Park is open to the pubic after it was inaccessible for the last 36 months because of roadworks in the area. The Tsitsikamma tree is estimated to be between 600-800 years old, has a trunk circumference of 9m and stands almost 40m high.


View The Big Tree, Garden Route National Park in a larger map

The majestic tree is open to viewing all year around. Interested visitors can park their cars in the parking lot beside the N2 near the Paul Sauer bridge over the Storms River. The walk to the majestic yellowwood is about 1km in total and takes about 10 minutes. Two additional trails start from the same spot for the slightly more intrepid hiker - one of 2,6 km and another of 4,2 km.

btw - Paul Sauer bridge is also known as Storms River bridge, but its official name is Paul Sauer bridge!

Garden Route info guide >>
tours along the Garden Route >>

Table Mountain's Cableway closed for annual maintenance & Otter Trail open again

Table Mountain National Park's Cableway closed for annual maintenance during July to August 2009
The Cableway at the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) will be closed for annual maintenance from 20 July to 16 August and will reopen for business on 17 August 2009 if weather permits.

Otter Trail fully operational as of today, 29 June 2009
Visitors to the Tsitsikamma National Park are hereby informed that the Otter Trail is now fully operational as of today, 29 June 2009.
If you would like more information on the status of this areas, please contact Zet on 071 513 8221.

Cape Town city guide >>
Garden Route tours >>
rental car online booking >>
more info about the Otter Trail >>
more info about Table Mountain >>