Storms River

Located in the Garden Route and functions as the gateway to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Only a short drive east of Knysna, Storms River comprises more than just a village – it is a synonym for anything adventurous and daring, mild or wild. Storms River mouth is spanned by a suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views over rocks and coves and crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The bridge leads to a lookout point from which sweeping views over a verdant forest and the Storms River camp reward any hike to this area. A first-class eco-destination, ecologically sensitive activities such as bungee jumping from the Bloukrans River Bridge, and canopy tours, are two of the most popular things to do at Storms River and surrounds!

By car

Located on the N2 the village is easily accessible by car from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town as well as other towns along the Garden Route.

By bus

The main companies stop in Storms River at the petrol station on their Cape Town - Port Elizabeth run. The petrol station is 5 km from town, all establishments in Storms River will charge something like R50 for pick up and drop off. The cheaper option: the public bus, drives from Knysna towards Port Elizabeth in the morning, returning to Knysna in the afternoon. The bus stops north of Storms River West (township) on the N2 (which is walking distance), around 7:30AM and 3:30PM, bus fare to PE costs R60, way less than what the main companies charge.

By rail & plane

There is no rail station nor airport in Storms River. Though the nearest train station is at Assegaai, in Kareedouw (40 km), as a stop of the Apple Express. The nearest airports are located either in George or in Port Elizabeth, both 180 km away.

The village is small enough to get around on foot or by bike, or you can take your vehicle.

Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the main attractions near Storms River and is situated 5km west of the village along the N2.

• Outback Trial Riders

  phone: +27 42 281-1842
  address: Corner of Assegaai & Formosa St's
  Guided horse rides through the indigenous forest

• Segway Tours

  phone: +27 81 320-3977
  address: 54 Formosa St
  Guided ride on a segway around the village, through the township, indigenous forest and/or to the Big Tree.

• Treetop Canopy Tour

  phone: +27 42 281-1836
  address: 101 Darnell St
  See the indigenous forest from the tree tops, 30m up.

• Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure

  phone: +27 42 280-3770
  address: 8km east along the N2 from the Storms River bridge
  8 slides across the Kruis river, over waterfalls and rock pools, the longest 211 m long.

• Woodcutters' Journey

  phone: +27 42 281-1836
  address: 101 Darnell St
  Enjoy a tractor-trailer ride down the old Storms River Pass, with a knowledgeable guide and refreshments served next to the river.

Guided walks

• Forest Fynbos Walks

  phone: +27 42 281-1936
  Guided forest walks with Bob and Louise Reed, bird watchers, who love to share their knowledge of nature.

Hiking

Starting at the Forest Station down-town Storms River, all have free self-issue permits at unmanned gates.

• Plaatbos WalkVarious options from 800 m to 12 km circular or linear.

• Low water bridgeAbout 5 km, circular, follow the gravel road (the Old Pass) to the picnic site on the banks of the Storms River. Braai facilities and swim in the river.

• Goesa Walk2 km, easy, passes through indigenous forest.

Mountain biking

A 22-km cycle route, starting from Storms River Village, through the old Storms River Pass, passing the low water bridge over the Storms River, all the way to the viewpoint of the Tsitsikamma National Park over Storms River Mouth. From there on you can cycle the same road back, or you could walk down (with your bike) towards the suspension bridge and exit through the rest camp, returning to Storms River Village over the N2. By entering the National Park from the rear, you're not paying entrance fees! Mountain bikes can be hired in town from the Mild2Wild Adventure Center and at all 3 backpackers.

• Mountain Bike Hire

  phone: +27 42 281-1054
  address: 111 Darnell St

River tubing

River tubing in the Storms River starts around 8AM with a briefing, then you get fitted with wetsuits and other gear, a short 4x4 ride gets you near the river, you'll have to walk the last bit, a very steep descent. When the river is high, you can paddle all the way, when the river is low, tubing becomes more of a 'kloofing' experience. Takes till noon, where get picked up with a 4x4, driven back to town for dry clothes and a well deserved lunch. There are 2 operators in town.

• Storms River Tubing

  phone: +27 84 877-7100
  address: 111 Darnell St
  Storms River Tubing is fun, yet physically demanding activity.

• Black Water Tubing

  phone: +27 42 481-1757
  address: Corner of Saffron & Darnell St's
  Including free braai lunch!

• Andelomi

  phone: +27 42 281-1726
  address: 31/34 Formosa St
  Best food in Storms River, including meat, fish and vegetarian options. Booking recommended so they can prepare for your arrival otherwise you may have to wait a while.

• Koffiepot

  address: Darnell St

• Mild&Wild

  address: 111 Darnell St
  Offers affordable and nice meals, pizzas and steaks.

• D'Oude Martha

  phone: +27 42 281-1711
  address: Corner of Kamassi & Darnell St's
  A long tradition of good, home cooked food.

• Rafters

  phone: +27 42 281-1512
  address: 24 Fynbos Ave
  Family restaurant serving traditional South African cuisine. Booking ahead recommended.

• Trees

  address: 101 Darnell St

• Marilyn's 60s Diner

  phone: +27 82 920-6626
  address: Darnell St
  American Style 60s diner with checked floors, red & white colour scheme, Juke Box and sugar shakers. With its Cadillac's and Chevy's on display, neon rimmed signage, 1950 and 60s décor and Elvis and Marilyn memorabilia, the place creates a quirky and nostalgic feel. Everything from breakfast, cakes and milkshakes to All American Cocktails, burgers, steaks and diner style deserts, as well as a venue for private functions and 1950s and 60s style themed weddings. Storms River's most popular eatery - can be busy and service isn't always the best.

Budget

• DiJembe Backpackers Lodge

  phone: +27 42 281-1842
  address: Corner of Assegaai & Formosa St's
  Lodge and self-catering. Food and accommodation of all sorts. Staff is particularly angry and overall the lodge feels unclean. There is hot water available, when the water is on, though the water seems to be off every morning. Avoid if possible. Adventures like: horseriding, mountainbiking and rivertubing.

• Tsalanang Township Bed&Breakfast

  phone: +27 84 801-6274
  address: House 252, Storms River West
  Enjoy rural township life at a graded dinner, bed&breakfast. Township walk included. Call to confirm availability.

• Tsitsikamma Backpackers

  phone: +27 42 281-1868
  address: 54 Formosa St

• Tube 'n' Axe Backpackers

  phone: +27 42 281-1757
  address: Corner of Saffron & Darnell St's
  With camping, dorms, cosy doubles and watertight elevated tents for budget travellers.

• Serenity Retreat

  phone: +27 42 281-1530
  address: Darnell St

• Pear Tree Cottage

  phone: +27 82 427-5248
  address: Formosa St

Mid-range

• Andelomi Forest Lodge

  phone: +27 42 281-1726
  address: 31 Formosa St
  In a quiet street but still an easy walk around town with a good restaurant, attached, laundry service.

• At the Woods

  phone: +27 42 281-1446
  address: 43 Formosa St
  A relaxing and comfortable base from which to explore the Tsitsikamma and surrounding areas.

• March Hare Cottage

  phone: +27 42 281-1419
  address: 94 Kamassi St
  Luxury self-catering cottage, fully equipped, sleeps 2 (plus sleeper couch). Discounts by negotiation.

• Storms River Guest Lodge

  phone: +27 42 281-1703
  address: 28 Kammassi St
  16 upmarket and comfortable all en suite double rooms.

• The Village Lodge

  phone: +27 42 28 11 438
  address: 40 Darnell St
  Variety of comfortable rooms, en suite hot shower, cooking facilities, spacious gardens. On the main road next to the main shops.

Splurge

• Protea Hotel Tsitsikamma Village

  phone: +27 42 281-1711
  address: Corner of Kamassi & Darnell St's
  A reconstructed Cape village with 50 rooms looks like a village on its own.

• The Armagh

  phone: +27 42 281-1512
  address: 24 Fynbos Ave
  Spacious, en suite rooms with magnificent views and private patios which lead into the sprawling natural gardens.

• Police

  phone: 10111 (domestic)

• Dr. Stander

  phone: +27 42 281-1710
  address: Corner of Formosa & Kamassi Streets
  Doctor.

• Public Hospital

  phone: +27 42 288-0210
  address: Corner of Karen & Krom St, Kareedouw
  The closest hospital is about 40 km away.

• Private Hospital

  phone: +27 44 501-5100
  address: Muller St, Plettenberg Bay
  The safest hospital is about 65 km away.

• Tsitsikamma - The surrounding area offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities and other activities.
• The rest of the Garden Route. Including Nature's Valley to the west, and Port Elizabeth to the east.