- Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge — The icon of the park: a swaying footbridge and cliff-edge boardwalk that give dramatic views straight down into the gorge where the river meets the sea. Great for photos, adrenaline and a real sense of the coastline’s raw power.
- Otter Trail (trailhead at Storms River) — One of South Africa’s most famous multi-day hikes. It’s rugged, scenic and remote, stretching about 40 km along cliffs, beaches and forest. Permits and planning are needed, but even just hiking the first day gives you a taste of why people rave about it.
- Storms River Gorge & Jetty — The narrow, tree-lined gorge carved by the river is beautiful from the jetty and lookouts. Low-light in the morning or late afternoon makes the rock textures and reflections pop. Bonus: quiet paddling or
- Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge — The icon of the park: a swaying footbridge and cliff-edge boardwalk that give dramatic views straight down into the gorge where the river meets the sea. Great for photos, adrenaline and a real sense of the coastline’s raw power.
- Otter Trail (trailhead at Storms River) — One of South Africa’s most famous multi-day hikes. It’s rugged, scenic and remote, stretching about 40 km along cliffs, beaches and forest. Permits and planning are needed, but even just hiking the first day gives you a taste of why people rave about it.
- Storms River Gorge & Jetty — The narrow, tree-lined gorge carved by the river is beautiful from the jetty and lookouts. Low-light in the morning or late afternoon makes the rock textures and reflections pop. Bonus: quiet paddling or just watching the water funnel out to sea.
- Guided Kayak Trips through the Gorge — Paddling into the mouth of the river is a very different way to experience the park: intimate, peaceful and often wildlife-rich. Strong currents and swell can happen, so go with a guide rather than winging it solo.
- The ”Big Tree” and Indigenous Forest Trails — A short walk leads to an enormous yellowwood (the famous “Big Tree”) tucked in ancient coastal forest. The trails here are shady, mossy and a lovely contrast to the exposed coastal cliffs.
- Short Boardwalks & Lookouts — If you’re not up for long hikes, the easy boardwalk loops still deliver: cliff-top panoramas, close-up views of the gorge and well-placed benches to linger without breaking a sweat.
- Marine and Bird Life — Dolphins are often spotted from shore and, in season, whales pass offshore (winter to spring). The coastal and forest habitats also attract a tidy mix of seabirds, raptors and forest species — bring binoculars.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.