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settlement in Sarah Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Western Cape > Garden Route > Storms River

Storms River

Storms River (Stormsriver) is a small village in the Eastern Cape on the Garden Route surrounded by pine plantations along the N2. It is the gateway to the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Understand

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Storms River
Storms River

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!

Get in

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By car

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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

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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 07:30 and 15:30, bus fare to PE costs R60, way less than what the main companies charge.

By rail & plane

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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[dead link]. The nearest airports are located either in George or in Port Elizabeth, both 180 km away.

Get around

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Map
Map of Storms River

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 5 km west of the village along the N2.

Guided walks

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Hiking

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

  • Plaatbos Walk. Various options from 800 m to 12 km circular or linear. 
  • Low water bridge. About 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 Walk. 2 km, easy, passes through indigenous forest. 

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.

River tubing

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River tubing in the Storms River starts around 08:00 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 12:00, 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.

  • Andelomi, 31/34 Formosa St, ☏ +27 42 281-1726, . Daily. 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. ~R150-200 for 3 courses. 
  • Koffiepot, Darnell St. Daily 08:00-16:00. 
  • Mild&Wild, 111 Darnell St. Daily 09:00-21:00. Offers affordable and nice meals, pizzas and steaks. 
  • [dead link] D'Oude Martha (at the Protea Hotel), Corner of Kamassi & Darnell Sts, ☏ +27 42 281-1711. A long tradition of good, home cooked food. R60pp. 
  • Rafters, 24 Fynbos Ave (at the Armagh), ☏ +27 42 281-1512. Family restaurant serving traditional South African cuisine. Booking ahead recommended. R150pp including wine. 
  • Trees, 101 Darnell St. Daily 08:00-16:00. 
  • Marilyn's 60s Diner, Darnell St (Storms River Village, Tsitsikamma), ☏ +27 82 920-6626. 10:00 - after dinner. American style 1960s 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 desserts, 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. Reasonable. 

Sleep

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This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
BudgetUnder R500
Mid-rangeR500 to R1000
SplurgeOver R1000

Budget

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Mid-range

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Splurge

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Stay safe

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  • Police, ☏ 10111 (domestic). 

Stay healthy

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  • Dr. Stander, Corner of Formosa & Kamassi Streets, ☏ +27 42 281-1710. M Tu Th F 10:00-13:00. Doctor. 
  • Public Hospital, Corner of Karen & Krom St, Kareedouw, ☏ +27 42 288-0210. The closest hospital is about 40 km away. 
  • Private Hospital, Muller St, Plettenberg Bay, ☏ +27 44 501-5100. The safest hospital is about 65 km away. 

Go next

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This city travel guide to Storms River is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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