You’ve Earned It/YEI will be exploring a few different regions
in South Africa to check out what they have to offer
South African 60-plussers
We head first to the Tsitsikamma,
the Garden of the Garden Route,
to find out why the Tsitsikamma is on the bucket list
of many 60-plussers
It has become clear that a few nights in this part of the world
will most definitely reduce your stress
and recharge your batteries
Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word which means “place of abundant or sparkling water”. And the meaning certainly delivers. This region sits on a 200 m high plateau stretching from the Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east. The imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains border the north, and the Indian Ocean is to the south. The area is covered by large tracts of indigenous forest, commercial plantations and fynbos. Deep river gorges cleft the plateau as they make their way down to the sea.
A mild all-year-round climate allows you to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that take your fancy. The Tsitsikamma region is bursting with things to do, or if you’re looking to do a lot of nothing, that can be arranged too!
We head to the Tsitsikamma Village Inn where we are welcomed to Village Life! The Tsitsikamma Village Inn is an historic hotel, offering scenic accommodation in Storms River and is tucked away in the lush Tsitsikamma Forest. Most of the rooms are situated around a typical Village green and the buildings reflect many of the different building styles that were found in the Cape Colony during the 1800s. And to boot, you are offered a pensioner deal! Irma and her team go all out to ensure one has a marvellous time!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: Tsitsikamma Village Inn
A trip to this part of the world wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery where “Not all beers are created equal”! The one of a kind micro-brewery brews up uniquely local brews available on tap. From grain to glass, only the purest intentions go into making their beer. The beer is brewed according to the 1487 German Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law): using only barley, hops and water. The ingredients are carefully selected and the water is from Tsitsikamma’s very own well – giving you that original Tsitsikamma brewery taste.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery
Marilyn Monroe! What is Marilyn Monroe doing in a small South African town like this? This was a big, but nice, surprise! We can’t give away too much except to say it is a retro 60’s diner 😊 proudly sporting the all American burger and cold milkshakes. Enough said! Except you are going to love this eclectic dining experience. Enjoy jukebox classics, stunning classic cars and a bike collection. Celebrate the sensational 60s era of none other than the one and only Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley! Now, I’ve said too much – but you don’t want to miss this one!
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: Marilyn’s Diner
You can see why you need a few days in this area. Also on the agenda, was the Tsitsikamma Hotel’s Hunters Pub. This was a hunting lodge built in 1841. It was built to accommodate hunters that walked into the area to hunt game in the surrounding forests. In 1860, Thomas Bain constructed the road from Plettenberg Bay to Kareedouw through the Tsitsikamma. This 184 km road took 4 years to complete with the help of 200 convicts. Just past the Tsitsikamma Village Inn is the original pass. At the time, the pass was so narrow, it was only open to traffic in one direction each day. Travellers waiting for their turn used to chill out in the Hotel’s ground.
The Adventure Capital of South Africa s also known as Storms River. There are a number of great adventure-type activities operating from or close to the village. Options include the Tsitsikamma treetop canopy tour, Woodcutters journey, black water tubing, mountain bike hire, segway trips, kayak and kloofing, scuba and snorkeling, abseiling, Tsitsikamma zipline tours, Tsitsikamma boat cruise, bungy jumping (highest in the world!), hiking and walking. So much choice for all those fit, healthy and adventurous 60-plussers!
We know many 60-plussers love hiking. So if hiking is your thing, you are spoilt for choice with the Tsitsikamma hiking trails. Explore the beautiful, indigenous forests in Storms River on one of the many hiking trails in the area. The trails vary in distance and terrain and are suitable for every level of hiker. Trails extend out to the Storms River Mouth, Sandy Bay and some include a part of the famous Otter Trail.
Depending on your likes and dislikes, there are a myriad more activities in the area such as The Bitou Art Gallery, the Storms River Centre Arts and Crafts, the Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary, you can birdwatch and mountain bike. The famous Storms River Suspension Bridge spans the river mouth.
And last, but certainly not least, a trip to this neck of the woods is incomplete without a visit to the Big Tree. The big yellowwood giant is estimated to be almost 1000 years old, stands 36.6 metres high and has a circumference of almost 9 metres.
Now we understand why the Tsitsikamma needs to be on every 60-plussers’ bucket list. Don’t miss it! You’re guaranteed to love your time there. We will be back!
If you are interested in visiting the Tsitsikamma area and wish to find out more about the Tsitsikamma Village Inn, please complete the following form,
Article by You’ve Earned It/YEI
One of our favourite getaway spots. There are few things nicer than camping at the SANPARKS Storms River Nature Reserve.
Hi Glenn
You’re quite right – this is a beautiful part of South Africa. In fact, we are very blessed to be spoilt for choice with beautiful spots to visit. Thanks for your comment.
Regards, the YEI Team
What is the tariff as now all of us can afford to go there
Dear Gloria
We will ask the Tsitsikamma Village Inn to respond to you.
Kind regards
The YEI Team
Cost for caravan for to persons a night or montly please
Dear Frik
Thank you for your enquiry. I’m not sure that the Tsitsikamma Village Inn has caravan sites, but there will be sites in that vicinity. We will however pass your enquiry on to the Inn.
Kind regards
The YEI Team