There are some places on the Garden Route where you arrive, have a look around, take a photo and move on. Then there are places where you actually get out of the vehicle and experience something. The suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park is definitely one of the latter.
One of the things I like about doing the Garden Route with Convoy Tours is that we spend as little time in the vehicle as possible. Yes, we cover some big distances, so there are times when we have to put the miles in, but whenever there’s an opportunity to get out and explore, we take it. Exploring the national parks on foot is always welcome.
The walk to the suspension bridge takes you through beautiful indigenous forest, following a wooden boardwalk towards the dramatic Storms River Mouth. The forest is dense and peaceful, and then suddenly you emerge and see the river, cliffs and ocean in front of you.
And then you see it.
The famous suspension bridge stretches 77 metres across the mouth of the Storms River, where the river meets the Indian Ocean. There are actually three suspension bridges in the area, with the main bridge being the longest.
Crossing it isn’t exactly terrifying, but you certainly know you’re on a suspension bridge. It moves beneath your feet, particularly when other people are crossing, and looking down at the water below adds to the experience.
On one side is the wild Indian Ocean. Behind you, the Storms River disappears into a spectacular gorge surrounded by thick indigenous forest. It’s an incredible combination of scenery and a fantastic place for photographs.
But don’t just cross the bridge and turn around. Stop halfway across and take a moment to look around. This is what the Garden Route is all about: getting out, exploring and actually experiencing the places you’re travelling through.
For me, that’s a big part of what makes a Convoy Tours trip different. I’m Rob, and I don’t want to spend the whole day with my guests looking through a windscreen. We have some serious distances to cover on the Garden Route, but when we arrive somewhere like Tsitsikamma, I want to get out and explore it too.
So bring your walking shoes, cross the bridge, take some photographs and enjoy the forest.
And yes, the bridge moves.
That’s half the fun.
