The Waterfall Trail, Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa
If you’re spending time on South Africa’s famed Garden Route, the Waterfall Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park is a hike you absolutely shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most visually dramatic short hikes we’ve ever done, combining rugged coastal cliffs, indigenous forest, and a mesmerising waterfall that tumbles directly into a rocky pool before joining the ocean. Though relatively short, this trail is not for the faint-hearted—it’s steep, scrambly, and the terrain can be quite unforgiving in places. That said, it’s well worth the effort, especially if you bring your swimming gear and make a full day of it.
Part of the first 3km of the world-renowned Otter Trail, the Waterfall Trail offers a perfect taste of the wild beauty that makes this part of the country so unique.
Start point: Storms River Mouth Rest Camp—inside Tsitsikamma National Park (SANParks entry fee required—in 2025 it is 327 rand/£14 per person for international citizens)
End point: Same as start point (out-and-back trail)
Average duration: 3 hours return (longer if you picnic or swim)
Distance: 6km return
Elevation gain: Mostly undulating with some steep rocky scrambles
When to go: Year-round, but try to avoid high tide when sections of the trail can become tricky or impassable
Difficulty: Moderate to hard (scrambling required, especially over slippery coastal boulders)
Maps/Info: You can find trail info at the Storms River Mouth entrance or check the SANParks website https://www.sanparks.org for updates
TOP TIPS:
Proper hiking shoes are essential – the rocks are jagged and slippery
Take a backpack with snacks, a full water bottle, sun protection, and a hat
Swimming costume and towel – the waterfall pool is magical if you fancy a dip
Watch the tides – plan your hike at low or mid tide for safety
Not suitable for very young kids or anyone with mobility issues – some clambering required
Don’t forget your camera – this is one of the most beautiful hikes on the garden route
The hike:
We started our hike around 9.30am after another short hike out to the suspension bridge in the other direction. The skies were bright, the ocean dramatic, and there was just enough breeze to keep things cool. You begin the trail just past the caravan and campervan site and immediately find yourself hugging the coast, with pounding surf just metres away on your left hand side. It’s hard not to stop every few minutes to take in the views—towering cliffs, wild fynbos, and the constant roar of waves crashing against the rocky shore.
At first, the trail feels fairly easy. You’ll wind along a defined path through coastal vegetation with a few gentle ups and downs. But don’t be fooled—soon enough the flat dirt track gives way to boulders and rocky ledges. Some sections require both hands to balance or pull yourself up and over large slabs of rock. I’d injured my leg the day before, so we took it slower than usual, and honestly I was glad for the excuse to pause often and soak in the surroundings.
One of the more dramatic moments came as we skirted a cliff edge with the ocean below—definitely not somewhere to lose your footing! It’s manageable, but care is required. There are no ropes or railings here, and the path is not always clearly marked, so stay alert and look out for painted markers or worn footpaths.
After roughly 90 minutes of steady scrambling, we heard the unmistakable sound of cascading water. Rounding a final rocky bend, we were greeted with the sight of the waterfall tumbling down into a deep, clear pool nestled among boulders, before spilling into the sea just beyond. It felt like discovering a hidden paradise.
We weren’t the only ones there, but the area is big enough to find a little space for yourself. Some people sunbathed on the rocks, others were braving the icy water for a swim. We sat and had our packed lunch, let our feet dangle in the water, and just took it all in.
If you’re going for a dip, be cautious—the rocks are slippery and the pool can be deeper than expected in parts, and the water goes out to sea here, so there are currents to consider. But it’s refreshing, and swimming under the waterfall itself is a brilliant way to cool off after the hike in.
The return route is exactly the same, and for us, slightly slower as my leg wasn’t improving. That said, descending some of the larger rocks was a bit easier than climbing them. Just take your time and keep your eyes on the ground—this is not a trail to rush through.
The Waterfall Trail is not your average beach stroll—it’s a mini-adventure packed into a few kilometres of trail. You’ll climb, scramble, slip, laugh, and probably get wet, and it’s all part of the magic. If you’re heading through Tsitsikamma, carve out half a day for this spectacular coastal hike. You won’t regret it.
Once you’re done, reward yourself with something from the café at the Storms River Mouth camp (their coffee and breakfasts hit the spot), or just sit on the deck and watch the waves smash against the cliffs. There’s nothing quite like it.