Speaking on-site, Project Manager for Infrastructure Projects in the Garden Route National Park says ‘we are excited and looking forward to completing the project before the festive rush. The café will be opened in December and the curio shop is also underway.’

The project is on the way to the Garden Route National Park’s biggest tree in Tsitsikamma- The ‘Big Tree’ an Outeniqua Yellowwood in Tsitsikamma, estimated to be about 1000 years old. It is close to 40 meters high and about 9 meters in diameter.

The precinct is just off the N2 national road and will provide an ideal stopover for most visitors travelling between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

The R14,4 million infrastructure project had two (2) phases. The first phase took off after a Basic Environmental Assessment and an Environmental Authorisation gave a thumbs-up for bulk services to be installed. It included the provision of bulk services including water, electricity and sewer already feeding the Storms River Village (staff houses) via a pipeline which runs under the N2.

The second phase of the project was completed to create a precinct with a coffee shop and curio shop. Some 16 locals were involved in its construction with a contractor from the Eastern Cape Province (Simunye Developers).

The project was funded by the National Department of Tourism.

Visitors to the Park will be delighted to note the progress of the entrance gate to the Park which was completed earlier in 2019 and now provides better entry and exit to the Park’s Storms River Rest Camp.

The Park’s restaurant which was gutted down by a fire in 2016 was moved to a temporary facility. Architectural designs for the restaurant were completed and finances sourced from the Infrastructure Grant according to SANParks’ Curt Jones who manages infrastructure and special projects.

‘The project has had to receive approval from the National Treasury first. We are now gearing internal process to prepare for the advertisement of the tender in early 2020’ says Jones.

The Park is popular and attracts both local and international visitors.

The GRNP has adjusted its entrance fees also known as conservation fees for most of its gates to include CPI (Consumer Price Index) this year. Suggestions from local cyclists were considered. A day’s pass for cycling the world-famous Harkerville trails and Homtini costs R53. There is an introduction of monthly, seasonal and a family permit for cycling.

There is also a 20% discount applicable to vessels that are kinder to the environment such as 4-stroke engines, provided there is proof thereof. Likewise, tariffs for canoes, rowing boats and electric boats get a discount to encourage more use of environmentally friendly activities. 30 day-permits cost R100 and annual permits R200.

Plants and trees sold at the Diepwalle nursery (Knysna forest) range from R18 for 1.0L to R213 for 20L.

Entrance Gate Fees:

Tsitsikamma Section

Nature’s Valley Section

Knysna Section

WildernessSection

More information on tariffs is available on the Park’s website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/tourism/tariffs.php

For the first time this year, the Parks were open from one Sunday to the next (8 – 15 September 2019). A total of 11, 589 people visited the GRNP’s three sections- Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wilderness. This is 95% higher than last year’s 5, 926. This is the highest number recorded of nationals visiting the GRNP in one week since 2017’s 7,449.

The GRNP was the second Park to report an increase at gate arrivals after Bontebok National Park (292%), GRNP (95%) and then Table Mountain National Park (71,2%).

Garden Route National Park Manager, Paddy Gordon says ‘we would like to thank all locals and partners for supporting National Parks. Tourism is one of the economic drivers in the Garden Route’s small towns so it’s great to see locals participating.’

Multiple ‘out of the box’ activities were organised by Parks to attract visitors which worked to the Region’s favour.

Tsitsikamma’s increase from 3004 in 2018 to 6280 visitors in 2019 can be attributed to multiple events organized by People & Conservation for locals over the weekend which included an open day colour run by a popular local DJ Ian Rockman. An excited Nobulumko Gantsho of Tsitsikamma says ‘we organised a business summit during the week, had learner excursions as well as an open day with sporting fixtures, song and dance. We also organised a full day for a gospel concert. People were surprised to hear about the events but can see nature underpins everything- life.’

Knysna visitors increased from 1773 to 2201 visitors due to a partnership with the Featherbed Company who ferry locals for free across the Knysna estuary. Various nature walks and talks were also planned for locals and learners in the mystical Knysna forest. A Knysna Spring Walk was also organised to get locals walking.

Wilderness’ excursions took learners back in time through the old gold mining town of Goudveld. Learners were treated to kayaking in the Touw River, nature talks and birding.

All day hiking trails are open in all sections of the Park- Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma. The famous multi-day Otter trail (Tsitsikamma) is also open although work is underway on Day2 of the hike in areas affected by the October/ November fire. The Outeniqua hiking trail which traverses Knysna and Wilderness is open from Gouna to Harkerville (Knysna section of the Park) and closed on the Wilderness side. Hikers will walk from Gouna to Rondebossie to Diepwalle to Fisantehoek to Harkerville which is about 57km. Although the lapa in Rondebossie was burnt down during the fires, the braai facilities were not affected. Hikers get to see the extent of the fire in the first kilometre of their walk from Rondebossie to Diepwalle.

All hiking, cycling trails, picnic spots, forest excursions remain open to both day and overnight visitors. Popular picnic spot in Goudveld which was affected by the recent floods straight after the fires will be open on Saturday, the 15th December 2018. Teams are working tirelessly to get the Harkervlle Coastal Hiking trail open as well.

Mining tours in Goudveld (an old mining town in the middle of the forest) are not open to the public as yet.

The Honorary Rangers in Wilderness have organised a birding day for youngsters from the 18th -20th December 2018. The Programme includes birding talks and activities for 4-9-year-olds, juniors (10-15 years) and adults. To book, please enquire at the Ebb & Flow Rest Camp reception (044 877 0046) or francesfeig@gmail.com

The Gate project and the office building in Tsitsikamma were completed and are ready. The ‘Big tree’ development is just off the N2 and the ‘Big tree’ which is a 1000-year old Outeniqua Yellowwood, is still accessible to visit. A pop-up shop placed temporarily next to the restaurant in the Storms River rest camp in the Park will make it a lot easier for visitors to access the Park shop.

Park Manager, Paddy Gordon urges all visitors to the Park to adhere to rules of the National Park applicable to water bodies and terrestrial areas to ensure a safe holiday season for all.

Various stakeholders have come together to form a workstream which is tasked with implementing a medium to long-term plan and comprises of SANParks, the Knysna Municipality, Eden District Municipality, Department of Human Settlements, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. A transition camp that will house survivors is planned for the medium term.

“Affected people from Farleigh and Beervlei staff houses include current SANParks staff, as well as those inherited from the Department of Forestry and private dwellers, and we’re ensuring that we give support and housing to all community members,” continues Taljaard.

SANParks would like to thank Pine Lake Marina for discounted interim accommodation, while all remaining costs will be absorbed by SANParks through its insurance company.

The event gives 4×4 enthusiasts and nature lovers the opportunity to travel along roads normally closed to the public. Participants get to experience indigenous forests, fynbos, sparkling streams and sweeping mountain views.

There are three routes available (graded 1-4), with each route offering a unique landscape setting and off the beaten track to showcase the magnificent natural features of the Garden Route National Park. The routes will take participants along “roads less travelled” through Karatara Forest, the Goudveld Forest, the Voortrekker Route and from Windmeulnek to Platbos.

Funds raised from the event will be allocated to conservation initiatives in the Garden Route National Park, as identified by SANParks.

Area Manager for Wilderness, Sandra Taljaard says ‘we are delighted to open the route which is on existing footprint to allow participants to come as close as possible to nature. The drive is scenic and picture-perfect which is what the Garden Route is famous for.’

The event is scheduled for the 6-7 October 2018. Entries are limited and those interested should book early to avoid disappointment.

The second phase of the project is already underway to create a precinct with a coffee shop and curo shop. Some 16 locals are involved in its construction with a contractor from the Eastern Cape Province (Simunye Developers).

‘The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) will look different in the next two years. SANParks is changing the way people experience nature’ says Park Manager of the GRNP, Paddy Gordon. Minister Hanekom was impressed with the progress of the Big Tree project and emphasized the significance of technological advancement in tourism development.

The ‘Big Tree’ is an Outeniqua Yellowwood in Tsitsikamma which is estimated to be about 1000 years old. It is close to 40 meters high and about 9 meters in diameter. The Garden Route National Park is home to Yellowwood trees that have been around for more than 8 centuries. The Outeniqua yellowwood tree in Woodville (Wilderness section of the Park) is a huge, tall tree that is about 31 meters. It is believed to be over 800 years old. The 800- year old Diepwalle Big tree survived the unsustainable methods of harvesting by the woodcutters post the 1939 era.

The entrance gate to the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is part of this project and further up the road from the ‘Big tree’ is expected to be completed in Spring. Speaking confidently about the progress of the project earlier this month, Bulelwa Msengi, Area Manager for the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) says ‘we can certainly see the light now nearly at the end of the tunnel, the construction is progressing well and not affecting visitors entering or exiting the Park.’ This project began in 2016 to ensure efficient entry and exit into the National Park.

The main aim of the new gate is to introduce a streamlined structure and system for visitors entering the main gate. Noise levels around the site have remained normal and parking space has not been affected by the construction work since 2016. No heavy machinery is used and all work is on existing footprint. Once completed, visitors will enter and exit the Park more efficiently. There will be 4 lanes to enter the Park and 2 to exit.

A company was subcontracted to complete roofing. Roofing and paving is currently underway. Glass doors and windows were also added last month. Speaking confidently about the progress of the project, Bulelwa Msengi, Area Manager for the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) says ‘we can certainly see the light now nearly at the end of the tunnel, the construction is progressing well and not affecting visitors entering or exiting the Park. We are confident the project will be completed by Spring.’

Measures in place to ensure easy access during peak season in December includes temporary entrance lanes as well as 2- 3 roving SANParks officials to assist with paperwork from the entrance gate.

The Tsitsikamma section of the Park remains the most popular coastal National Park in South Africa and reported an increase of 12% in the number of visitors to the Park for the Financial Year 2017/2018. ‘Visitors are drawn to the Park’s many activities. For starters the Park has 12 Green Flag status trails in close proximity making it the only Park to have this in South Africa. The suspension bridge, water activities and the beauty of the National Park are some of the reasons for the yearly increase.’

The Tsitsikamma Section’s project began in 2016 as part of a +R19 million project to upgrade to infrastructure in the Storms River Rest Camp and includes the development around the Big Tree. R19 million was granted by the Expanded Public Infrastructure Programme (EPIP) and National Department of Tourism.

More about the Park….

Following the First World Conference on National Parks held in 1962 in Seattle, United States of America, Tsitsikamma National Park was declared in 1964, exactly 54 years ago to protect ‘coastal forest vegetation and marine world’.

The park covers an 80 kilometers (50 miles) long stretch of coastline. Nature’s Valley is at the western end of the Park, and the main accommodation is at Storms River Mouth. GPS Coordinates: 34°01′S23°53

There are 2 rest camps, one in Storms River and another in Natures Valley. The lush rainforest contrasted by plantations can be seen and accessed from the N2 into the Storms River rest camp. The Natures Valley Rest Camp is 40km west of Storms River Mouth and is accessible from the R102.

According to the Park’s State of Knowledge report (2005), the Tsitsikamma mountains are 900- 1600 meters. The most common species of trees are milkwood, real yellowood, stinkwood, Cape blackwood, forest elder, white pear and candlewood, and gigantic Outeniqua Yellowoods.

Mammals found in the Park include caracal, blue duiker, grysbok, bushpigs, the Cape clawless Otter. They come out and night to hunt for food.

Boilerplate: This week the Park commemorated the work undertaken by marine rangers which includes boat and foot patrols, assisting with research and monitoring Africa’s oldest Marine Protected Area (MPA), removal of invasive alien plants in terrestrial areas and buffer areas of the Park and many other roles played by rangers from the Park.

Tsitsikamma means ‘place of much clear water’ in the Khoe-khoe language.

The Red Route Mountain biking trail coastal section through the fynbos area is now open after monitoring rehabilitation for a year and working on the part of the trail that offers cyclists a sneak scenic view of the Indian Ocean. Vegetation has recovered and the topsoil is much more stable.

Section Ranger for Harkerville (home to the red, blue, yellow, green and black routes), Nico Oosthuizen, says the ‘red route was tested by some of the local and regular cyclists who were very pleased with the maintenance work done on it. Those areas include tracks burnt during the extensive Knysna fires.’ Although the route is open, assessment and restoration will continue mainly due to the sensitivity of the topsoil in some areas.

Cyclists are encouraged to send feedback to the SANParks Harkerville office.

The Kranshoek hiking trail remains closed after an assessment on the vegetation and soil stability along the trail by independent hikers and assessors indicated it still needs time to recover.

One of the assessors, Di Turner from Crew (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) says the trail is one of the most spectacular in the world and must be re-opened again soon. It is botanically unique as it combines four vegetation types- Afro-temperate forests, Fynbos, Noetzie Thicket and Strandveld, making it a microcosm of the Southern Cape habitat types. ‘The views of the rugged and beautiful coastline are unparalleled. It is absolutely crucial that it is re-opened again as soon as possible. It is an incredible drawcard for international tourists and locals alike. At best, it is a strenuous and difficult hike and should be open to the fitter and more experienced hikers.’ However, the steep slopes denuded of vegetation by the fire makes sections of the paths unstable for the time being.

The teams are monitoring the Kranshoek trail with scientists.

Hiccups in the project came after a hired company could not complete the task on time due to unforeseen circumstances. The renovation of the Park’s gate aims to introduce a streamlined structure and system for visitors entering the main gate. Noise levels around the site have remained normal and parking space has not been affected by the construction work. No heavy machinery is used and all work is on existing footprint. Once completed, visitors will enter and exit the Park more efficiently. There will be 4 lanes to enter the Park and 2 to exit.

This week a company was subcontracted to complete roofing. Roofing will take a month to complete and once done, paving and tar will get underway. Glass doors and windows were also installed this week. At this rate, we are confident the project will be completed by Spring.

The Park put measures in place to ensure easy access for visitors by adding an additional lane to the temporary entrance lane as well as 2- 3 roving SANParks officials to assist with paperwork from the entrance gate.

The Tsitsikamma Section’s project began in 2016 as part of a +R19 million project to upgrade to infrastructure in the Storms River Rest Camp and includes the development around the Big Tree. R19 million was granted by the Expanded Public Infrastructure Programme (EPIP) and National Department of Tourism.

Maintenance of Serpentine Bridge, Wilderness

The maintenance of the Serpentine Bridge will commence on 22 May 2018 and the project is expected to continue for the next four months. Visitors are advised to enter the Ebb & Flow North rest camp from Waterside Road and also via Hoekville Road.

The maintenance operation is aimed at improving the structural component of the bridge. Visitors to the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park are advised to do the following:

All guests who have accommodation or camping reservations for the Ebb & Flow South rest camp will only be able to make use of the main entrance gate via the N2.
Guests who have reservations for the Ebb & Flow north rest camp are requested to utilise Waterside road via the town of Wilderness for access into the north camp.
Arriving guests should also aim to arrive at the Park before 17h30.

SANParks gate officials are available at the entrance gate at the Ebb & Flow north rest camp throughout the day and night in order to ensure sufficient service is provided to arriving guests.