Hi, friends! For the past two weeks, I’ve shown you what safari looks like. Ready to see another side of South Africa?
This week, I’ll take you on an adventure in Tsitsikamma, where we’ll explore the National Park, Monkeyland, do a tree canopy ziplining, and dine at the unique Marilyn’s 60’s Diner.
The Tsitsikamma forest is a part of the Garden Route National Park. You’ll find rivers, forests, mountains, gorges, and plantations.
Bye Indiana Jones, hello Dora the Explorer! 🐒🌳🌊
When you travel to South Africa, make sure that you also explore the Garden Route and Fruit Route. There are so many things to see and experience in South Africa than just safari ✨💖
Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River Mouth, South Africa (Garden Route)
It was around lunch time when our bus reached Tsitsikamma National Park. We had two optional activities here: to explore the National Park or kayaking.
Those who didn’t want to take the optional activities can wait in the only restaurant nearby. The restaurant was spacious, offered great food, and was next to the sea!
I’m not a fan of kayaking, so I chose to explore the National Park. I decided to have a late lunch after the hike because there wasn’t enough time to have a proper lunch.
I was ready with my hiking shoes and mentally prepared to be reaaally tired because I hadn’t had my lunch. It turned out, there was a nice wooden path in Tsitsikamma National Park!
I just had to bear with the stairs and long walk, that’s all! No slippery, muddy, or rocky pathway. It was a relaxing, quiet walk in the middle of a lush forest…
I was able to clear my mind and just be present, enjoying the serene moment. Sometimes, there would be nobody in front of or behind me, but I didn’t feel afraid.
I didn’t know how far or how many minutes the one-way route was. I had to keep my pace — not too fast or too slow, so I could return in time and still have my lunch before the bus departed.
I kept on walking and enjoying the view… not knowing where the road took me. I was surrounded by trees and cold wind blew on my face…
It was pure bliss.
Then, suddenly I saw a suspension bridge on top of Storms River Mouth, and next to it was the end of the road.
Apparently, I crossed the longest suspension bridge in South Africa! Luckily I met Willem, so I could have some photos on the suspension bridge 😁
Walking back was quite a rush because I wanted to enjoy my lunch. Plus, the sky was getting darker. I didn’t want to get caught in the rain because I was carrying my Canon.
I was glad that I made it in time because not long after I reached the restaurant, it started to rain.
Lunch was great, I loved the grilled bbq chicken breast with crispy bacon, mozzarella, and onion crisps! The hot chocolate was okay, though.
Also read: “Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa”
Also read: “Safari in Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, South Africa”
Cuteness Overload in Monkeyland, South Africa (Garden Route)
We stayed for two nights in Tsitsikamma, so there were many optional activities to choose from. Between Monkeyland and Birds of Eden, I chose to see cute monkeys.
Didn’t want any surprise poo poo on me 😛
There are many types of monkey in Monkeyland, such as:
- The Ringtail Lemur
- The Bolivian Squirrel Monkey
- The Tufter or Brown Capuchin
- The White-Handed or Lar Gibbon
- The Black and White Ruffed Lemur, etc
Visitors aren’t allowed to touch the monkeys. They are cute, but they’re wild animals. Also, don’t bring any food in your hands or backpack — they can smell it and will search your bag!
Other things to remember are, you must keep quiet and avoid using flash when taking photos.
Capuchins are very smart, they are Hollywood animals! This is the monkey type that you see in Night at the Museum, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hangover, and other movies.
Aren’t the monkeys cute? I wanted to hug them, aaaww… 😍😍😍
Sorry if the video isn’t centered, I was looking at the real scene while recording the video. Yup, didn’t want to miss the scene in front of my eyes! 🤩💚🐒
Also read: “Admiring God’s Wonderful Creations in South Africa”
Also read: “Safari & South Africa Budget Trip: How Much You Need”
Tree Canopy Ziplining in Tsitsikamma, South Africa (Garden Route)
Most of us chose to do this optional activity — tree canopy ziplining in Tsitsikamma! We were divided into two groups. It was our first ziplining and we couldn’t wait!
As you can see, there were two elderly couples with adventurous, young hearts in my group: Paul and Diana Norbury (in grey) & Monica and Benoit (in grey and blue shirt).
They are my couple goal! 💪❤️🔥
I wish I could be like them when I’m old… Still romantic, healthy, and have the money to travel the world in golden years. Look at them, they’re glowing!
It’s the heart of wanderlust✨✨✨
Also, congrats to Christine for overcoming her phobia! She’s actually scared of heights but she decided to do the ziplining with her son, David.
It’s also a good idea to travel to South Africa with your family 😊
In the first five posts, we were still getting used to it. After that, we started to enjoy ziplining — no more doubt, just jump and yahoo…! 🌳🌳🌳
When the staff told us that we had only a few stops left, all of us wished we could have more. Ziplining turned out to be so fun!
Aaand… the real ‘exercise’ happened after the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour ziplining.
I was happy what we could walk for a few meters to the truck which would take us back to the starting point. As usual, Diana and Paul were seen holding hands, walking side by side. Aaaw 😍😍
The photos above are taken with my and Diana’s handphones. The ziplining company does take your photos and videos with their GoPro though, and you can buy them at the end of the activity.
What do you think, guys? Will you do ziplining when in Tsitsikamma, South Africa? 😉
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Photo Shoot in Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, Tsitsikamma (Garden Route)
Can I tell you a secret? I know I was in the Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, but what came into my mind when I saw the red guitar and big bikes was Britney Spears’ I Love Rock ‘n Roll music video 🤘❤️🔥
I really like that video, she looks so beautiful, sexy, and badass 😍😍😍
Marilyn’s 60’s Diner was located just beside our accommodation, Tsitsikamma Village Inn. The diner served American food and had a small bar.
We were free to create our own burger (buffet-style) followed by ice cream and hot chocolate cake. But, rather than focusing on the food, I was more interested in its interior design and decor.
It was an Instagram haven for those who want to do 60’s – themed photo shoots (aka me)!
I was super excited when I saw the garage area where they kept vintage cars like Cadillac and Chevrolet. Not forgetting the big bikes and Elvis Presley’s + Marilyn Monroe’s memorabilia 🤩🤩🤩
If you want to see more photos of Marilyn’s 60’s Diner’s super cool interior design, check out its photo gallery on TripAdvisor! If I knew I would visit this place, I would prepare a retro outfit for the photo shoot.
But I guess my leopard pants and fiery red top saved the day 😁🤘
Also read: “Schynige Platte Alpine Garden, Switzerland”
Also read: “Viñales Day Trip: Tobacco Farm and Cuban Cigars”
Extra: Tsitsikamma Village Inn, South Africa (Garden Route)
Before I end this blog post, I want to show you my beautiful accommodation in Tsitsikamma. We stayed in Tsitsikamma Village Inn that offered beautiful garden and classic buildings.
The whole area was so beautiful I felt like a Barbie doll in a Barbie world. I’m not exaggerating as Helen and I were staying in a white and pink house!
Among the classic, doll houses, I really like the white one with flower garden in front. It was very simple yet beautiful.
The beautiful Tsitsikamma Village Inn is a 3-star accommodation and upon writing this blog post, I checked its Premier Room rate (De Oude Pastorie).
Can you guess how much it cost per night?
For high season (end of the year), it was 1,860 rands aka around RM227, for solo traveller. The price for two pax would be 280 rands or around RM74 👀👀
A very basic room in budget hotels in Malaysia is around or even more expensive than 280 rands/night. So, if you happen to visit Tsitsikamma when in South Africa, don’t miss this opportunity!
Baie dankie Tsitsikamma, you’re pragtig! Thank you Tsitsikamma, you’re gorgeous! 🌳❤️🤘
Also read: “Other Things to See in Toraja Besides Ke’te Kesu and Londa”
