Discover Storms River Village
It is easy enough to miss the tranquil Storms River Village while driving along the N2 highway, but you would be missing out if you did. Rather head onto the road less travelled to discover a blissful Garden Route dorp hidden within the very heart of the indigenous forest here along the foothills of the verdant Tsitsikamma Mountain ranges.
The unmistakable charm of a bygone era envelopes Storms River Village, a town originally built in 1884. History shows that Thomas Bain and his merry band of convicts started construction on some of the early buildings around what was a hunting cabin while surveying Bloukrans Pass. Some of their graves may still be seen along the outskirts of the Village, but the main street is a very different place from the jungle lane where elephants once roamed.
Colourful shops, adventure companies and quality hotels stand shoulder-to-shoulder, with a unique collection of classic American cars at Marilyn’s Diner. The 60s décor and period costumes are sure to have you doing an Elvis impersonations before you can whistle ‘Blue Suede Shoes’.
Despite the changes, nature is still ever-present, and will constantly conspire to lure you outdoors. The climate is mild year round, with a consistently high rainfall to keep the woods evergreen and the fynbos abundant.
Secluded valleys and temperate forests are traversed by ancient rivers, relentlessly grinding their craggy gorges towards the waiting ocean.These rocky ravines create a perfect habitat for miniature blue duiker, elusive Cape clawless otter, Knysna touracos and the seldom-seen Cape leopard.
If you continue past Storms River Village for another 9k’s, you will come to the gates of the Tsitsikamma National Park.
The village of Storms River is often confused with the Storms River Mouth. People tend to speak about the two interchangeably when, in fact,...