Based in the heart of the Tsitsikamma in the Eastern Cape lies one of South Africa’s true tourism gems — Storms-river Adventures. It is based in the scenic village of Storms River, 75km from Plettenberg Bay and 160km from Port Elizabeth, and is fast becoming a Mecca for adrenaline addicts the world over, helping to put South Africa firmly on the adventure map.
Stormsriver Adventures is a professional adventure and activity operator with a range of products aimed at introducing visitors to the Garden Route to the spectacular riches mother nature has provided in the area, while highlighting points of historical and local interest. The company was one of the first in South Africa to qualify for a Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) trademark, becoming accredited in October 2003.
It’s located in an awesome part of the country. The dense coastal forest is dotted with some fantastic secluded coves, world-renowned hiking trails and, of course, the spectacular Storms River gorge. But, perhaps, its top drawcard is a Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour. The tour offers an entirely different angle on the spectacular scenery, with visitors gently gliding between eight treetop platforms.
“It’s a whole new take on getting close to nature and learning about the ecology of the lush primeval forest with fully-trained guides,” says Stormsriver Adventures’s owner, Ashley Wentworth. “We also have a lot to do that is less death-defying but equally enjoyable.”
The Woodcutters Journey takes in the old Storms River Pass on a specially designed vehicle, following an old elephant trail through the yellowwood and stinkwood trees to a beautiful site next to the river. “This was where wagons outspanned more than a century ago,” Wentworth explains. “The tour guide tells guests about the history and rich flora and fauna of the area, and then everyone enjoys either an al fresco lunch or afternoon tea on the edge of the river.”
It’s a meal that, like all of Storms-rivers Adventures’s tour fare, is provided by an empowerment catering outfit established to supply all of the food requirements on tours, hikes and cruises. It’s a prime example of how tourism can empower people on a sustainable level.
Empowerment also comes in the form of jobs, especially as tour guides. Guides are used on all of the adventures and need good levels of fitness as well as field knowledge. Take the 22km mountain-bike ride. The guide needs to be as fit as a fiddle to take guests down the Old Storms River Pass, on a trail that drops 200m before climbing up through forest and plantations to a lookout point with stunning views.
Less strenuous but just as exciting is the Tsitsikamma/Kouga Bushcamp Experience, a 65km drive through spectacular mountain passes to a bush camp in an indigenous forest. Bush cuisine is cooked over an open fire and accommodation is provided in tree-level tents. “After overnighting, guests are offered a choice of hiking, fishing or abseiling, followed by a river excursion on inflatable craft through the beautiful Kouga River Valley,” adds Wentworth.
Taking to the water offers another perspective on the magnificent Storms River Gorge. The Tsitsi-kamma Eco Wilderness Boat Cruise gets up close to the cliff faces that tower 150m above the Storms River. The cruise is one of only two ways in which to see the otherwise inaccessible Storms River Gorge, the other being Blackwater Tubing. This is the ultimate kloofing experience: scenic, spectacular and exhilarating. Guests are assisted by professionally trained river guides and safety is paramount.
As a result of its dedication to the principles of Fair Trade, Stormsriver Adventures has emerged as one of the largest new job creators in the eco adventure industry in South Africa.