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28 May 2018

Park update on Tsitsikamma entrance gate project & Wilderness Bridge maintenance

Tsitsikamma entrance gate progress

Construction of the entrance gate to the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park (Storms River Rest Camp) is well underway after slight delays since its inception in 2016. 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.

Acting Area Manager, Obed Maluwa expressed his gratitude to the continued support received from visitors and tour operators during the construction process ‘thank you to all our visitors to the Park, during the Financial Year 2017/2018, the Park received a 12% increase in the number of visitors which is a clear indication of the love visitors have of the Park. We remain grateful for this.’

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 (4) 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.


Tsitsikamma entrance gate

Media: Nandi Mgwadlamba, 044 302 5633, 078 702 9663, [email protected]