Storms River Mouth is where the Storms River meets the sea inside the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, and where the main suspension bridge crosses the river. SANParks has been rebuilding all three bridges there since July 2025, with a full closure from 20 to 31 July 2026 for the final phase of work.
We know this corner of Tsitsikamma well from our day trips out of Plettenberg Bay, so here is what helps on the ground.
Contents Overview9 sections
Storms River Mouth at a glance
Tsitsikamma means “place of much water”, according to SANParks, and the Mouth shows you why: river, sea and coastal forest meet in one spot. As part of a national park, it is a place with a gate, a daily conservation fee and a rest camp, not a town.
Storms River Mouth or Storms River Village: not the same place
Follow the signs for Storms River and you may pull into a village of shops, accommodation and activity operators, only to find no bridge. You would not be the first.
The Storms River suspension bridge
The bridge in the photos is the main suspension bridge, but it has two smaller neighbours.
The rebuild and current access
Plan with old information and you might cross the bridge off your list for nothing.
Maintenance can still affect access at short notice, so check the latest SANParks notice in the week you travel.
The Tsitsikamma Mouth Trail to the bridge
The walk starts beside the restaurant at Sandy Bay, where boardwalk and steps wind through coastal forest past the Storms River Mouth Cave. SANParks lists the Mouth Trail as 2 km and about an hour; the bridge and back takes around 40 minutes at an easy pace.
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp: restaurant, shop and facilities
This is more than a car park with a view: the rest camp has self-catering units, camping, a shop and the Cattle Baron restaurant. Check the restaurant is trading before planning lunch there. There is no ATM, so sort out how you will pay before you arrive. Staying overnight puts the trail on your doorstep for an early walk.
Entrance fees for day visitors
Arrive in early November with last year’s figure in mind and the gate price may not match.
The FAQ below covers who pays what.
Other walks from Storms River Mouth
The bridge walk is only the start. Other trails begin here too, including the Waterfall Trail and the Blue Duiker Trail. Closures do happen, so check the SANParks trail pages before you set out.
Visiting on a guided Tsitsikamma day tour
The walk is the simple part; the turn-off, the gate, the fee and the timing take more thought. On our private Tsitsikamma day tour, it is just your group, your guide and your pace, with the driving taken care of; ask when you enquire what the day includes. Travellers have rated us Excellent on TripAdvisor, and their reviews speak to our local know-how.
Staying longer in Plett? Our guide to things to do in Plettenberg Bay has ideas, and our custom Garden Route day tours cover more of the coast. When you are ready, see Storms River Mouth on a private Tsitsikamma tour.
Frequently asked questions
Question: How long is the Storms River suspension bridge walk?
Answer:
SANParks lists the Mouth Trail as about 2 km and roughly one hour, and the walk to the bridge and back takes around 40 minutes at an easy pace. It starts near the restaurant at Sandy Bay and follows a boardwalk and steps through coastal forest, past a cave, to the bridge.
Question: Is the Storms River suspension bridge open?
Answer:
SANParks kept the bridge open during the rebuild of all three bridges, apart from a full closure between 20 and 31 July 2026 for the final phase of work. Check SANParks notices before you travel, as maintenance can affect access at short notice.
Question: Is Storms River Mouth the same as Storms River Village?
Answer:
No. Storms River Mouth is inside the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, where the river meets the sea and the suspension bridge is. Storms River Village is a separate village on the N2 outside the park, with shops, accommodation and activity operators.
Question: Do you pay to visit Storms River Mouth?
Answer:
Yes. SANParks charges a daily conservation fee per person, with different rates for South African citizens and residents, SADC nationals and other international visitors, and lower rates for children. Wild Card holders are covered. Fees are reviewed each year from 1 November, so check the current tariff before you go.
Resources
- Construction World: Smart Civils commences full reconstruction of the Storms River suspension bridges
- SANParks: temporary full closure of the Storms River Mouth suspension bridges, 20 to 31 July 2026
- Cape Town ETC: Storms River suspension bridge refurbishment update, 9 July 2026
- SANParks: Storms River Mouth rest camp page
- SANParks: hikes, walks and trails pages
- SANParks: daily conservation fees tariff