Tsitsikamma Big Tree

The Big Tree is situated in the Tsitsikamma Region in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Located on the N2, just east of Storms River Village or west of the Storms River Bridge, the Big Tree is exactly what it claims to be. The Outeniqua Yellowwood giant towers over the other trees in the canopy, standing 36.6 metres tall with a trunk circumference of 9 metres. The highest standing tree to date was recorded at 45 metres. The tree is thought to be between 600 and 800 years old, just one of the exquisite, natural landmarks along the very scenic Garden Route.

In times past, Knysna and the Tsitsikamma Forest was the site of a large timber industry and the ancient Yellowwoods were felled with reckless abandon until the tree became an endangered species. Some of these trees were over a 1 000 years old, sadly far older than the Tsitsikamma Big Tree which is now the oldest in the country.

An easy stroll of a few hundred metres leads to the tree and visitors can walk the 1 km boardwalk through the Tsitsikamma forest in about 10 minutes. The wooden pathways also lead further into the forest and on to a hiking trail offering a fairly easy walk of either 2.6 km or 4.2 km.

Things to do and see

  • Forest Walk
  • Ratel Walk

Admission

A small admission fee of between R12 and R24 is charged.

Climate

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 11˚C and 30˚C with the highest rainfall months being November and March.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 21˚C with high rain usually in August.

Transport

Commercial Airlines offer flights into Port Elizabeth Airport, Eastern Province and George Airports, Western Province, the closest Airports to this region. The N2 from both the East and West will lead you into the Tsitsikamma region and car hire facilities are located at both Airports.

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