Bloukrans Bridge sits on the N2 in the Tsitsikamma, on the border between the Western and Eastern Cape. There is no town at the bridge itself, which surprises people who assume there must be one.

What there is instead is a choice of four quite different areas within an hour, each with its own character. Here is how to pick.

Plettenberg Bay, about 30 minutes west

The obvious choice and the one most visitors make. Plett has the widest range of accommodation on this stretch of coast, from guest houses to self catering apartments to hotels, plus the best selection of restaurants and the most to do if you are staying more than one night.

It is also well placed for Robberg Nature Reserve, the beaches and the animal sanctuaries. Listings for the area are on Plett Tourism.

Best for first time visitors, families, anyone wanting options for dinner.

Nature’s Valley, about 20 minutes west

The closest settlement of any kind, reached by turning off the N2 onto the old Groot River Pass. A small village between forest, lagoon and beach, with almost no commercial activity and very few beds.

There is essentially nothing to do here, and people who love it love it for that reason. Bring your own supplies, because there is not much beyond a small shop.

Best for quiet, walkers, and anyone who wants to be genuinely close to the bridge.

Storms River village, about 25 minutes east

A small village on the plateau just off the N2, built around adventure tourism. Backpackers, guest houses and lodges, a handful of places to eat, and the base for the canopy tours and forest activities.

It is the practical choice if you are combining the bridge with the forest and Storms River Mouth, and it is generally the most affordable of the four.

Best for budget travellers, backpackers, and anyone building an adventure focused couple of days.

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, about 40 minutes east

Inside the Garden Route National Park, and the most dramatically situated accommodation in the region. Cabins and campsites sit directly above the rocks with the sea breaking below them.

It books out a long way ahead, particularly in school holidays, and it is run by SANParks rather than a private operator. Details and reservations are on the SANParks site.

Best for the setting, which is hard to beat anywhere on this coast.

What about Knysna

Knysna is about 45 minutes from the bridge and is a fine base for the Garden Route generally. For Bloukrans specifically it adds a fair amount of driving to a day that starts early, so Plett usually makes more sense unless you have a reason to be in Knysna.

Booking notes

• December, January and Easter book out early. This is South Africa’s peak domestic holiday season and the Garden Route is where the country goes.
• Stay the night before, not the night after. A morning slot at the bridge is better on every measure, and you do not want to be racing the clock.
• Two nights beats one. The Tsitsikamma rewards not rushing, and the drive in from either direction is long.

Getting to the bridge

The bridge is directly on the N2 and clearly signposted from both directions. Full directions, GPS coordinates and drive times are on the getting here page.

Once you know where you are staying, book the bridge for the morning. The Full Adventure Package is the one most visitors choose.