The Tsitsikamma National Park got its name from the Koi words tse-sesa meaning clear and gami meaning water. Other sources indicate that the name Tsiskamma refers to the sound of rain or running water. It is located in the heart of the tourist region known as the Garden Route in the Southern Cape.

The park consists of two parts; namely an indigeneous forest and a coastal area. This park in the southern Cape was South Africa‛s first marine park and extends along a rocky coastline of about 80 km and about 5 km out to sea.
The marine reserve is about 5373 ha in size and includes many tide and rock pools and river mouths with their unique ecosystems.

The temperate evergreen forest vegetation is dominated by tree species such as the red alder, the white alder, candlewood and yellowwood. Plants of the Cape Floral kingdom such as proteas, heathers, ferns, creepers and lichens are abundant in this region.

Incorporated in the park are Khoisan cultural heritage sites such as caves, shell middens and rock art and the ruins of small fishing settlements, remnants of forestry industries and grave sites.

Rainfall is perennial and high, with the driest months generally in mid-winter – June and July. Temperatures are moderate to cold in winter and moderate to high during summer.

Several hiking trails radiate from the Storms River Mouth rest camp of which the Otter Trail is the longest, most dramatic and well known. Shorter trails are also available. Swimmers, divers and underwater photographers can view the wonders of the ocean on the scuba and the snorkeling trail. Cottages, beach apartments, camping and caravan sites provide accommodation facilities at the Natures Valley Restcamp and the Storms River Mouth Restcamp. Fishing is allowed in a restricted area. Black-water tubing can be experienced on the Storms River.

The varied wildlife includes dolphins and whales, caracals, genets, bush pigs, baboons, dassies, mongoose and the rare Cape clawless otters. Prominent bird species in the area are the African black oystercatcher, the orange-breasted sunbird and the colourful Knysna Lourie.