Visitors planning a trip to the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park will need to adjust their itineraries.
Matthias Wesselmann/Unsplash
SANParks has announced that the iconic Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, along with access to all three suspension bridges in the area, will be fully closed from 20 to 31 July 2026 as the final stage of an extensive refurbishment project gets underway. The temporary closure is intended to allow contractors to safely complete the remaining work before the attraction reopens to the public on 1 August 2026.
The refurbishment project, which has been taking place in phases throughout the year, aims to strengthen and preserve one of South Africa’s best known natural attractions while improving its long term safety and durability. Earlier updates indicated that visitors would still be able to access the bridge during construction, but the final stretch of work now requires a complete closure.
According to SANParks, the project has progressed ahead of schedule, allowing the overall completion date to be brought forward. Once the work is complete, visitors will once again have unrestricted access to all three suspension bridges from the start of August.
The Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge has welcomed generations of travellers since opening in 1969. Suspended above the dramatic gorge where the Storms River meets the Indian Ocean, it remains one of the Garden Route’s most photographed landmarks and a highlight for hikers exploring the popular Storms River Mouth trail.
SANParks thanked visitors, tour operators and local stakeholders for their patience throughout the refurbishment period, adding that the upgrades will improve both visitor safety and the longevity of the landmark for years to come. The organisation also apologised for the temporary inconvenience and said it looks forward to welcoming travellers back when the fully refurbished bridge reopens on 1 August.
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