This lovely trail can be walked as an excellent hike of moderate exertion level and it can be a very rewarding for birders. You may even see the shy bush buck.
The trail runs not more than 15 meters from the riverbank and may be accessed by canoe or foot, both promising a unique experience of this exquisite ecosystem.
Trees are numbered to facilitate tree spotters and knowledge of trees. With picnic spots all along, the trail ends at a magnificent waterfall where, you can picnic or swim. The trail is well marked. For most of the way the walk is on a wooden deck walking under giant old trees in shade, truly a great family day out.
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Detail:
An almost 8 km trail out and back for all skill levels. It takes 3 to 3 and a half hours return. Trail starts on the west bank of the Touws river and joins up with the Great Kingfisher Trail on the east bank.
Elevation +209
Surface: Wooden deck and Jeep track
The Route:
It starts and ends at the reception of Ebb and Flow rest camp in the Wilderness section of the National Park. All fees for permits are payable at Reception.
Right outside the reception office are large Wild Bananas and Broom Cluster Fig. These trees are magnets for the resident Grey Sunbird and Knysna Turacos. Knysna Woodpecker are often heard and seen in a clump of Milkwoods behind the reception.
Begin by walking out of the rest camp, crossing the rail bridge on the Northern side and the trail enters the forest on the Western bank of the Touws River. In the thickets around the bridge listen, particularly in summer, for the ringing call of the Knysna Warbler.
The trail is an easy one way trail along the river bank, and at one point crossing the river on a manual pont. Birds seen regularly include Green Wood-hoopoe, Chorister Robin-Chat, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Narina Trogon, Black-bellied Starling, Olive Woodpecker, Peregrine Falcon, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Grey Cuckooshrike and Olive Bush-Shrike.
“Be sure to take the “Bosduif Loop” path. This path winds up the side of the cliff to a breath taking viewpoint right at the top, overlooking the Touws River and camp site. Spending time here is essential allowing one to stand in awe at the unrivalled natural beauty”.
Within the rest camp, on the northern bank, Knysna Turaco, Black-Headed Oriole and at night, Buff-Spotted Flufftail and African Wood Owl can be seen by those staying in the park. There are a number of picnic benches along the route as well as a popular waterfall at the end of the trail.
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Key bird species:
Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Cape Batis, Chorister Robin-chat, Cape Siskin, Orange-Breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler.
The best times to visit this trail are March through June. Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Dumbelton Rd, Wilderness, 6550...
Fairy Knowe Hotel, 1 Dumbleton...
Freesia Ave, Wilderness, 6560...
