SANPARKS Trail – Paid permit / entrance required
This linear route totals 5km (2.5km each way), initially follows the Duiwe River through the forest. There is an optional climb to a viewpoint. The stream is crossed via a wooden bridge and stepping stones.
The trail ends at the pool and waterfall where you must be aware of slippery rocks. Follow the path back the way you came.
This trail is also popular for bird watching.
The trail lends itself to picnickers, at various points sheer-faced cliffs can be viewed or in the shade of the forest trees whilst you enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Permits / Costs: Conservation fee payable at Ebb & Flow rest camp. Free for Wild Card members.
No dogs allowed.
SanParks contact information: Tel +27 (0) 44 877 1197
The trail is located within the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, known for a variety of forest and edge bird species, including the Knysna Turaco and Cape Parrot.
| Species (Common Name) | Scientific Name | Status in Forest Area |
|---|---|---|
| Brown-hooded Kingfisher | Halcyon albiventris | Resident; forest edge and patches, often near water sources |
| Knysna Turaco | Tauraco corythaix | Occurs in taller forest / canopy areas |
| Knysna Woodpecker | Campethera notata | Forest specialist, regularly seen in indigenous forest patches |
| African Goshawk | Accipiter tachiro | Resident raptor species overhead |
| Peregrine Falcon | Falco peregrinus | Resident raptor species overhead |
| Chorister Robin-chat | Cossypha dichroa | Forest edge and patches, common in shrub layers |
| Cape Batis | Batis capensis | Forest edge and patches; often in mixed bird parties |
Sources:
Alex Aitkenhead: Garden Route National Park (Wildernes, Knysna, Tsitsikamma) – alexaitkenhead.co.za
Visit Knysna: Birding in the Greater Knysna area – www.visitknysna.co.za
GoBirding – Wilderness; Greater George.
| Start Coordinates: (DD) | -33.9834011, 22.6508920 |
| Start/Finish | Bo-langvlei Road, Wilderness |
| Distance | 5 km (linear route totals 5km – 2.5km each way) |
| Route Type | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain | ± 139 m |
| Perceived Exertion | Light |
| Trail System | Wilderness |
| Surface | Hiking trail Jeep track |
| Route Markers | Yes |
| GPX Map | Download GPX file for self-navigation on your GPS device or smart phone. |
ESTIMATED TIME
| Hiking | ± 3 h – 4 h |
FACILITIES AT THE START
- Parking
LAND OWNERS & MANAGERS
Links & More Info
SANPARKS Ebb & Flow Rest camp.
GPS Waypoints: 33°59’25.32″ S 22°36’30.05″E
Day Hiking Permits *
- You do not have to prebook/prepay for day hike permits.
- If and when you do need to pay for permits, please note that the Garden Route National Park is cashless. Permits must be paid for by card.
- At Ebb & Flow the Half-collared Kingfisher trailhead/start is from the public road, with a hut just inside the entrance where one would buy the permit.
- Where trails appear to start/end within a rest camp, one would pay for entrance to the park at the entrance gate.
- It is only the overnight trails that must be booked via the reservations system.
* This information was correct at the time of writing.
SANParks – Wilderness – Rates & Fees
| 1 November 2025 – 31 October 2026 | Adults (12+ years) | Children (2 – 11 years) |
|---|---|---|
| South African Citizens and Residents | R61 | R30 |
| SADC Nationals | R124 | R62 |
| International (non-South African) Citizens | R235 | R118 |
