GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK

GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK FOREST SECRETS

WILDERNESS – KNYSNA- TSITSIKAMMA

LOOKING FOR AN ACTION PACKED HOLIDAY ADVENTURE? THEN THE GARDEN ROUTE NATIONAL PARK IS YOUR PLAYGROUND.

WILDERNESS SECTION:

The Half-collared Kingfisher Trail: This is the most popular trail in the Wilderness Area. Starting Point: On the western bank of the Touw River at the Ebb & Flow Railway and Road Bridge. Enjoy the 3 hrs return trail stralling on the 2km long boardwalk which ends at the waterfall. Pack you picnic basket and indulge.

Brown-Hooded Kingfisher Trail:Duration: 2hrs return ( 5km) Walk behind Island Lake and a lovely waterfall and swimming hole at turning point.

Bosduif Loof:Duration: 1 hour walk with stunning views of WildernessWoodville Big Tree Circular Walk An easy 45min. walk through lush indigenous forest which starts and finishes at an 800 year old Yellowwood Big Tree, pack you picnic basket and feel at one with nature.

Canoe Trails:Touw River Waterfall is the best picnic and swimming spot. Paddle through the thick indigenous forest and enjoy birdlife. Swartvlei and This famous estuary covers some 1100ha and is the largest and deepest of the lakes. It’s a veritable birding enthusiast and salt water fisherman’s paradise.Island Land and Island Lake Picnic SpotThe 150ha Island Lake is the first of the chain of lakes and owes its name to Drommidaris Island located in it’s centre. Pack your picnic basket and feel at one with nature.Enquiries: 044-8771197

KNYSNA SECTION:

Drupkelders:A challenging path winds its way down into a hidden and spectacular kllof. Spend the day listening to the amber water of the Gouna River rushing over falls and rapids against the concave rock walls.

Jubilee Creek:Lovely picnic spot on the banks of a creek in the Knysna Lush Indigenous Forest. A day walk through the Old Mining Trails to an ice cold swimming hole. Enjoy the Secrets of the Forest, mineshafts, tunnels and other hidden wonders.

Millwood Mine, Materolli Museum and Coffee Shop. Experience the history of the 19th century Gold Rush.Kind Edward VII Big Tree Picnic SitePicnic at this famous Yellowwood. One of the giants of the forest and Icon of Knysna. Garden Of Eden a Haven The 800m soft trail allows even the mobility –impaired a chance to experience the magic of the forest. Pack your picnic basket. Cycling The Harkeville Forest is Haven for CyclistsHarkeville Coast Hiking TrailThis trail is situated on the coastal plateau between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the Harkeville Indigenous Forest. Apart from the forest it includes an incomparable, rugged and unspoilt cliff coastline where whales, otters and dolphins can sometimes be seen.

Outeniqua Trail:Starts a few kilometers to the East at Beervlei. This spectacular trail winds its way throughout the Indigenous Forest with ample huts and stop overs as well as alternative starting points according to the level of challenge you want to face. Circles in the Forest:A Three and Nine km walk starting and ending at the Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site. It follows an old mining path along the bank of Forest Creek. Enjoy swimming in the water holes that makes the walk perfect for the summer’s day.Enquiries: 044-3025600

TSISTIKAMMA SECTION:

Pump your adrenalin with a host of adventure activities:The Dolphin Trail: This unique guided, luxury hiking experience. The two day spectacular trial on the Tsitsikamma coast, have luggage portaged and spend each evening in comfort of three different luxury accommodation. Point of departure is from Storms River Mouth Camp at the Dolphin Huts, Amble along the Suspension Bridge which marks the start of the start of the Dolphin Trail.Take a boat ride up the Storms River Gorge and to the WaterfallEnjoy the 2-3hrs Eco Walk in the Camp and feel at one with NatureTackle the first part of the famed Otter Hiking TrailShop souvenirs and basic commodities, a la carte Restaurant and Deck BarPumb you adrenalin with a host of adventure activities nearby including, Worlds Highest Bungy Jump and Tree Top ToursGroot River Pass in Natures’ Valley:This pass completed in 1880 by Thomas Bain, provides the only possible access to the river mouth. The pass follows the breathtaking gorges and valleys with untouched indigenous rain forest.Canoeing in Natures ValleyFor enquiries: 042-2811607