HALF COLLARED KINGFISHER TRAIL

South Africa

Posted by Natasha Potter | Jun 01, 2017 | Hiking Trails, Garden Route
Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
DURATION

DURATION

3 – 4 hours

DIFFICULTY

DIFFICULTY

Easy

TRAIL TYPE

TRAIL TYPE

Out & Back

DISTANCE

DISTANCE

7,2 km

The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail in Wilderness can be summed up in one word: magical. Winding you along the Touw River, through lush indigenous forest, and on to a tranquil waterfall and swimming spot, this path is a treat for all senses.

GETTING STARTED

Since the trail falls within a National Park you will need to obtain a permit before the hike. This can be bought from Ebb & Flow Rest Camp (right next to the start of the trail). Alternatively, you can stay over at Ebb & Flow and the cost of the permit will be covered in the accommodation costs. We recommend doing it this way. You will not regret it!

Leaving Ebb & Flow, cross the old railway bridge and look out for sign on the right indicating the start of the trail. Entering the forest you will immediately feel the tranquillity that only a beautiful, lush, peaceful forest can give you. Wooden steps and pathways will take you deeper into the forest where the only sign of other life on the planet is from the occasional glimpse of Ebb & Flow across the Touw River.

Walking through the forest
Ebb & flow rest camp

You will need to cross the river by means of a pontoon. It’s not exactly an adrenaline-pumping contraption but it’s still a lot of fun to use! Once you’ve crossed the river you will merge with the Giant Kingfisher Trail. From here the trail is mostly a wooden boardwalk which takes you along the East side of the Touw River. Though not always in your line of site the serene sounds of the flowing water will accompany you as you walk along the boardwalk. It gets a tad steep at times but there are benches along the way if you need a rest.

The pontoon used to cross the Touw River
Tranquility

THE WATERFALL

Your reward at the end of the trail will be a small waterfall which flows into a beautiful natural swimming hole. This is the perfect place to cool down and rest for a couple of hours. Bring a picnic basket and something to swim in and make a day of it.

Two things to remember:

  1. The earlier you go, the less crowded it will be.
  2. Leave no trace behind. Upon departure be sure to take everything with you – rubbish and all!
The waterfall at the end of the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
The rock pool at the end of the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail

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