A gorgeous hike of about 8km to a
waterfall through a thick forest while loeries tease you with their
monkey-like call.
When you arrive in Wilderness via the
N2 from George, take the first exit into the village itself. Take
the first right into George road and then right again into Waterside
Road. Drive for about 3km and after crossing the bridge you will see
the entrance to Ebb and Flow.
There are actually 3 hikes in this
area, and the Giant King Fisher Trail is an extension of the
Halfcollard Kingfisher hike.
 |
| Map of trails in park |
 |
| This bird hike ahead of us |
 |
| Pont to cross the river |
The trail starts on the left bank, and you cross to the right bank
via a hand-drawn pont. If you stay on the left, you get an area
called stepping stones where you can also join the trail. Another
option is to rent canoes at the hotel and row up the river until you
reach the stepping stones and then hike the rest of the way to the
waterfall.
 |
| Plants found on the hike |
The hike is mostly on a raised wooden boardwalk with a
large number of steps. It can get quite slippery when wet.
 |
| Well maintained boardwalk. |
We met a couple of workers that were removing an invasive
onion-like plant. They are placed bulb and all in black bags and
then refrigerated until they die. An echo-friendly way, no fires
than can get out of control or cause pollution.
 |
All sorts of
Fungi |
The waterfall is spectacular and the ideal place for a long break and a swim or dive for the brave.
 |
| Jump! |
 |
| Lizard at the waterfall |
There are several beautiful picnic spots on the hike, the forest
covers you with a leaf umbrella and we stayed dry despite a light
drizzle.
 |
| Well-marked hike |
 |
| One of the picnic spots |
 |
| Stepping stones |
This 16km road joins Swellendam with
Barrydale. It offers beautiful mountain scenery with not too many
bends.
