Garden Route – Greater Knysna and Environs

About the Birding

The town of Knysna is synonymous with its Forest and it is, indeed, the largest stretch of Afro-Montane Forest in the country. There are a number of good spots to access the rich birdlife that calls the forest home, such as the Kringe in die Bos walking trail (-33.9168, 22.958).

It is situated off the Rheenendal road and species such as Narina Trogon, Grey Cuckooshrike and African Emerald Cuckoo (in summer) can be found. It is one of the few areas to host Crowned Eagle.

Continuing west along the Rheenendal road the open grazing lands offer Black-Winged Lapwing and in summer, Amur Falcon and European Roller can be found here.

Key species:

Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Half Collared Kingfisher, Cape Sugarbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Orange-Breasted Sunbird

About the Birding Site

Three different bird species, a Warbler, a Woodpecker and a Turaco, all point to the town of Knysna and the diverse birding it has to offer. Wrapped around a magnificent lagoon and separated from the Indian Ocean by the dramatic Knysna Heads, it has something to offer for the whole family including the offer of pelagic birding.

Key species:

Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Half Collared Kingfisher, Cape Sugarbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Orange-Breasted Sunbird

Other Related Information

Contact SANParks

Tel: +27 (0)44 8771197

Kringe in die Bos – GPS Coordinates -33.9166, 22.9582
Time +- 4 hours
Permits and maps available from the boom gate access point (use your wild card). The trail is not wheelchair friendly, but a good selection of birds may be found within the picnic site. Bathrooms are available at the picnic site.

Other related information:

Text prepared by:
Tim Carr

Key species:

Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Half Collared Kingfisher, Cape Sugarbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Orange-Breasted Sunbird

Contact details:

SANParks
Tel: +27 (0)44 8771197