Wilderness Lakes system – Brown-Hooded Kingfisher Trail

About the Birding

The Brown-Hooded Kingfisher Trail (-33.9838, 22.65099) meanders along the bank of the Duiwe river  and parking is available at the start of the trail, this trail is free but self issued permits must be filled out at the start of the trail.

The causeway across the road is good for both Giant and Half-Collared Kingfisher and the cliff on the right is often used by Peregrine Falcon. African Goshawk can be heard calling above the valley in the mornings.

The forest is drier than the Half-Collared trail with open grassy patches that will often have Swee Waxbill as well as occasionally African Firefinch.

Listen out for bird parties moving through the brush, species such as African Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-Mantled Crested Flycatcher, Black-Headed Oriole, Olive Bushshrike and Chorister Robin-Chat

Key species:
Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Cape Batis, Chorister Robin-chat, Cape Siskin, Orange-Breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler

About the Birding Site

Situated at the Western end of the Garden Route National Park and named by early settlers as a perceived Garden of Eden, the Wilderness Lakes offer superb birding including 2 Ramsar sites and an IBA. Comprising  4 reed fringed lakes, Fynbos and Afro-Montane Forest as well as drier coastal scrub Forest, numerous walking trails plus 2 hides allow for easy access to the region’s birds.

Key species:
Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Cape Batis, Chorister Robin-chat, Cape Siskin, Orange-Breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler

Other Related Information

Access and facilities:
Time 2.5hours
Permits are self issued and maps are available with the permit
The trail is not wheelchair friendly but a good selection of birds may be seen along the first 300m that are accessible.

Other related information:

Contact SANParks:
044 877 1197

Text prepared by:
Tim Carr

Key species:

Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Cape Batis, Chorister Robin-chat, Cape Siskin, Orange-Breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler

Contact details:

SANParks
Tel: +27 (0)44 877 1197