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.
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.
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.