Wilderness

The 2500ha Wilderness National Park consists of 5 lakes, 5 rivers, 2 estuaries and 28km of beach. This sensitive ecosystem creates a wetland of international importance. Adjoining this is the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Specials
Orange-breasted Sunbird, Victorin's Warbler, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Narina Trogon, Baillon's Crake, Red-chested Flufftail, African Finfoot, African Crowned Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.

Habitats
Forests, rivers, reedbeds, lakes, fynbos, Milkwood forests, beaches and cliffs, pastures and dams.

Facilities
Wilderness National Park hutted camp, hotels, lodges, chalets, bed and breakfasts, picnic sites, hiking trails, canoe trails and adventure companies .

Birding

1. Wilderness: Forest Walks
In Wilderness the following walks include - Half-collared Kingfisher Trail - 3 km along the western bank of the Touw River. Giant Kingfisher Trail - 7 km along the eastern side of the Touw River. Brown-hooded Kingfisher Trail - 8 km along the Duiwe River. These, as well as other forest walks, include forest species such as Narina Trogon, Black-backed Puffback, Knysna Turaco, Cape Batis, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Black-headed Oriole, Terrestrial Brownbul, Grey Cuckooshrike, African Olive-Pigeon, Lemon Dove, Tambourine Dove, Green-backed Camaroptera, White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-Chat, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher and African Paradise-Flycatcher, African Emerald Cuckoo and Forest Buzzard. It is especially important to know the calls when in the forests.

2. The Lakes
A string of lakes stretches from Wilderness Lagoon to Island Lake, Langvlei, Rondevlei, Swartvlei and Groenvlei. They include reeded edges, marshy boggy vegetation and milkwood forest. There are hides at Langvlei and Rondevlei. In the reeds, birds include Little Rush-Warbler, Lesser Swamp-Warbler, African Reed-Warbler, African Rail, Black Crake, African Purple Swamphen, Purple Heron, Red-chested Flufftail, Baillon's Crake, African Marsh-Harrier. On the water, birds include Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard, Hottentot Teal and White-backed Duck. Yellow-billed Egret may be seen at Langvlei from the Malachite Hide. African Fish-Eagle breed in trees near the water's edge and Osprey is present.

3. Woodville
Woodville forest is situated just off the old George / Knysna road and can be a good spot for forest species. There is a short (30 minutes) walk from the Big tree. Turn left as this is the area which includes Narina Trogon, Knysna Turaco, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Olive Bush-Shrike, Green-backed Camaroptera and White-starred Robin. Chorister Robin-Chat is often present at the picnic site as are Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher and Olive Woodpecker. Knysna Warbler often sings from thickets bordering the stream. The pastures alongside the old George / Knysna road support Black-winged Lapwing and Denham's Bustard. Woodville is in the Bergplaas State forest, 26 km from George. Turn off where the sign indicates Big tree and Picnic Site.

General
Wilderness Eco Tourism Association, tel/fax: +27 44 877 0045, email: weta@wildernessinfo.co.za or www.tourismwilderness.co.za.
Sedgefield Tourism, tel: +27 44 343 2658/2007 fax: +27 44 343 2010, website: www.tourismsedgefield.co.za
Wilderness National Park, tel: +27 44 877 1197 or fax: +27 44 877 0366 email: wilderness@sanparks.org website: www.sanparks.co.za

Gate opening times:
Open 24 hours

Accommodation :
Wilderness: Wilderness National Park Rest Camp.
The Lakes: There is a rustic bushcamp on the shore of Groenvlei. Reservations: Tel: +27 21 659 3500 website: www.capenature.org.za

Anne Brash 2002