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21 November 2014

Experience the wonder of nature through canoeing

One of the seventeen (17) Ramsar sites in South Africa is in the Wilderness section of the GRNP. The Wilderness and Swartvlei lake systems are situated on the Cape South Coast and form the core conservation area of the Wilderness section of the GRNP. The Wilderness system comprises three lakes namely, Rondevlei, Langvlei and Eilandvlei. These and the Serpentine wetlands form part of an internationally proclaimed RAMSAR site (wetlands of global significance for biodiversity conservation).

Visitors to the Park can enjoy a trip down the Touw and the Serpentine Rivers right up to Island Lake in a canoe. Access to Swartvlei and Rondevlei is restricted due to the Ramsar site requirements. By paddling up the Touw River, visitors have the opportunity to pass through dense indigenous forests and watching birds. Many water birds can be spotted in that area including the Half-collared Kingfisher, the Giant Kingfisher, Fish Eagles, the spectacular Knysna Lourie, also known as the Knysna Turaco, and many more.

When guests choose to take the route up the Serpentine River through the dense reed banks of the wetland they eventually arrive at Island Lake which will give them breath-taking views of the interconnected waterscapes.

There are three canoeing options to choose from and during the peak season there is a special discount of 50% on the current canoe tariffs:

One (1) hour trips: R 55 per two-man canoe
Three (3) hour trips:
(more than three hours the daily tariff will be levied)		 R 137.50 per two-man canoe
One (1) day trips: R 192.50 per two-man canoe

Bookings for canoeing can be made directly at the Ebb & Flow Rest Camp Reception (Wilderness), 044 877 0046.

To get started:

Costs: 50% discount off all current canoeing tariffs plus conservation fees to enter the Wilderness section of the GRNP, encouraging efforts as well as contributing towards ploughing back into nature.

Gear: Comfortable shoes, casual clothing, a light waterproof windbreaker, change of clothes and towel. Optional items: Sunglasses, hats and other.

When choosing the longer canoeing options do not forget to fill your backpack with snacks.

5 other attractions to Ebb & Flow (Wilderness)

  • Bird watching of water, forest and fynbos birds
  • Hiking
  • Picnic spots
  • Camping and accommodation
  • Swimming

For more information:
Tel: 044 877 0046
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/wilderness/
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/147847698591558/ or @SANParksGRNP

Canoeing in Wilderness

Accommodation in Wilderness

Photos by Ash Stiebel.