Guest Article 2

Wilderness National Park

By Angela Drummond

One of the jewels along the Garden Route, the Wilderness National Park is situated on the banks of the Touw River. This park is reminiscent almost of a fantasy world, complete with entrancing lakes and rivers, beautiful beaches and thick forests blanketing the slopes of the mountains. Among the attractions of this park are excellent bird watching opportunities, hikes along scenic nature trails and of course the chance to camp beneath the wide open African sky. Remember to bring your camera along, because this park offers photographic opportunities of the beautifully lush region which are not to be missed.

Visitors to South Africa, or South African's exploring their own country can look forward to learning a lot more about the local flora and fauna. Wilderness National Park hosts a wide variety of animal and bird-life, as well as forests and shrubs. Be sure to bring along a book on the local birds and a pair of binoculars to make for an unforgettable bird watching experience. Here are some of the birds you can expect to see; the Grey and Purple Heron, the Little Egret, the African Spoonbill, Little Bittern and Red Knobbed Coot. Wild fowl are a common sight in the park, with Yellow Billed Ducks, Macoa Ducks, White Backed Ducks, the Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard and Hottentots Teal among them.

The bird hide at Rondvlei serves as the ideal location from which watchers can spot the Baillon's Crake, African Rail and Purple Gallinule. A visit to the nearby Swartvlei estuary will give visitors the chance to see more waders and the Caspian Tern, along with many of the birds mentioned above.

The park offers accommodation in the form of a rest camp, named the Ebb & Flow camp, which is divided into north and south sections. Running alongside the rest camp is the Touw River, with the muddy banks patrolled by White Fronted Plover. Along the Touw River are a series of lakes; the Eilandvlei, Langvlei and Rondvlei, each containing a variety of water-life and attracting birds such as the Great Crested and Black Necked Grebe.

During peak periods of the season it becomes essential to book a spot in the park's rest camp, as day visitors will not be allowed. Also take into consideration that pets will not be allowed into the park.

On the whole this park offers a beautiful spot for a getaway trip, especially so for bird lovers. Secluded nature trails are begging to be explored, the lush forests offer private picnic spots and then there is the always present chance of spotting wild game. Keep your eyes open especially for the colourful Knysne Lourie.

Take a trip to the beautiful Wilderness National Park on the Garden Route of South Africa.

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