Waterfall Walk in the “Wilderness”

National Park, “Wilderness”,in which there are several walks, all associated with varieties of Woodpecker, that populate the boards of the river Touws. Having paid a relatively expensive ” tourist ” rate to enter , there was a large campsite, carefully arranged along the river bank.It was well populated and is especially popular  Dec – Jan holidays.As veteran campers, we were impressed with the facilities and the location!

This walk was along the river, occasionally climbing the edges of the increasingly higher sides, by a wooden Boardwalk. Soon enough a crossing of the river had to be made , by a hand pulled Pontoon – great fun – except for canoeists, who had to paddle and lift the ropes, without garrotting themselves.The Walk up the river gorge got higher and higher, occasional use of staircases was necessary. Glimpses of the river, now much narrowed, could be made, through the trees , which provided a welcome canopy of shade from the sun. Eventually the waterfall was reached, above an array of long fallen, massive boulders. It cascaded down amongst some happy swimmers, then coursed along into a small pool, where the less adventurous also enjoyed a swim, in the ochre coloured water.

Rested and watered  ourselves, we made our way back; at a quicker pace, being downhill. We had enjoyed the ” Half – Collared Kingfisher Walk”, the small creeks, marshy areas, tangled tree roots, reed beds and hardwood trees, gave us an enjoyable insight into this part of The Garden Route National Park.