Giant Kingfisher Trail

28 April 201627 November 2017 David 0 Comments pont, swim, Touw River, waterfall, Wilderness

The Giant Kingfisher Trail takes you up the Touw River valley to a set of pools and waterfalls that are easily more spectacular than the popular Crystal Pools near Gordons Bay.

Getting there: from Cape Town, as you arrive in Wilderness on the N2, take the first and main (and only) exit into the village itself. Take the first right into George Road, and then right again into Waterside Road. Drive for 3km and upon crossing the bridge over the Touw River, the entrance is on your right.
GPS Coordinates: -33.988006, 22.608256
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: this is an easy walk along an easy-to-follow trail

This is one of a number of short walks in Wilderness that start from Ebb and Flow Rest Camp.

I found much of the info regarding this trail somewhat confusing as there are 3 trails in this little area. The Giant Kingfisher Trail is actually really an extension of the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail which is where some of the confusion is created on the map. The trail starts on the left bank, and you cross to the right bank via a hand-drawn pont. There is an option to do a section on the left bank which includes crossing using what is marked as “stepping stones” on the map, but is really nothing special and is probably worth skipping.

Much of the trail is on elevated boardwalks, and almost the entire route is shaded by the luxurious forest.

When you reach the waterfall you are at the end of the trail. The ravine is quite spectacular with the rough, exposed rock in stark contrast to the forested kloof, and a dip in the clear fresh pools below the waterfalls is a must!