This is South Africa’s own lakes district.  There are various bird hides along the lakes system that you can, well, hide in, to watch some bird life along the lakes.  Find Gullilule and Malachite Bird hides for some splendid bird activity along the lakes. The chances are good that you will be the only person in the hide.  By far one of the best kept secrets still in the Garden Route!

Stop at Dolphin’s Point and enjoy the view both ways.  First look to the East and enjoy the unspoiled beaches of, well Wilderness, and then look to the West and you will notice the icon bridge over the Kaaimans river mouth.  I wonder how many pictures were taken at this spot in the past and how many more will be taken in the future.

While at Dolphin’s Point remember to look out for migrating whales between June and November.  Although you might have seen them before it is always a special sight for me.

If you are in love with forests, then you need to take the route along the famous Seven Passes roads. And while you are on the Seven Passes road stop more or less halfway at a quant little eatery with the name of Totties near Rheenendal.  They serve generous helpings, but do not be in a hurry as good food requires time to prepare.  This is a bit further afield than Wilderness, but worth a visit.

The gravel roads around the lakes and even the Seven Passes road is excellent for some mountain biking.  Take note that there are some steep climbs on some section, but there need to be some challenges for the trained riders as well.    This is also a tick box route for many motor cyclists so keep an eye open for them as there are many blind curves and rises. The clip inserted below gives a sneak preview on the Seven Passes. 

Ride the Seven Passes

There are several big trees in the vicinity.  The Woodville Big Tree is worth a visit and a nice place to have a leisurely picnic.

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The Pied King Fishers is one of my favourite birds as they have magnificent hovering and diving skills.  With their black and white plumage, they are not as colourful as the rest of the King Fisher family, but still very pretty.

On arrival we found a pair perched on some dry branches right in front of the hide and shortly thereafter they started their display for us.  It was time to get out the camera and start clicking!

First their super hovering skills were displayed, then with perfect timing a quick dive into the water was executed (alas too quick for me to get the shot) and when it surfaced again a fish was dangling from its strong beak.  Wow!

Then with a couple of strong lashes on the branch the fish was lights out and the feast began.  I was wondering how do they know not to catch to big a fish and what will happen if they do?

However, today that was not the problem.  Without any effort the meal was devoured and off they went for one more catch for the day.

—oOo—

Where?  Follow the signs from the security hut at the entrance to the Fairy Knowe Hotel

What does it cost?   Free entrance

What else?  Sign the visitors’ book and share your sightings

—oOo—

LET YOUR DREAMS FLY!

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We tackled the route in peak summer and even then the lush 2.5 km (5 km return) trail, which follows the course of the Duiwe River, provided enough shade for a nice walk.  The entire route is clearly marked with blue markers and is easy to follow.

There are a few river crossings which normally are very easy with no need to take your shoes off, but do take care over wet slippery rocks when traversing the streams – unless you want to cool down; which is also not a bad idea!

While walking be alert for snakes, such as puff adders, as they camouflage well in the leafy surroundings, but do not forget to enjoy nature.  Along the route we spotted a couple of Brown Hooded Kingfisher, but were unlucky to see the elusive Knysna turacos that hide high above in the trees.

This is a non-guided trail, but you need a self-issuing permit which is obtainable at the entrance gate.  Keep the permit in your pocket to produce when asked for it.

Take lots of photos and enjoy the walk!

GPS coordinates:   33° 59′ 1.788″ S,   22° 39′ 3.8232″ E

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Most of the times when you go there you will have the whole hide to yourself.  Put up your feet, relax and enjoy the view.  If you are a keen bird photographer this is a good spot to catch water birds early morning or in the late afternoon.  Remember to check water levels beforehand as this will determine how close the birds will get to the hide.

On our last visit we were lucky enough to spot some adorable Red-knobbed Coot hatchlings learning the ropes while their doting mothers keep a close eye on them.

For the first time I also so a White-breasted Cormorant perched on a dry tree branch, but various species of Kingfisher,  Grey and Purple Heron, Little Egret, Fish Eagle and some other bird that I am not familiar with are present at different times at the hide.  This is also listed as a RAMSAR site (According to Wikipedia “a Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO, and coming into force in 1975″).

This is also a favourite spot for our family to have sundowners while we watch the sun setting  over the lagoon while enjoying the tranquility.  As this is a conservation area NO fishing is allowed.

WHERE WILL YOU FIND IT?

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT THIS?

• Entry is free.
• Lots of fresh air
• Refreshing to mind and soul

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