GEORGE NEWS - South African National Parks (SANParks) will be presenting its 18th annual SA National Parks Week from 18 to 24 September this year.

Since its inception in 2006, National Parks Week under the theme "Know your National Parks", has seen an influx of more than 619 200 day visitors in participating parks, including the Wilderness National Park.

The week grants free access to most of the 22 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities.

However, it should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

Some of the parks will be extending the week to include the weekend.

The Ebb and Flow rest camp in Wilderness as seen from the Cape Dune Molerat Trail. 

Where to go in Wilderness

The Woodville Big Tree is a short drive from Ebb and Flow Rest Camp and an easy walk from the parking area to the 810-year-old Outeniqua yellowwood tree. The hike is self-guided.

Visitors can also opt to canoe via the Touw river to Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher trail. The park, with its lush indigenous forest, sparkling rocky shores and pristine sandy beaches, is a bird watcher's paradise. The area has many bird hides to visit.

Other hiking trails to explore include the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, the Giant Kingfisher Trail, the Pied Kingfisher Trail, which is mainly used for bird watching, the Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail and the Cape Dune Molerat Trail

The Outeniqua Mountains offer a variety of mountain biking trails and footpaths to explore. 

When hiking or cycling anywhere, please remember to be vigilant at all times, take enough water and preferably enjoy your adventure with a partner.

The Ebb and Flow rest camp in Wilderness as seen from the Cape Dune Molerat Trail. Photos: Kristy Kolberg

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