Half Collared Kingfisher Trail

Views on the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
Ebb&FlowPark

By Vicky · Published Jun. 11th, 2021 · Updated Nov. 23rd, 2022

The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is a great hike with a steep climb and amazing views in Wilderness National Park.

Mountainous views on the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, South Africa

Location

This hike starts from Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. Find out more about Ebb & Flow Rest Camp here. It’s 20 minutes from George and 40 minutes from Knysna along the N2 highway. If you don’t have a car, check out the options for car hire* from Cape Town.

Half Collared Kingfisher Trail Hiking Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips: Half Collared Kingfisher Trail

Head to the bridge between the northern and southern sections of Ebb & Flow Restcamp. There are lovely views of the river from this bridge.

Head to the western side of the river (not through the northern part of the rest camp) and you’ll find a small trail. Almost immediately you’ll reach a permit checkpoint where you can buy a hiking permit or show your park permit if you are camping.

Fungi in Wilderness National Park, South Africa
Purple plant in Wilderness National Park, South Africa

The trail initially follows the river but if you want amazing views, take the minor trail heading steeply up the jungle-covered mountainside.

Mountains and river while hiking the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, South Africa
Views of Ebb & Flow rest camp in Wilderness National Park on the Garden Route, South Africa

The views get better and better as you ascend before the trail then heads back down to the river. When you reach the river head back along the flat, gently path to the beginning.

If you want to extend this hike you can combine this Half Collared Kingfisher Trail with the Giant Kingfisher Trail to reach a picnic and swimming spot at a lovely waterfall further upstream.

Discover what else you can do at Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness National Park. If you’re heading east, make sure to go hiking at Robberg Peninsula, then stop off at Storms River Rest Camp. If you’re heading west, explore Mossel Bay or De Hoop Nature Reserve.


Ebb & Flow Rest Camp was a stop on our two-month road trip around South Africa which we wrote up as a book, Chasing Ostriches*. Discover many other amazing places in South Africa and see more photos here.

Views on the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, South Africa

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *