Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of water activities and trails due to heavy rainfall

last updated 16 February 2026

South African National Parks (SANParks) released an update on the temporary closure of water-based activities and selected facilities in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park. Following improved conditions, the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail and all the water-based activities in the Ebb and Flow area are now open. 
The Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail and Galinule Bird Hide remain closed until further notice

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary suspension of all water-based activities in the Ebb and Flow area of the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, effective immediately until further notice.

The closure comes after recent heavy rainfall, which has caused elevated water levels and created potentially hazardous conditions for visitors. To ensure safety, the following trails and facilities are also temporarily closed:

• Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
• Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail
• Galinule Bird Hide

These precautionary measures are designed to protect visitors and restrict access to areas impacted by high water levels. SANParks has confirmed that all affected activities and facilities will reopen once conditions stabilise and it is safe to do so.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly, respect all safety notices, and check for updates before visiting. SANParks thanks everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this temporary closure.

 

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Garden Route National Park: Island Lake boat launch site closed after fire!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the Island Lake boat launch site in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa's Western Cape has been temporarily closed to the public following a boat fire incident on Monday, 05 January 2026.

According to preliminary information, a privately owned boat belonging to a park visitor caught fire while launch preparations were underway at Island Lake. Reports indicate that the vessel was already afloat when the engine was started, at which point it ignited. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

Emergency response teams from SANParks were quickly on the scene, supported by the Wilderness Fire Brigade, who successfully contained the blaze and secured the surrounding area. While no fatalities were reported, one individual sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The incident resulted in minor damage to the jetty at the launch site. In addition, a fuel spillage occurred during the fire, prompting SANParks to appoint a specialist service provider to conduct environmental clean-up and remediation work to protect the sensitive wetland ecosystem of Island Lake.

In the interest of public safety and to allow for full rehabilitation of the affected area, SANParks has confirmed that the Island Lake boat launch site will remain closed until further notice. Visitors should note, however, that the Island Lake picnic area remains open and accessible.

 

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Garden Route National Park: SANParks launches Waterside Boardwalk restoration in Wilderness Section!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has commenced essential repair and maintenance work on the iconic Waterside Boardwalk in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park.

This much-loved boardwalk, which provides visitors with a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the Touw River, has suffered damage over the past year due to repeated flooding and natural weathering.

The refurbishment project, which began on 11 November 2025, includes replacing worn-out timber planks and strengthening the boardwalk’s structural supports to ensure long-term stability and visitor safety. Environmentally sustainable materials are being used to enhance durability against local climate conditions while minimising ecological impact on this pristine area of the Garden Route.

SANParks has requested visitors to follow all safety signage and use alternative designated routes within the Wilderness Section while maintenance is underway. Despite the construction, the Wilderness Section remains open for both day visitors and overnight guests, with all other trails and park facilities operating as normal.

The restoration is expected to be completed by 31 March 2026, ensuring that future visitors can continue to enjoy one of the Garden Route's most picturesque and sustainable walking experiences.

 

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Garden Route National Park: Island Lake reopens for recreation after blue-green algae closure!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the reopening of Island Lake in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa's Western Cape, effective today, 30 May 2025. The lake had been temporarily closed since 07 March 2025 due to the presence of blue-green algal bloom bacteria.
Recent water quality tests, supported by satellite imagery, have confirmed the absence of toxin-producing algae in the lake. This clearance deems the lake safe for all recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
The blue-green algal bloom that led to the closure was likely the result of several environmental factors, including warm temperatures, decreased water inflows, and nutrient runoff from the broader catchment area. These factors are often beyond the control of SANParks.
SANParks has committed to continuous monitoring of Island Lake to detect any early signs of algal bloom resurgence or changes in water quality. As climate change and increased pressures on the landscape can contribute to future blooms, visitors are encouraged to stay updated through official SANParks channels.

Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of Big Tree Trail! [update]

update (24 April 2025): According to SANParks, Big Tree is open today and will remain open.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary closure of the Big Tree trail in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa's Western Cape on 22 and 23 April 2025. The decision was made due to extremely wet conditions, posing safety risks for hikers. This precautionary measure allows time for the trails to dry and ensures visitor safety. SANParks is closely monitoring the weather, and if further rainfall occurs tonight or tomorrow, the trail closure may be extended.

The Woodville Big Tree Trail is one of the most popular forest walks in the Wilderness area of the Garden Route National Park. This scenic 2.1 km loop is an easy and family-friendly walk through pristine indigenous forest, suitable for visitors of all ages. The trail’s main attraction is the Woodville Big Tree, a magnificent Outeniqua Yellowwood estimated to be over 800 years old. Towering at 33 meters with a trunk circumference of 15 meters, this ancient tree is a must-see natural landmark in the region.
Along the trail, hikers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest canopy, cross charming wooden bridges, and use log steps that seamlessly blend into the environment. The trail is also a haven for birdlife, with chances to spot species like the Knysna Turaco and the Cape Parrot.
Facilities at the trailhead include picnic tables and restrooms, making it a convenient spot for families and casual walkers. Please note: dogs are not allowed on the trail.
For those wanting to explore further, the nearby Woodville Forest Trail offers a more extended 7 km route through varied forest landscapes and stunning viewpoints — a great option for nature lovers and avid hikers.

Garden Route National Park: Island Lake in the Wilderness Section temporarily closed! [update #2]

update (08 April 2025): The blue-green algal bloom at Island Lake, in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa's Western Cape, remains active. Recent test results have confirmed the continued presence of the bacteria, which is known to potentially produce harmful toxins. Island lake will remain closed until it is declared safe for public use. SANParks will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates.

update (19 March 2025): SANParks has confirmed that Island Lake in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa's Western Cape remains temporarily closed for all recreational activities. This precautionary measure is still in place due to the presence of a blue-green algal bloom, which may pose a potential health risk.
SANParks continues to actively monitor the situation with initial results confirming that the species present are capable of producing toxins. Further samples have been sent for testing.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed Island Lake in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa's Western Cape for all recreational activities. This precautionary measure follows the detection of a blue-green algal bloom, which may pose a potential health risk.
SANParks is closely monitoring the situation while awaiting laboratory results to identify the algae species and determine whether it can produce toxins. Algal blooms in standing water are often influenced by environmental factors such as temperature changes, organic matter decomposition, bird activity, and recent freshwater inflows.

Garden Route National Park: Hiking trails in the Wilderness section temporarily closed!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that five hiking trails in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park in the Western Cape are temporarily closed. This is due to heavy rains the National Park is currently experiencing.
The following hiking trails are temporarily closed:

• Half Collared Trail
• Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail
• Woodville Big Tree Trails
• Goudveld Trails
• Groeneweide Trails 

The Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park is located around the seaside town of Wilderness, Western Cape between the larger towns of George, Sedgefield and Knysna, in the Western Cape. It stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Garden Route National Park: Waterside Boardwalk in the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp is temporarily closed!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that the Waterside Boardwalk in the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in Garden Route National Park's Wilderness section is temporarily closed until further notice. Due to the recent floods, the Waterside Boardwalk has incurred structural damages, rendering it unsafe for public use. According to SANParks, work is underway to address the situation. We'll keep you posted!

The Waterside Boardwalk is located in the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park and provides visitors with a scenic pathway that meanders alongside the Touw River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest and wetland habitats.
The Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park is located around the seaside town of Wilderness, Western Cape between the larger towns of George, Sedgefield and Knysna, in the Western Cape. It stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Garden Route National Park: Ebb and Flow Rest Camp reopens!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park has been reopened. The Rest Camp was temporarily closed due to flooding since 09 April 2024. The accommodation facilities have not been affected by the floods and accommodation and camping is available for bookings. SANParks further announced that the Tsitsikamma section and the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park remain open to the public. However, the following hiking trails and facilities remain closed: Half Collared Kingfisher trail, Gallinule bird hide, Brown Hooded Kingfisher trail, Waterside boardwalk, Woodville Big Tree, Outeniqua Hiking trail and Canoe activity. We'll keep you posted!

Garden Route National Park: Ebb and Flow Rest Camp & hiking trails closed due to flooding!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed that heavy rains have caused flooding at the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park, so that the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp has been temporary closed. Mop up operations are already underway and guests who were camping at the Rest Camp have been safely evacuated to the Forest Cabins. All the hiking trails including the trails at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, Swartvlei, Woodville Big Tree, Farleigh and Goudveld - Outeniqua hiking trail and Circles in the Forest are closed until further notice. The Touw River Mouth was mechanically breached at 06:20 on 09 April 2024. Potential damage to infrastructure and tourism facilities is getting evaluated. Garden Route National Park is currently experiencing power cuts and SANParks' technical team together with the municipality are working on resolving the matter. We'll keep you posted!

Garden Route National Park (Wilderness section): Serpentine Bridge under maintenance!

The Serpentine Bridge in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park is currently undergoing maintenance. The operation commenced on 22 May 2018 and is expected to continue for the next four months. Visitors are advised to enter the Ebb & Flow North rest camp from Waterside Road and also via Hoekville Road.



The maintenance operation is aimed at improving the structural component of the Serpentine Bridge. Visitors to the  Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park are advised to do the following:

• All guests who have accommodation or camping reservations for the Ebb & Flow South rest camp will only be able to make use of the main entrance gate via the N2.
• Guests who have reservations for the Ebb & Flow north rest camp are requested to utilise Waterside Road via the town of Wilderness for access into the north camp.
• Arriving guests should also aim to arrive at the Park before 17h30.
• South African National Parks (SANParks) gate officials are available at the entrance gate at the Ebb & Flow north rest camp throughout the day and night in order to ensure sufficient service is provided to arriving guests.

Garden Route National Park: 4 additional hiking trails received Green Flag Trails accreditation!

An additional four hiking trails in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park in South Africa received Green Flag Trails accreditation from the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa (HOSA). The four trails include the Half Collard Kingfisher trail (9,65km), Dune Mole Rat trail (8,2km), Woodville Big Tree (2km) and the Circles in the Forest trail (3,4km). This brings the number of accredited hiking trails in the Garden Route National Park to 18.

• Tsitsikamma secion - 12 Green Flag Trails
• Knysna section - 2 Green Flag Trails
• Wilderness section - 4 Green Flag Trails

Green Flag Trails is a voluntary quality and sustainability eco-label for trails that seeks to offer hikers all the information needed to ensure the hike meets their expectations. By assessing the environmental conditions as well as safety along the trail, Green Flag Trails ensures sustainable trails in terms of conservation of the environmental resources as well as the quality of experience had by hikers. The eco-label accredits trails through its unique audit procedure and identifies, acknowledges and rewards those trails that demonstrate and practice responsible management. Green Flag Trails recognizes trails that meet minimum standards in terms of reliable information on:

• accommodation (either luxury (work sheet) or standard (work sheet)
• trail facilities and services rendered (work sheet)
• difficulty level
• type of environment the trail runs through (work sheet)
• proof of the conservation of natural and cultural resources
• assurance of hikers’ safety (work sheet)

New areas for day visitors in Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park

Due to the growing numbers of day visitors to the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced officially designated areas for day visitors. These designated areas are all within existing footprint and include the following spots:

• Tarentaal day visitor area (inside the Ebb & Flow Rest Camp)
• Island Lake (in close proximity of the main rest camp)
• Wilderness Lagoon (a picnic spot close to the Touw River Estuary) giving visitors easy access to the beach area which is just across the bridge
• Woodville Big Tree (Forest area, a few kilometres from the main camp)
• Goudveld: Jubilee Creek and Krisjan se Nek (Forest area, a few kilometres from the main camp)

According to SANParks, campers (multi-day visitors) mainly visit Garden Route National Park for the tranquillity and serenity of the riverside camping sites, whilst day visitors enter the Park for a variety of activities including nature walks/ hiking trails, water activities, segways, birding and a sense of place the open access Park offers.

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