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: 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.