The Fairy Knowe Hotel, affectionately referred to as "the Grand Dame" of Wilderness, has been welcoming guests since 1924. The landmark hotel was renovated in 2021 and is looking gracious and glorious once again! A 20-min drive from George Airport and central to all tourist attractions. The perfect base from which to explore the Garden Route, it's pristine beaches, indigenous forests, lakes, world-class golf courses, organic farmer's markets, hiking trails and fantastic birding opportunities all within a radius of 30 - 50km.
044 250 0300
BIRDERS OVERVIEW
-
ACCESSIBLE WITH A 2X4 SEDAN VEHICLE
-
BIRD HIDES
-
WALKING TRAILS
-
VENUE / TRAIL MAP
-
SELF DRIVES
-
FIELD GUIDE BOOKS
-
BIRD GUIDES
-
BIRDING CRUISES ON
-
TOUW RIVER
INFORMATION FOR BIRDERS
Wilderness Safaris is a local company operating a bird watching boat on the Touw river. Their service includes picking guests up at the hotel.
The series of three large saltwater lakes (Rondevlei, Langvlei and Island Lake) are inter-connected by shallow channels and flood plains concluding with the Touw Estuary. Bird hides may be found at Rondevlei, Langvlei, the Malachite Kingfisher and along the Touw River, the Gallinule bird hide of which the entrance is at the hotel main gate.
BIRD SPECIALS
Major concentrations of Great Crested Grebe are present on Rondevlei and Langvlei. Commonly seen birds are Red-knobbed Coot, little Grebe, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed duck and Reed Cormorant. Wading and shorebirds are frequently viewed from Rondevlei bird hide. The Knynsa Loerie is a regular visitor to the hotel!
Wilderness has a huge variety of habitats including, beaches, forests, rivers and wetlands.