An abundance of river and forest birds inhabit this region.

Visitors should look out for the Knysna loerie, giant kingfisher, Knysna woodpecker, sunbirds, yellow-billed ducks and fish eagles, as well as narina trogon, little grebe, sunbirds and the black-headed oriole.

Permits are available for boating and costs depend on engine size. There is law enforcement on the river to ensure the safety of visitors.

All users of inland water, such as the Keurbooms Estuary, will be required to adhere to the SAMSA regulations regarding boat safety.

Launch fee: R85 a day or R460 a year. 

Please call the CapeNature Contact Centre on 087 087 8250 to confirm boat fees.

Day canoeing

Double canoes and kayaks can be hired per day at the entrance gate. Canoe and kayaks cannot be booked (first come first use).

The cost includes lifejackets and oars (see tariff list).

5 km Canoe trail (also see self-catering accommodation)

This is an overnight trail with accommodation provided in the Whiskey Creek Cabin. We recommend that visitors leave no later than 14:00 in summer and 13:00 in winter to ensure they make it to the cabin well before nightfall. Depending on level of fitness it can take approximately one and half-hour to a three-hour paddle on the river, to the last upriver picnic site. A chorus of bird calls accompanies you on your paddle up the river. If on the trail, during low tide, note that the canoe might have to be pulled across the rapids by hand. When getting out of canoes, extreme care must be taken on slippery rocks. Children must be accompanied by adults. Guests will spend the night in the Whiskey Creek Cabin. The rapids can be challenging and the walk to the cabin is 400m requiring certain levels of fitness. Visitors will be required to sign indemnity forms and wear lifejackets, helmets and water shoes when on the river.

• Pack lightly as the cabin is a 400m walk from the river.
• Take hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• There is no cellphone reception.
• No Firewood is allowed into the reserve.
• Firewood may not be chopped or gathered. Echo logs are sold at the gate.
• Included in the trail is a double canoe, a dry bag for your items, and safety gear.
• Water shoes must be brought along when you have to get into the water.

Visitors are welcome to picnic at one of three designated spots along the river – these are only accessible by boat or by double canoe. The canoes can be hired at the entrance gate.

There is also a picnic area at the entrance gate with various braai areas under roof.

Visitors are welcome to swim in the Keurbooms River. Children should not swim unsupervised.