Wilderness

Wilderness is situated on the Garden Route in the Western Ca

Wilderness is situated on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. Wilderness is renowned for its hospitality and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Wilderness is set between the Kaaimans River and the Goukama Nature Reserve, whilst being bordered by the Outeniqua Mountains. Wilderness is famous for it tranquil sea and beaches which stretch on forever, and has become an internationally sought after holiday resort. Wilderness is also surrounded by many rivers and natural lakes and lagoons. This makes it a great spot for water sport enthusiasts, who flock there regularly.

Wilderness also has a great number of craftsmen and women in the area. There work is often for sale and the tourist can pick up many bargains at the monthly craft markets, held in the middle and end of the month. This and many other interesting aspects of the town add to its rustic charm.

Wilderness is a place that must be visited by any tourist in the Garden Route, it truly is a place of timeless beauty

Wilderness, nestled between the wooded foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains and a vast expanse of golden beach, truly embodies the best of the Garden Route. In spite of development, the area has managed to maintain it’s picturesque charm. As the western gateway to the southern Cape lakes area, it is today a nature lover’s paradise best known for it’s beaches, lakes, placid lagoon and lush indigenous forests – free from diseases such as malaria and bilharzias. The beaches and forested walks offer opportunities to the bird watcher and hiker: the hills and kloofs beckon the paraglider, abseiler and mountain biker while, particularly, the extensive waterways lure those who wish to canoe, sail, water ski or fish. The beauty of the area can also be viewed from one of the many scenic drives, or from the world renowned Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Train which winds it’s way along the coast and past the lakes. Wilderness has a range of accommodation to suite all needs. Whether you’re looking for an action packed holiday or a quiet weekend getaway, Wilderness with it’s mild climate and low winter rainfall, is the ideal destination.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 453 km, Swellendam 238 km, Mossel Bay 69 km, George 15 km, Knysna 45 km, Plettenberg Bay 82 km

HISTORICAL VIEW

St Aldan’s Chapel

Dating to the early 1900’s

NATURE

Langevlei and Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary

Excellent bird watching

Wilderness National Park

ATTRACTIONS

Boardwalk

Enjoy a romantic stroll while viewing the fantastic birdlife

Dolphin’s Point

Views of forest, lakes, mountains and coastline

Island Lake

Birdlife, picnic spots and boating

Kaaimans River Bridge

Take a photograph of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe crossing the bridge

Kingfisher Ferry

Wilderness Adventures

Touw River

Explore the river by canoe – can be hired at the Wilderness National Park or Fairy Knowe Hotel. Spot the Knysna Lourie or the Cape clawless otter.

Woodville Big Tree

Enjoy a picnic alongside this 800 year old forest giant

ACTIVITIES

Abseiling

Eden Adventures

Canoeing

Eden Adventures

Wilderness National Park

Diving

Bruce Holmes

Hiking

Bosbok Trail

Starting point: Duiwe River between Island Lake and Langvlei. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 3km / 2 hours. Rating: strenuous, uphill. Permit: Self issued permit at start. Features include fantastic view over the lakes area.

Brownhooded Kingfisher Trail

Starting Point: Duiwe River, between Island Lake and Langvlei. End: Walk back (additional detours on sidepaths to viewpoints). Distance / Duration: 6 km / 2 hours. Rating: Average. Permit: Self issued permit at start. Features include river valley, rocks and cliffs, waterfall and swimming hole.

Giant Kingfisher Trail

Starting point: Ebb and Flow. End: walk back. Distance / Duration: 7 km (return) / 3 hours. Rating: Average. Permit: Self issued permit (pay entrance fee at Ebb and Flow). Features include river valley, forest, rock, pools and waterfall.

Kleinkranz to Gericke’s Point

Starting point: Walk during low tide from Kleinkranz to Gericke’s Point (Swartvlei Mouth) or vice versa. End: walk back. Distance / Duration: 14 km / 6 hours. Rating: Easy. Permit: None. Features include beach and fynbos.

Outeniqua Hiking Trail

Starting point: Beervlei (Old Forest Station – eight overnight huts). End: Harkerville Forestry Station. Distance / Duration: 105 km / 7 days. Rating: Easy to difficult. Permit: Forestry Office. Features include indigenous forest, giant yellowwood trees, animal and birdlife.

The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail

Starting Point: Western bank to Touw River alongside train / motor bridge next to Ebb and Flow. End: Walk back. Distance / Duration: 4 km / 1,5 hours. Rating: Easy except for new Bosduif route which is rather strenuous. Permit: Self issued permit. Features include forest and river valley.

The Pied Kingfisher Trail

Starting point: Wilderness Rest Camp. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 11 km / 3 hours. Rating: Easy. Permit: Self issued permit at start. Features include lagoon, coastal bush, food plain, beach and wildlife.

Wilderness Country Walk

Starting point: Behind Karos Wilderness Hotel, Hoogte road to map of Africa. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 7 km / 2 – 3 hours. Rating: Average. Permit: None. Features include farmlands, views of mountains, lakes, forest valleys, coastal plain, coastline and ocean.

Woodville Forest Walk

Starting point: North of Hoekwill. End: Circular route. Distance / Duration: 2 km / 30 minutes. Rating: Easy. Petmit: None. Features include the forest.

Horse Riding

Perdepoort

Woodville Adventures

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Eden Adventures

Lakes Mountain Bike Trail

Paragliding / Hang gliding

Cloud Base

Wings over Wilderness

Sailing

George Lakes Yacht Club

Surfing

Victoria Bay, Wilderness Beach and Leentjiesklip are popular surfing spots

Accommodation in and around Wilderness