Wilderness, Garden Route
Lying in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains in a region of incomparable beauty, Wilderness is an attractive holiday resort with beautiful beaches and numerous vantage points from which to watch the whales and dolphins. As far back as the late 1800's the reputation of Wilderness with its natural bounty of rivers and lakes and intrinsic peace and tranquillity, ideal for seaside holidays, was established in a little stone farmhouse.
A seaside boarding house was established in the old homestead - and so began the tradition of hospitality which has made this small resort town famous all over the world. The romantic resort of Wilderness lies 15 km east of George, between the Kaaimans River in the West and the Goukamma Nature Reserve in the east, bordered by the Outeniqua Mountains in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south. Wilderness is renowned for its vast stretches of beach, its peace and tranquillity and the absence of windswept headlands and wild, stormy seas. The long stretch of beach embraces the mouths of the Touw and Kaaimans Rivers, and is backed by northward cliffs over which the fringe of the forest reaches down to sea level.
Excellent viewpoints are Map of Africa with breathtaking scenery of forests, lakes, mountains and coastline and Dolphin's Point, an excellent vantage point from which to study whales and dolphins. Kaaimans River Bridge is a much favoured spot for photography and particularly for taking snaps of the Outeniqua Choo-Choo that travels along the coastline between George and Knysna.
Woodville Big Tree, over 800 years old, creates shaded areas with its massive branches, making it a great picnic spot. Take a stroll along the boardwalk (also wheelchair-friendly) which is part of the Pied Kingfisher Trail and home to a wide variety of birds. The winter climate is splendid with sunshine days and temperatures that rarely drop below 8º C. The annual rainfall averages around 700 mm.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Wilderness
Garden Route National Park
The new Garden Route National Park, established by SANParks and also known as GRNP, spans an impressive 121 000 hectares and includes the existing Wilderness and Tsitsikamma national parks, the Knysna Lakes area and roughly 52 000 hectares of newly proclaimed land. Still regarded as 'new' the ... more information
Goukamma Nature Reserve
The glorious Goukamma Nature Reserve is one of those unrivalled hideaways that, despite being on the popular Garden Route, manages to remain relatively obscure and unknown - a treasure trove near the mouth of the Goukamma River. Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve, just 20 kilometres west of Knysna... more information
Lakes Area National Park
Formerly this national park consisted of the Wilderness National Park and Knysna National Lake Area. Because of their proximity and similarities they are currently managed as a single unit. The Knysna National Lake Area is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and a large diversity of marine... more information
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe
One of the few remaining steam trains in the country. Steam enthusiasts are in their element and everyone enjoys the splendid views of lakes, forests, beaches and cliffs on the train's coastal route between George and Knysna. One-way 3 hour trip, Monday to Friday and ... more information
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Things To Do in Wilderness
Abseiling in the Kaaimans Gorge
Where: Wilderness
How much (per person): On Request
The serene Kaaimans Gorge holds one of the most beautiful abseil sights you will find. You have a chance to do two 45m abseils right next to ... more information
Canoeing & Cycling Tour in Wilderness
Where: Wilderness
How much (per person): On Request
We begin with just over an hour of canoeing up the Touw River as we pass majestic yellowwoods and milkwoods, we may catch a glimpse of a Mal ... more information
Related Links
On Holiday in Wilderness
• Wilderness Map
• Wilderness Accommodation
• Wilderness Hotels
• Garden Route Accommodation
• Garden Route Hotels
• Western Cape Accommodation
Visiting Wilderness?
Also see Things To Do in Garden Route or check out Things To Do in Garden Route to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to the Garden Route
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Garden Route Search by Map
- Garden Route Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring the Garden Route
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
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