Wilderness
Wilderness is situated centrally in the Garden Route, and therefore it’s an ideal starting point for exploring different tourist attractions in the area. It is set between the Outeniqua Mountains and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Wilderness is a birdwatcher’s and nature-lover’s paradise and is the only village in South Africa that, together with the lakes, surrounding forests and 28 kilometers of coastline, is protected within a 2612-hectares National Park. There are more then 150 different species of birds in this area, so go for a hike and explore the unique flora and fauna of this magnificent area!
Attractions in Wilderness
Beaches
Wilderness offers over 18 km of golden sand, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Come and see our beautiful beaches at Leentjiesklip, Touws River Mouth and the Boardwalk on 6th Avenue. The Fisherman’s Walk on 8th Avenue is very close by and Kleinkrantz will be perfect for fishing, sunbathing, surfing or a leisurely stroll.The famous “Map of Africa Viewpoint” offers fantastic view of the Kaaimans River Valley. The setting of the river flowing around the hill makes the view look like a map of Africa. The views on both sides are awesome. To the right is the “Map of Africa Viewpoint” and to the left is a paragliding take-off spot that offers spectacular views of the Wilderness beaches.
The “Woodville Big Tree” on the Seven Passes Road is another attraction in the area. The “Big Tree” is a yellowwood tree estimated to be 850-years old. It creates shaded areas with its massive branches, making it a great picnic spot.
The area is ideal for outdoor activities like boatrides, hiking and mountain biking in the Wilderness National Park, horse-riding through the beautiful indigenous forest, canoeing the rivers and waterways, kloofing, abseiling the cliffs and fishing the river or the sea.
Hiking
The Wilderness National Park is a place not to be missed. It is a fascinating combination of rivers, lakes, estuaries and beaches, unfolding against the backdrop of lush forests and imposing mountains. The series of lakes connected by the Touw River (Eilandvlei, Langvlei and Rondevlei) host a variety of aquatic species. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forests and alongside tranquil rivers, where the brilliantly coloured Knysna Lourie or one of the five Kingfisher species can be seen. About 70% of all the waterbirds of Southern Africa can be spotted in the wetlands of Wilderness. There are a number of lovely walks in the area, all with varying distances and degrees of difficulty.
Canoeing
Rent a canoe with which you can explore the placid waters of Island Lake, Wilderness Lagoon and the scenic Touw River. The most popular is to paddle up the river and then walk the easy trail through the forest to the Touw River Waterfall. After about 45 minutes of canoeing and 45 minutes of walking on a stunning boardwalk you will reach the beautiful waterfall. Relax, swim, picnic and return via the same way – a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.