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About
WILDERNESS
Wilderness is a small coastal village in the South African province of the Western Cape. Located between the cities of George and Knysna, Wilderness is renowned for its captivating natural scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, artists, dining and coffee shops, and a laid-back holiday atmosphere.
The region where Wilderness is situated has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial periods, when the San people inhabited it. Wilderness has become a popular tourist destination over the years, and includes hamlets such as Hoekwil and Kleinkrantz.
Things to do
ATTRACTIONS
Wilderness is known for its beautiful coastline, which is one of the most visited areas. The shoreline, which stretches for 18 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, beach walks and exploring rockpools. From the Dolphin’s Point lookout, you may be able to spot dolphins or whales in the surf below from May to December. Additionally, visitors can investigate the nearby lagoon, a haven for birdwatchers and kayakers.
Wilderness offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, with the Kingfisher Trail leading to a waterfall where you can swim in the rock pools below, being one of the most sought-after family hikes.
The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park offers camping and chalets, birdwatching, canoeing, and picnicking, amongst other activities. Island Lake is popular for boating, water sports and picnicking. Visitors will also be ‘wowed’ by the 800-year-old Yellowwood tree in Woodville.
Despite the laid-back atmosphere, visitors will not be hard-pressed to find adrenalin-filled adventures to get their hearts pumping. Set against a background of lush forest, waterways, pristine coastline and lofty mountains, the area lends itself to being immersed in nature and getting active.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Visitors to Wilderness can take part in a wide variety of outdoor activities, including canyoning, abseiling and rock climbing, e-bike tours, quad biking, paragliding, horse riding, stand up paddleboarding, boating and waterskiing at Island Lake, canoeing and boating on the rivers, forested segway rides and more. There are some spectacular locations to discover.
THE ARTS
For those who appreciate the arts, there are several galleries to visit in the area, as well as the Wilderness Art Meander. Local hotels, businesses and restaurants have joined forces with local artists by providing wall space for their creations, with around 24 venues participating. Peter Pharoh, one of Africa’s beloved contemporary fine artists has a gallery in the Wilderness CBD, and another striking visual fine artist, Ingrid Nuss, is situated at Timberlake Village. Discover the arts here.
GASTRONOMY
There are numerous restaurants and coffee shops in the area, including Milkwood Village and Palms Garden Square, which are located on the restaurant stretch along the main road when entering Wilderness (George Road). Hoekwil also has a significant number of restaurants near Church Road and Duiwe Road, as well as others spread throughout the area. Seaside eateries include Salinas and the Views Restaurant.
At Serendipity, positioned on the banks of the Touw River, you can savour a real spoil – a five-course table d’hÔte South African inspired menu prepared by local chefs. Enjoy coffee and other refreshments with Kaaimans Adventures on the riverbank. In Wilderness Heights at the Map of Africa viewpoint, you can also savour a hot cup of java from Hallo Coffee while soaking in the magnificent views.
The Hoekwil Country Cafe is known for its world-famous cheesecake, and Joplins, for the finest steaks in the area. Oysters R Us offer a truly special oyster show and tell experience for groups of 10 or more. Cornerstone Creek Hoekwil combines professional art and sculpture displays with delicious food, and will delight the inner artist in you. And there is so much to enjoy – take a look at our restaurants page to unearth more local gems.
TREASURES OF WILDERNESS
Map of Africa and the Historic Kaaimans Bridge
The Map of Africa is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Wilderness. This geological formation with a wending river naturally resembles the shape of the African continent. The lookout point, a detour road off the Seven Passes scenic road in Wilderness Heights, also provides breath-taking views of the adjacent countryside and ocean.
The iconic Kaaimans Bridge, a provincial heritage site which crosses the Kaaimans River as it enters the Indian Ocean, is another photo-worthy site not to be missed. The engineering and construction of the 210m long bridge between 1925 and 1928 is certainly a marvel.
However, the bridge is also a reminder of the past – of pioneering travellers determined to get through the gorge and the timber from the forests that the railway eventually carried, and later still, passenger trains such as the much-loved Outeniqua Choo-Choo steam train, which closed operations in 2006.
TREASURES OF WILDERNESS
Map of Africa and the Historic Kaaimans Bridge
The Map of Africa is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Wilderness. This geological formation with a wending river naturally resembles the shape of the African continent. The lookout point, a detour road off the Seven Passes scenic road in Wilderness Heights, also provides breath-taking views of the adjacent countryside and ocean.
The iconic Kaaimans Bridge, a provincial heritage site which crosses the Kaaimans River as it enters the Indian Ocean, is another photo-worthy site not to be missed. The engineering and construction of the 210m long bridge between 1925 and 1928 is certainly a marvel.
However, the bridge is also a reminder of the past – of pioneering travellers determined to get through the gorge and the timber from the forests that the railway eventually carried, and later still, passenger trains such as the much-loved Outeniqua Choo-Choo steam train, which closed operations in 2006.
GASTRONOMY
There are numerous restaurants and coffee shops in the area, including Milkwood Village and Palms Garden Square, which are located on the restaurant stretch along the main road when entering Wilderness (George Road). Hoekwil also has a significant number of restaurants near Church Road and Duiwe Road, as well as others spread throughout the area. Seaside eateries include Salinas and the Views Restaurant.
At Serendipity, positioned on the banks of the Touw River, you can savour a real spoil – a five-course table d’hÔte South African inspired menu prepared by local chefs. Enjoy coffee and other refreshments with Kaaimans Adventures on the riverbank. In Wilderness Heights at the Map of Africa viewpoint, you can also savour a hot cup of java from Hallo Coffee while soaking in the magnificent views.
The Hoekwil Country Cafe is known for its world-famous cheesecake, and Joplins, for the finest steaks in the area. Oysters R Us offer a truly special oyster show and tell experience for groups of 10 or more. Cornerstone Creek Hoekwil combines professional art and sculpture displays with delicious food, and will delight the inner artist in you. And there is so much to enjoy – take a look at our restaurants page to unearth more local gems.
SCENIC DRIVE
The Seven Passes scenic route from George to Knysna via Wilderness takes a winding path past farmlands, over streams, rivers, gorges and through dense forest. This route can be enjoyed slowly by car or bike. The road and its historic bridges are also a national monument. 19th-century genius engineer Thomas Bain and his brother-in-law Adam de Smidt were responsible for engineering the passes, completed around 1883.
CONSERVATION
Wilderness protects three major zones of indigenous forest, four types of Fynbos, lakes and winding waterways. There are also historic sites of archaeological significance. The Wilderness Lakes area is a RAMSAR site due to important numbers of locally migrant resident birds as well as staging and breeding birds, 285 native plant species, 32 fish species, and a diverse marine invertebrate fauna.
Wilderness is a small community whose magnificent natural grandeur, outdoor recreational opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to the Garden Route and Western Cape province of South Africa. Wilderness offers something for everyone, whether they are interested in hiking or simply lounging on the sunkissed shore. Get set for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful seaside towns in South Africa.