The boardwalk along the Touw River in Wilderness, South Africa

Vote for Wilderness Competition

Wilderness was selected as the Western Cape finalist in kykNET’s prestigious ‘Dorp van die Jaar 2025’ (Town of the Year) competition, and George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism ran a parallel competition to encourage voting.

Residents, ratepayers, and the business community united in support of Wilderness, with voting enthusiasm running high as the town vies for the national title. Winning this coveted accolade will bring significant exposure and investment to the region, including R1 million in advertising and promotional content on kykNET platforms throughout the year, as well as a R1 million cash prize from Lotto Land. The cash award will be allocated towards the repair of the Wilderness Boardwalk—an iconic pathway used and enjoyed daily by residents and visitors alike.

The public was urged to vote and help secure the title for Wilderness in the final round, which closed on 18 July 2025.  To sweeten the deal, George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism ran our own competition to encourage voting.  Once someone had voted for Wilderness in the final round of the Kwela Dorp van die Jaar competition, they could submit proof to George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism via an online form or on Facebook Messenger to be entered into the draw to win amazing local prizes.

Thank you to everyone who rallied together to show their support for Wilderness – a gem on South Africa’s iconic Garden Route. The amazing prizes and winners are as follows:

Prize 1: Valued up to R18,200

WINNER: CONGRATULATIONS TO NICOLA GREEFF

About the Prize:

AfriCamps at Oakhurst – 2-night stay for 5 guests including breakfast and braai basket valued at R10,000

A 2 nights’ stay for up to 5 guests staying in one AfriCamps Boutique Glamping tent at AfriCamps at Oakhurst, Wilderness. Includes one cook-your-own breakfast basket per guest and one cook-your-own braai basket per guest.  The tent offers an outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

Hot tub at AfriCamps situated at Oakhurst Farm in Wilderness, South Africa AfriCamps glamping situated at Oakhurst Farm in Wilderness, South Africa

Cape Vibe Tours and Transfers 2-hour sightseeing tour of Wilderness for 6 participants valued at R2,100

Cape Vibe Tours and Transfers offers ‘ Wilderness Wonders’, a 2-hour sightseeing tour of Wilderness. They will collect you – up to six people – from your accomodation in Wilderness and take you on a leisurely drive on the back roads through the indigenous hardwood forest along Island Lake past Rondevlei and the Wilderness National Park over the Touws River, up Whites Road to the Map of Africa and coastal viewing points. Stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of coast, lakes, forest and mountains, they will relay to you the geology, flora and fauna, wildlife, people’s history and culture, giving you an indepth local perspective of what makes Wilderness uniquely beautiful.

Map of Africa in Wilderness, South Africa The stunning coastline of the town of Wilderness, in the Garden Route of South Africa

Acrobranch Garden Route voucher for 6 participants valued at R1,800

Win Big with Acrobranch Garden Route!  They’re giving away an epic voucher for 6! Choose any course option available – 2 hours of treetop thrills, ziplines and jungle vibes! Perfect for ages 3 to adult – it’s fun the whole tribe can enjoy! Valid for one-time use until 31 July 2027 – so get ready to branch out and play!

Acrobranch aerial obstacle courses in Wilderness, South Africa Acrobranch in Wilderness, South Africa

Wilderness River Safaris Touw River Boat cruise for up to 10 people valued at R3,500

The winner of this prize brings a group of friends and family (maximum 10 people) on a scheduled eco boat cruise on the Touw River with Wilderness River Safaris, and includes the SANParks entry permit and a glass of wine each. Bring your own snacks and refreshments. Enjoy a magical cruise up and down the Touw River from the Waterside Jetty at the start of the boardwalk at Wilderness Lagoon in Waterside Road. This is arguably the best experience and ‘showcase’ of the beauty of Wilderness.

Wilderness River Safaris cruising along the Touw River in Wilderness, South Africa Wilderness River Safaris cruising along the river at sunset in Wilderness, South Africa

The Hussar Grill George Date Night Voucher valued at R800

A couples (2 people) Hussar Grill George Date Night voucher which includes a 3-course meal per person, bottle of their 750ml Hussar red wine, as well as R350 for extra drinks or eats. Can only be used on Tuesday evenings.

Hussar Grill in George is situated nearby to the town of Wilderness, South Africa, and is an excellent dining option 10

Prize 2: Valued up to R13,850

WINNER: CONGRATULATIONS TO GAIL SEAGER

About the Prize:

Oakhurst Farm Cottages two-night stay in a farm cottage for two people valued at R5,500

This voucher is valid for a two night stay at Oakhurst Farm Cottages for 2 people.  It includes a braai basket on arrival for two and complimentary pre-heated hot tub.

Oakhurst Farm Cottages in Wilderness, South Africa Oakhurst Farm Cottages in Wilderness, South Africa

Acrobranch Garden Route voucher for 4 participants valued at R1200

Win Big with Acrobranch Garden Route!  We’re giving away an epic voucher for 4! Choose any course option available – 2 hours of treetop thrills, ziplines and jungle vibes! Perfect for ages 3 to adult – it’s fun the whole tribe can enjoy! Valid for one-time use until 31 July 2027 – so get ready to branch out and play!

Acrobranch in Wilderness, South Africa, is an exhilirating experience for young and old Acrobranch in Wilderness, South Africa, is an amazing outdoor experience for families

Hello Africa Adventures Wilderness Wonder Tour valued at R2850

Wilderness Wonder tour from Hello Africa Adventures, dinner from The Girls and dinner transfers from Wilderness Express

Whisked off for a Wilderness Wonder 4-hour tour, hosted by a local guide in a luxury vehicle, that includes a visit to Woodville Big Tree (about 300m walk in the forest, fees apply), Map of Africa, a portion of the historic 7 Passes Road, a stop at Victoria Bay and a walk along the Promenade, followed a stop at Dolphins Point on return (roadworks allowing). This tour includes a delicious cheesecake treat in the forest and is followed by a delicious dinner at The Girls restaurant Al Fresco Lounge (to the value of R500.00). The prize includes all transport costs, to and from your location within Wilderness or Wilderness East, dinner, cheesecake treat and the company of a local guide. Voucher excludes any other refreshments, drinks, activities and entrance fees.  Booking is for 2 adults, and is subject to availability at time of confirmation. Departure times are limited to 14h00 to allow sufficient time for touring and dinner.

Wilderness Wonder tour from Hello Africa Adventures The Girls Restaurant in Wilderness, South Africa, is a local favourite

The Hussar Grill George Voucher and Wine valued at R800

This R500 voucher can be redeemed at the Hussar Grill in George and includes a bottle of 1.5Ltr Hussar Red Wine.

Hussar Grill in George is situated nearby to the town of Wilderness, South Africa, and is an excellent dining option Hussar Grill in George is situated nearby to the town of Wilderness, South Africa, and is an excellent dining option

George Backpackers Transfer from George Airport to Wilderness for 2 to 8 guests
George Backpackers are offering a George Airport transfer for 2 to 8 people to/ from Wilderness.

All prizes offered are subject to the terms and conditions of each establishment and their availability.

 

Thank you to everyone who cast their vote for Wilderness in Kwêla’s Dorp van die Jaar! We wait with bated breath to see which town will take the crown in 2025.

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