Anyone who has had the privilege of visiting Wilderness on the gorgeous Garden Route will tell you that it’s a magical place that will leave you in complete awe! This coastal resort town on the edge of the Outeniqua Mountains is famous for its tranquillity and unparalleled natural beauty. Add to this a myriad of adventure activities and you have the perfect getaway destination! TravelGround shows you some of the most exciting activities and where to stay in this coastal town.
Nestled between the Kaaimans River and the Goukamma Nature Reserve, Wilderness is renowned for its 18 km coastline stretching from the mouth of the Touw River to the Swartvlei. It boasts spectacular sights like the Map of Africa, forests, lakes, mountains, and a white sandy beach. Whether you want to soar in the sky, abseil down a gorge, go kloofing in the meandering waterways, or explore the waters in a canoe, you will definitely find an adventurous activity to your liking. With so many activities to choose from you may feel a bit overwhelmed ─ luckily we’re here to help!
Adventure Activities
Paragliding
What can be better than having a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape? Wilderness is a paragliding paradise with various launching sites in the area. The one just opposite the Map of Africa is especially popular. Soar in the sky and enjoy unique views of the Kaaimans River Mouth, the beach and the ocean.
Hiking Trails
One of the best ways to explore the forest in Wilderness is on foot. There are 5 popular hiking trails in the Wilderness National Park: The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, Giant Kingfisher Trail, Pied Kingfisher Trail, Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail and the Cape Dune Molerat Trail. Whether you just want to stroll and take in the scenery or flex your hiking muscles a bit, there’s a trail for you. The trails are also ideal for avid bird watchers with various bird hides on the trails, so don’t forget your camera and binoculars! One of the main attractions in the forest is The Big Tree — an 850 year old Outeniqua yellowwood tree.
Abseiling in Kaaimans Gorge
Abseiling the serene Kaaimans Gorge is a must for any thrill seeker, whether you are an experienced abseiler or a first timer! You can abseil down a 45 m gorge next to a magnificent waterfall and enjoy the beautiful waterways with a canoe waiting for you at the bottom.
Kloofing
If you’re an adrenaline junkie you should definitely go kloofing or canyoning in the river gorges. You get the best view of nature while having the time of your life. This fun activity involves boulder hopping and swimming down narrow canyons with the most beautiful scenery around you. You can also jump off cliffs into the deep pools below! This is considered a more dangerous activity so do not attempt it on your own.
Canoeing
Canoeing is a very popular sport in Wilderness and there are many waterways to explore. The most popular rivers are the Touw and the Kaaimans. The Touw meanders through a forest with abundant bird life and spectacular scenery and the Kaaimans cascades down a ridge to form a lovely waterfall. You can use your own canoe or hire one and spend the day on the water. Pack a picnic basket and take a break on the banks of the river or go for a swim in the beautiful rock pools!
Acrobranch Tree Top Adventures
Acrobranch Garden Route is an adventure company in the majestic forests of the Garden Route National Park. You can get the adrenaline pumping by completing various obstacles in the tree-tops. It’s a fun activity for the whole family with obstacle courses for children from as young as 4 years.
Accommodation
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay after an unforgettable day in Wilderness: beautiful mountainside villas, farm cottages, luxurious beachfront houses and many more!
Livingstone House
Where: 5 minute walk from the village and 10 minute walk from the beach
Sleeps: 6
Facilities: Splash pool, fireplace and pets by arrangement
Oakhurst Farm Cottages
Where: On a farm in Hoekwil
Sleeps: 48 guests in 10 cottages
Facilities: Braai facilities and pets by arrangement
Porcupine Pie Boutique Lodge
Where: Private estate in Wilderness Heights
Sleeps: 6 guests in 3 chalets
Facilities: Lapa with a bar and a swimming pool
Oceans Wilderness
Where: On Wilderness beach
Sleeps: 18 guests in 9 guest rooms
Facilities: Continental breakfast buffet, private spa and massage services, swimming pool and braai facilities
Kaaimans Kloof Huis
Where: Private reserve 10 minute drive from Wilderness
Sleeps: 4
Facilities: Fireplace, braai facilities and an infinity pool
Ti’amo
Where: On Wilderness beach
Sleeps: 2
Facilities: Swimming pool and braai facilities
Dune Villa Wilderness
Where: On Wilderness beach
Sleeps: 10 guests in 5 rooms
Facilities: Communal living area, fireplace, swimming pool and braai facilities
The Ocean View Guest House
Where: On Wilderness beach
Sleeps: 14 guests in 7 rooms
Facilities: Swimming pool and direct access to the beach
Wilderness not only caters for adrenaline junkies of every kind, a few hours in this Garden of Eden may well leave you with the impression that Adam and Eve got a raw deal. Take a break from the daily grind and book you exciting getaway today!
Feature image and photo attribution: Travel Bug Rose
