The first thing that comes to mind when I hear “wilderness experience” is a spiritual trial or gruelling journey that makes you a better person. But when I visited Wilderness, a small town along the Western Cape’s Garden Route, I discovered a place that is anything but gruelling.
Renowned for its friendly hospitality and natural beauty, Wilderness is set along the coast, between the Kaaimans River and the Goukama Nature Reserve, and bordered by the Outeniqua Mountains. With wide-stretching beaches, tranquil seas, and a moderate climate all year round, Wilderness has become a sought after holiday destination for both domestic and international visitors. Water sport enthusiasts flock to the ocean, rivers, lakes, and lagoons, while bird watchers are attracted by the abundant birdlife. The wetlands have over 200 bird species, including the Fish Eagle, Nightjar, and Southern Boubou.
Wilderness is an ideal base to explore the Garden Route. Some of South Africa’s best golf courses are within a 15 – 30 minute drive, while Oudtshoorn (the famous “Ostrich Capital”) and Cango Caves are only an hour away. Explore nearby holiday towns like Knysna (30 min) and Plettenberg Bay (45 min), or venture further and enjoy a day trip to the Addo Elephant National Park (3 hours). If you prefer to stay put, there are plenty of activities in Wilderness, including whale watching, cave exploring, fishing, hiking, boating, canoeing, and paragliding. Browse through craft markets, galleries, and shops, or stop for a bite at one of the lovely restaurants.
Xanadu Guest Villa
If it’s 5-star luxury that puts you at ease, then Xanadu Guest Villa will leave you virtually comatose. Set right on the beachfront with spectacular ocean views and a private stairway to the pristine beach, Xanadu is the only TGCSA (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa) 5-star guest house on the beachfront at Wilderness. There is no better place to enjoy long walks along the water’s edge and a refreshing dip in the sea.
Xanadu boasts spacious air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms. Three rooms have floor to ceiling windows that frame spectacular seascapes, while the others overlook the forested mountain. There are also four stylish lounges, patios, a swimming pool, and a steamy Jacuzzi where you can soak in the tranquil surroundings. Hire the entire villa or a single suite – the choice is yours! More info…
The Old Trading Post
Situated in a rural, sunny location on the edge of the Wilderness Lakes District, The Old Trading Post provides old world charm with quality bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation at an affordable price. The gardens are abundant with birdlife and you will see continuous flocks of cormorants, ducks, and egrets flying overhead.
The Old Trading Post is happy to welcome children and pets and accommodates a maximum of 10 guests in 4 en-suite rooms. The rooms are furnished with comfortable double or twin beds, with fine percale linen. Towels and personal toiletries are provided, along with little extras like emergency lighting, mosquito repellent, playing cards, magazines, books, and tourist brochures. More info…
Wilderness Views
Self-catering is a great “home away from home” option for longer holidays and for people who like to budget and cook for themselves. Set on the hill with elevated panoramic views over the Indian Ocean, Wilderness Views is a private self-catering apartment that is ideal for everything from honeymoons to family holidays.
All of the spacious rooms have unobstructed sea views, so no one is left wishing they had stayed somewhere else! Wilderness Views is completely surrounded by vegetation, with no neighbours to disturb your peace and privacy, so you can sit back and enjoy the soothing sound of birds and distant rumbling of waves. You may even spot whales or dolphins from your private balcony. More info…
After spending time in this “wilderness experience” you will be left feeling like a better person! Where is your favourite “haven” destination?
