Wilderness Snapshot
Descending the N2 from George (beware the speed cameras!), Wilderness rises up as a sweeping ocean vista, more often than not shrouded in a misty veil. The sight is so tempting and the beach so close to the road that it's possible to pull up for a dip and be back in the car without missing a beat. This very virtue is sadly also Wilderness's failing: the N2 bisects the town, separating the center and lakes from the beachfront and resulting in a somewhat disjointed atmosphere. For many years Wilderness lived up to its name, as a remote outpost asleep under a thick tangle of forest and mountain. While one can still find scattered evidence of this past, you'll need to hunt for it among the sprawl of retirement homes and holiday accommodation.
Things To Do
- Look left, then right, then left again, and dart across the N2 for your morning swim. The beach is a lovely stretch of sand backed by dunes and holiday houses. But take care in the water because the immediate coastline is notorious for dangerous currents. For jittery parents with young children, the adjacent lakes are a far safer bet.
- With five rivers, four lakes, two estuaries and 28km of coastline, the Wilderness National Park is the best hideout from the holiday throngs and rumbling N2. Less than the coastline itself, which never feels far from the highway, the Park's forests and inland waterways are the attraction, supporting several eco-habitats and 250 bird species. Several walking trails meander through the Park; alternatively, hire a canoe from reception and take to the water – you may spot the elusive Cape clawless otter or a shy bushbuck. For overnighting, Wilderness National Park offers bungalows, cabins and camping.
- Wilderness's commercial centre is a loose huddle of small shops, a tourist office, several restaurants and a petrol station. For a night on the town, many locals head to Knysna and George, but the local eateries aren't bad, with a couple of options available, including the newest hangout spot, The Views.
- Several local operators advertise a range of outdoor activities and equipment hire, from paragliding to horse riding, abseiling, canoeing and mountain bike hire.
- There are several excellent viewpoints above Wilderness. The Map of Africa road (birds-eye view of lakes, forests, mountains and coastline), Dolphin's Point (whale and dolphin watching) and the Kaaimans River Bridge are the best spots.
Wayside Inn
Wilderness, Western Cape
Hosting guests is nothing new at the Wayside Inn; in fact back in the late 1800’s this popular refuge saw many a weary traveller dismount, hang up the leathers and tuck into a hearty meal washed...
Rate Guide
From R950 - R1700 nightly for the entire house (sleeps 7), minimum 2 guests and 2 nights, December and peak period rates R2500 nightly.
Libertas Guest Farm
Wilderness, Western Cape
Occasionally ye old Captain Getaway stumbles across a gem that boldly ticks just about every box on the Show Me The Perfect Getaway show... Libertas Guest Farm near the Wilderness Lakes slots right in...
Rate Guide
From R1500 to R2800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Beyond the Moon Guest Farm
Wilderness, Western Cape
This beautiful spot in the majestic Outeniqua’s is no Dark Side of the Moon. In fact, a few days at Beyond the Moon Guest Farm is guaranteed to bring back the sparkle and have you, err... shini...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R2500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Pirates Creek Self-Catering Chalets
Wilderness, Western Cape
Dotted along the lush banks of the gorgeous Touws River in Wilderness, Pirates Creek Self-Catering Chalets really gets you immersed in some breathtaking surroundings. Literally a stones throw from you...
Rate Guide
From R1785 to R2975, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Oakhurst Farm
Wilderness, Western Cape
Sitting high above the Wilderness Lakes in rural Hoekwil, Oakhurst Farm has got the getaway recipe down to a tee: Plenty of good ol’ farm fun, clean country air, and a platter of rustic-luxury a...
Rate Guide
From R2197.25 to R3060, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Livingstone Villa
Wilderness, Western Cape
Luxurious 5 star graded self-catering villa.3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite) Own private splash pool with sea- and mountainviews. 2x Kingsize beds. 2x 3/4 beds. 2 lounges. Fully equipped kitche...
Rate Guide
From R3500, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Out to Sea
Wilderness, Western Cape
Out to Sea is a sea-facing, self-catering holiday home situated 150 m from the beach in Kleinkrantz, Wildnerness. The house boasts 180-degree ocean views and is ideal as a beach breakaway or a base to...
Rate Guide
From R3900, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland