Beach
Wilderness features a long stretched out sandy beach, perfect for beach walking. While you can swim in the ocean at Wilderness unpredictable currents makes it sensible not to venture in to deep. The best ocean swimming in the vicinity is at Victoria Bay a short drive out of town towards George. Most regulars swim in the lagoon or the so-called Serpentine, a narrow winding waterway linking the lagoon and in-land salt-water lakes.

In most places the beach is separated from inland Wilderness by a medium sized dune running almost its full length. This shields it from traffic noise. Some of the most expensive houses are located on this vegetated dune, including some guesthouses offering direct access to the beach as well as great sea-views.

Rondevlei & Touw River Estuary
Wilderness is backed by Rondevlei, around which much of its activities are based. Rondevlei is one of a couple of inland salt-water lakes spread out along the Garden Route between Wilderness and Knysna. The town also incorporates the small Touw River Estuary. The Estuary and Rondevlei, as well as some of the other lakes are connected by narrow water channels creating an ecologically valuable wetlands system.

Wilderness National Park
The Wilderness National Park (SANP) is quite popular for short stays. It offers economical accommodation in quiet environs. While the Park features good hiking trails and bush vegetation, it does not compare to South Africa's other more pristine and/or remote national parks. Most of the in-land salt-water lakes between Wilderness and Knysna fall under the protective management of the National Park. Canoe trails, including a 3-day trail, are also managed by the Park.

Birding
A combination of rivers, lakes, wetlands and associated vegetation makes the Wilderness area a birdwatcher's paradise. 200 Species occur in the region. Some specials include the African Black Oystercatcher, the Narina Trogon and the Knysna Loerie. South Africa has a very active birding scene with clubs spread throughout the country. Foreign birders visiting the country may enquire about birding excursions scheduled by local clubs. Africa Deluxe Tours will gladly arrange specialist birding guides if so requested by clients.

Other activities
A wide range of other activities can be engaged in, including mountain biking, whale and dolphin watching, hang gliding, paragliding, water skiing, sailing, surfing, angling, horse riding and scenic drives. There are a couple of good picnic spots located in indigenous forest making for very enjoyable outings.

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train stops at Wilderness Station two times daily making it a viable option for traveling to George or Knysna from Wilderness.

Deciding which way to go may be a bit of a problem though. The best single point on the Choo-Tjoe's route is just west of Wilderness where the train crosses the scenic Kaaimans River Bridge. Right afterwards it enters a shortish tunnel before emerging above the equally scenic Victoria Bay. However, on leaving Victoria Bay behind you head through a poverty-stricken and litter-strewn township shortly followed by an industrial area on your last stretch to George. While this stretch is 100% safe it's not pleasant.

Taking the train in the direction of Knysna is probably the better option (you can always walk to the Kaaimans River Bridge and Dolphin Point from Wilderness). Enroute to Knysna you will pass by or over most of the inland salt-water lakes of the area, you will travel through Sedgefield (short stop), cut through indigenous bush and commercial plantations before the beautiful Knysna Estuary will appear in view. The line terminates in Knysna close to the Knysna Waterfront. While we strongly recommend the journey it does take quite long and keep in mind that it is not a luxury train. Africa Deluxe Tours normally arranges a transfer for our clients to return them to their overnight location, unless otherwise requested.

Kaaimans River Bridge & Dolphin Point Viewpoint
The railway bridge spanning the Kaaimans River just west of Wilderness is one of South Africa's tourism icons and is featured in many tourism photographs. The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train crosses it on its journey between Knysna and George.

The N2 coastal route passes close by. Its Dolphin Point Viewpoint offers great views of the river mouth, bridge, ocean and the Wilderness Beach to the east. During whale season (approx. August to November) it provides a great vantagepoint for possible sightings of these marine giants. Dolphins are more common though and seen throughout the year.

Accommodation
As is the case elsewhere on the Garden Route, Wilderness has a host of B&B's and guesthouses catering for various luxury levels. It also features one or two hotels.

For budget tourists there's the option of cheap SANP (National Parks) bungalows, huts or campsites. Visitors looking for 5-star accommodation should opt for a suitable guesthouse or Fancourt Golf Estate at nearby George.

It is always advisable to book early, especially if you plan visiting the area in during a South African school holiday. South Africa's summer holiday falls in December and it can be extremely difficult to find accommodation for that month.

Close to Wilderness