Wilderness Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Wilderness, located in Western Cape, South Africa. Find things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and much more in this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Wilderness

Located in the Western Cape of South Africa, Wilderness is a small coastal town that lies nestled between biologically diverse estuary and indigenous forests. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s delight with a wide range of activities that include hiking, biking, canoeing, and snorkeling. Amongst its scenic natural landscapes, you’ll find fascinating local culture and customs, delicious food and drink, cultural and natural attractions. This tour guide will give you a more comprehensive overview of Wilderness.

List of Places to Visit in Wilderness

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Outeniqua Transport Museum. Learn about the history of steam locomotives and how they shaped transportation in South Africa. This museum exhibits a vast collection of antique trains, wagons, and memorabilia from a bygone era.
  • Map of Africa Viewpoint. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area from this vantage point. Take a few photos in front of the Map of Africa, a district map formed by rivers and mountains.
  • Timberlake Organic Village. This village has a popular mix of craft stores, restaurants, and other local businesses offering organic produce and handmade goods.

Natural Attractions of Wilderness: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wilderness National Park. This park is home to vast indigenous forests, fynbos, rivers, and lakes. Explore the natural wonderland on foot, by canoe or on bike.
  • Kaaimans River Bridge. Get some depth and perspective of Wilderness by admiring the fantastic views of the river and the surrounding gorge from atop the Kaaimans River Bridge.
  • Garden Route Trail Park. This is the best place for mountain bikers, with a variety of bike trails for all levels and skills.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wilderness

  • The Giant Kingfisher Trail. A 6.5 km walking path that winds through dense indigenous forest and crosses the river, ending up at the waterfall.
  • Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail. A 5 km trail that takes you to an elevated position above Island Lake, offering a stunning panoramic view of the area below.
  • Half Collared Kingfisher Trail. This 7-km hiking trail passes through natural forest, leading up to a bird hide organically built upon the lakeshore.

Best Things to Do in Wilderness: Activities and Tours

  • Canoeing on the Touw River. Set out on a self-guided kayaking tour while enjoying the tranquil fresh air and lush vegetation that surrounds the river.
  • Sea Kayaking Adventure. Paddle over the lakes and out to the warm Indian Ocean’s natural garden route in this coastal adventure.
  • Horse Riding on the Beach. Horse-ride on the lovely beaches of Wilderness whilst enjoying a beautiful sun-lit sky and crystal-clear waters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wilderness

Day Activity
1 Explore Wilderness National Park
2 Visit Outeniqua Transport Museum and Map of Africa Viewpoint
3 Go on a biking adventure at Garden Route Trail Park
4 Tour to timberlake organic village and enjoy some local cuisine
5 Relax at Kleinkrantz beach or go sandboarding
6 Enjoy horse riding or cruising the river on a canoe
7 Stress-free on your last day, strolling around Wilderness.

Note: This itinerary is adaptable and just a suggestion to make the most of your time in Wilderness.

Food and Drink Scene of Wilderness

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braaivleis. The South African version of Barbecue. The meal consists of boerewors, lamb chops, and more.
  • Bunny Chow. A mix of Indian and African heritage, traditionally made with a half a loaf of bread, filled with spicy curry and deliciousness.
  • Boerewors Roll. A South African sausage with tomato sauce and onion, served in a long roll.

Local Beverages

  • Wine from the Outeniqua Mountains. This mountainous landscape provides a beautiful backdrop to vineyards and wineries that produce some of the best red and white wine in the region.
  • Craft Beer. South Africans also love a good cold beer. Wilderness has recently become known for its craft beer scene, with a few micro-breweries such as Pisces Craft Beer & Brewery.

Where to Stay in Wilderness: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Moontide Guest Lodge. This beautiful four-star guesthouse overlooks the Indian Ocean and Island Lake. Each room is spacious, and breakfast is included.
  • The Wilderness Hotel. The hotel comprises of four buildings that house 150 rooms, each unique in design and décor. Guest facilities include a spa, outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.
  • The Pink Lodge on The Beach. A boutique guest house situated on the beach. It boasts stunning 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains, and lagoon.

What to Buy in Wilderness: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Crafts from the Wilderness Market. Each weekend, the flea market at the Beachfront Amphi-Theatre complex has over 200 stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, antiques, and local art.
  • Wine from the Region. With many vineyards and award-winning wineries, there are plenty of excellent local wines to choose from.

Local Culture and Customs of Wilderness

  • Language: mostly English and Afrikaans are spoken, with some locals also fluent in the Xhosa language.
  • Dress Code: South Africa has no formal dress code, so casual wear is fine, but when visiting religious sites, it’s better to dress more conservatively.
  • Greeting: Shake hands with acquaintances, regardless of gender. Friends, family, and colleagues will embrace or cheek-bi and hug.

Best Time to Visit Wilderness

Wilderness has a year-round mild climate making it an excellent destination for any season. December to February is the warmest period with January being the most populated month. It is important to note that it is the peak season when rates will be higher, and certain tourist attractions may be overcrowded as well. During May to September, it’s the quieter season, and the temperature is cooler, perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring the more isolated beaches.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wilderness

Do:

  • Respect South African cultures and traditions.
  • Bring a sunscreen and stay hydrated in the hot summer months.
  • Be friendly, smile and engage with locals for a more authentic experience.

Don’t:

  • Don’t walk at night in unfamiliar areas as an individual.
  • Don’t leave your valuables and documents or luggage within your car, visible to the eye.
  • Don’t be dismissive about the country’s past policies and hurtful expressions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wilderness

Safety is essential when traveling to Wilderness. Like any other area, it’s essential to be careful when exploring the outdoors, walking on the beaches, or interacting with strangers. As in any other coastal towns around the globe, there is always a risk of rip currents and dangerous swells when swimming in the ocean.

Health in Wilderness

In general, tap water is safe to drink in most towns, suburbs, and cities throughout South Africa. However, bottled water is readily available for purchase. Medical facilities, including hospitals and doctor’s offices, are available but now better suited for severe emergencies only. Make sure to check with your personal medical specialists before embarking on your adventure to Wilderness.

Getting to Wilderness: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wilderness

  • George Airport. Located approximately 22km from Wilderness. George Airport is busy during the tourism season, and rental cars are abundant.
  • Cape Town International Airport. Located approximately 400km / 4 hours 30 minutes driving from Wilderness. South Africa’s second-busiest airport and major air transport hub.

Bus Stations Near Wilderness

  • Intercape Mainliner. This is an option for those traveling to Wilderness by bus. It is a reliable long-distance bus service that connects major cities across Southern and Eastern Africa.
  • MyCiTi. This bus system will take you to various places in Cape Town but not Wilderness. Remember, a transit from Cape Town to Wilderness via Johannesburg will not only be an option for the long-distance bus.

Other Options

  • Car Hire. Vehicles can be hired at George Airport or Cape Town International Airport. This option provides more flexibility and mobility to explore Wilderness and the countryside.
  • Taxis. At times, local transport companies like Uber, Bolt, or minibus taxis provide point-to-point transfers on a fixed pricing model.

How to Get Around in Wilderness

  • Bike Rental. There are many places to rent a bike in Wilderness, where you can explore the incredible scenery and local attractions of the town.
  • Public Transport. There is no train system in Wilderness, but there are mini-bus taxis and buses that take tourists and locals around the town and to nearby destinations.
  • Walking. The town is small and easy to walk around so it is the best way to absorb the area’s natural beauty.

Where to Go Next from Wilderness: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Knysna. This historical and laid-back seaside town is just a quick 30-minute drive from Wilderness. Visit the famous heads, home to some of the most expensive real estate in the area.
  • Oudtshoorn. By car, one hour and fifteen minutes away, Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. Visit a working farm or encounter these magnificent birds at an animal sanctuary.
  • Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy boating, whale watching from July to December, and explore the Tenikwa Wildlife Centre. It is located approximately one-hour’s drive from Wilderness.

Conclusion

Wilderness has something to offer every type of traveler, from natural beauty and adventurous activities, to cozy lodging and an excellent food scene. It is a unique, culturally rich destination that’s great for exploring at your own pace. It’s worth the visit, and you’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories of this captivating town.

Wilderness Wilderness Paraglide spot at 'Map of Africa' Paraglide spot at 'Map of Africa'