Wilderness

Travel Guide
Victoria Bay Beach
Wilderness
Wilderness National Park
Wilderness
Wilderness

Ensconced between the Outeniqua Mountains and the golden coasts of the Garden Route, Wilderness is one of the most spectacular locations in the Western Cape.

Escape to a part of the Western Cape that is a Wilderness in both name and nature. The stunning mountains, forests and coastline here are among the most scenic parts of the Garden Route. Visitors here, however, do not totally leave civilization behind, as the town of the same name offers restaurants, resorts and cafés.

Head to a vacation destination that has been frequented by visitors since the early 1900s, when the first hotels were built here. The region was named Wilderness when a man from Cape Town bought land here to fulfil a promise to his wife that they would live surrounded by nature.

One of the main reasons to visit this town is to explore Wilderness National ParkOpens in a new window. Hike over tree-covered hills and around glistening lakes on shaded walking trails. The Pied Kingfisher Trail runs in a circle for about 6 miles (10 kilometers) through the park, following the course of the Serpentine River. Canoe along the rivers to see the scenery from the water.

Spend a day relaxing on Victoria Bay BeachOpens in a new window. This small, secluded stretch of shoreline is hidden in a cove between George and Wilderness and offers sheltered water that is safe for bathing. Swim out a little further for surfing or charter a boat to go fishing on the water.

Browse for souvenirs in the Milkwood Evening Market, an atmospheric shopping destination. Wander among handicraft and food stalls while chefs cook meat on a “braai,” a South African barbecue. Join locals relaxing with a craft beer.

Drive 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of GeorgeOpens in a new window to reach Wilderness. Find out about all the things you can do here in the Wilderness Tourism Bureau, located near the old train station. The town is small and can be explored on foot.

Wilderness offers different atmospheres and experiences depending on the season. In winter and spring you stand the best chance of seeing whales in the ocean, while the summer months between December and February bring more crowds and sunny days.

Where to stay in Wilderness

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Wilderness Beach

4/5(5 area reviews)

Wilderness Beach is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wilderness National Park and Garden Route National Park.

Wilderness Beach
The Wilderness Hotel
The Wilderness Hotel
3 out of 5
George Road, Wilderness, Western Cape
The price is S$114 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
S$114
includes taxes & fees
6 Feb - 7 Feb
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Wilderness. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 bars/lounges, and room service. Popular attractions Milkwood Village Shopping Centre ...
7.6/10 Good! (183 reviews)
"Polite and pleasant service. Super breakfast. Cleanliness, of course. Location. My 6th visit confirms. Brian Roy"

Reviewed on 13 Jan,2025

The Wilderness Hotel
Villa Paradiso
Villa Paradiso
3.5 out of 5
1098 Krantz Lane, Wilderness, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Wilderness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Wilderness Lagoon and Milkwood Village Shopping ...
Villa Paradiso
Views Boutique Hotel & Spa
Views Boutique Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
South Street, Wilderness, Wilderness, Western Cape
The price is S$391 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
S$391
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wilderness. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Acrobranch Wildwoods and Garden Route ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
"Property was a bit dated. But great area, nice rooms and good food."

Reviewed on 26 Nov,2024

Views Boutique Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Serenity Ocean Lodge
Serenity Ocean Lodge
372 Limberlost Ln, Wilderness, Western Cape
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Wilderness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Wilderness Lagoon and Milkwood ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Welcoming and helpful hosts with a property that was ideal for couples wanting some independence. Lovey spot with water views and restaurants nearby."

Reviewed on 4 Jan,2025

Serenity Ocean Lodge
Villa Paradiso
Villa Paradiso
3.5 out of 5
1098 Krantz Lane, Wilderness, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Wilderness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Wilderness Lagoon and Milkwood Village Shopping ...
Villa Paradiso
AfriCamps at Oakhurst- Glamping
AfriCamps at Oakhurst- Glamping
2 out of 5
Hoekwil Road, Wilderness, Western Cape
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Wilderness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Woodville Big Tree ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"This stay was so wonderful - thanks to friendly and helpful staff who were very responsive to issues, and an amazing farm tour and activities. One disappointment is we were not able to bike as there were no kids' size bikes available. Also, consider supplying the AfriCamps tents with citronella candles ..."

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2023

AfriCamps at Oakhurst- Glamping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Wilderness

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Try and request a lodge on lower level. Thankfully we only had a few steps. Others not so lucky.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely long beach for walking and quiet contemplation. When we were there we practically had the beach to ourselves. The lagoon area is lovely and good for birdspotting.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place to stop for a few days

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Highly recommended. We hope to be back next time we visit SA!

5/5 - Excellent

Guy

Fantastic beaches and quiet considering this.