Wilderness

Wilderness is a picturesque seaside town located on the Garden Route of South Africa's southern Cape, nestled between the Kaaimans River and Goukama Nature Reserve, with the Outeniqua Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. It lies a short distance east of the city of George, accessible via the N2 down the Kaaiman's River Pass. The town, also known as Wildernis in Afrikaans, covers an area of approximately 36.97 square kilometers and had a population of 6,164 in 2011. Its strategic location places it about 450 kilometers east of Cape Town and 300 kilometers west of Port Elizabeth, with George Airport being the closest air link, just 20 minutes away.The area is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, characterized by long, sandy beaches with large waves, steep green hills, and the tranquil Touws River lagoon. The Wilderness National Park, a significant natural feature, encompasses five rivers, five lakes, and an 18-kilometer stretch of coastline. This park is a fascinating blend of rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches, set against lush forests and imposing mountains. It protects indigenous forests and various Fynbos types, and its interconnected lakes—Eilandvlei, Langvlei, and Rondevlei—are recognized as a Ramsar site due to their international importance as wetlands. The region is a haven for birdlife, including five types of Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Little Egret, and the vibrant Knysna Loerie, and is also known for the Knysna Seahorse and Pansy Shell. Visitors can often spot dolphins and whales from Dolphin Point.Wilderness offers a wide array of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Popular pursuits include relaxing on the beautiful beaches, scenic walks along the coast or the lagoon, and hiking on official trails within the National Park, some leading to waterfalls. More adventurous options include paragliding from well-known launch sites, canoeing and kayaking on the Kaaimans River or Touws River lagoon, mountain biking, abseiling, fishing, and boating. The "Map of Africa" viewpoint provides a unique panoramic view of a nature reserve shaped like the African continent. For families, Wildwoods Acrobranch offers tree-climbing and swinging experiences. The town also serves as an excellent base for day trips to other Garden Route highlights like Knysna.Historically, the area's deep river gorges initially deterred early European settlement, with the region only becoming more accessible after the Seven Passes Route was built in the late 1860s. George Bennett established "The Wilderness" farm in 1877, which later evolved into an internationally acclaimed seaside resort under Montagu White and Owen Grant. The opening of the railway in 1928 and the N2 coastal road in 1952 further boosted its development. The Wilderness National Park was proclaimed in the mid-1980s to preserve its natural environment. The town also holds a place in South African political history as the retirement and death place of former Prime Minister and State President P. W. Botha.