Wilderness

Travel Guide

Victoria Bay Beach featuring rugged coastline, tranquil scenes and waves
Wilderness which includes mist or fog, general coastal views and a sunset
Wilderness National Park showing a sunset, a lake or waterhole and wetlands
Wilderness which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and a coastal town
Wilderness which includes landscape views, tranquil scenes and a sunset

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

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
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! (194 reviews)
Great place to stay in Wildernis
"This is one of our favorite half-way stops on our way down to Cape Town. Wildernis is a quant little town with world-class restaurants and The Wildernis Hotel is such a great place to stay. Lovely pool, padel, tennis and mini-golf facilities. Excellent breakfasts! And very, very friendly staff."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

The Wilderness Hotel
Views Boutique Hotel & Spa

Views Boutique Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
South Street, Wilderness, Wilderness, Western Cape
The price is P14,099 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P14,099
P16,214 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
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! (180 reviews)
"Thank you for excellent stay!!!"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Views Boutique Hotel & Spa
Beach Villa Wilderness

Beach Villa Wilderness

5 out of 5
3 Roland Krynauw Street, Die Duin, Wilderness, Western Cape
The price is P8,936 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P8,936
P10,276 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury B&B in Wilderness. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
Outsanding stay
"Deon & Leane were incredible hosts. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt welcomed and spoiled. The staff was attentive to every detail imaginable, the room was spotless and extremely comfortable and the views are breathtaking. Very sad we only had one night, we are already planning ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Beach Villa Wilderness
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! (23 reviews)
Brilliant find
"Brilliant find. Spacious modern spotless rooms with beautiful views in a garden setting. Friendly and helpful hosts. Great restaurants in easy walking distance."

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2025

Serenity Ocean Lodge
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 private hot tubs. Popular attractions Woodville Big Tree and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Amazin stay!
"Fantastic few days! Cannot fault anything"

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

AfriCamps at Oakhurst- Glamping
Oakhurst Farm Cottages

Oakhurst Farm Cottages

3 out of 5
Oakhurst Farm, Hoekwil, Wilderness, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Wilderness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Woodville Big Tree and Acrobranch Wildwoods ...
"Beautiful stay at the oakhurst farm cottages. Farm shop had lots of food choices for an easy meal or a braai. Lovely meal baskets and a wonderful facility with lots of different options and things to do. Would love to head back in the future!"

Reviewed on Nov 19, 2023

Oakhurst Farm Cottages
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.

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