20 things to do in Wilderness on the Garden Route

By Roxanne Reid
Wilderness. Even the word speaks to my soul. Visit the village of Wilderness along South Africa’s Garden Route and you’ll revel in a festival of beaches, lakes, lagoons, rivers, mountains and forests all rolled into one unforgettable spot. Whether you love hiking, birdwatching and paragliding, or restaurants and shopping, there’s something here to make you happy. Dive into my top 20 favourite things to do in Wilderness.

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​1. Visit the Garden Route National Park

The budget-friendly forest cabins along the Touw River at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp

Top of your list of things to do in this area is to visit the Garden Route National Park, which includes our target area, the Wilderness Section in the west. (The Garden Route National Park also includes the Knysna Lakes in the middle and the Tsitsikamma Section in the east, if you want a wider Garden Route experience.) You’ll find beautiful plants, animals and birds, and lots of nature activities.

To make the most of all the hiking and canoeing action in the Wilderness Section, stay over at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. Pitch a tent on the lush grassy campsite, go for one of the budget-friendly forest cabins, or treat yourself to a cozy log cabin on stilts. There are also cheap rondavels with communal ablutions in the northern section of Ebb and Flow camp. The Touw River flows right past the campsite, forest cabins and rondavels, which makes this one of my favourite spots to stay on the Garden Route.

​2. Paddle up the river

Paddle up the Touw River in a canoe at Wilderness

Hire a canoe at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp and paddle up the Touw River. Pay at the camp’s reception office and then find the canoes along the river near the day visitors’ area. You can also hire canoes from Eden Adventures, which operates from the Fairy Knowe Hotel on the opposite bank of the Touw River.

Once you paddle under the railway bridge over the Touw River, you’ll be wrapped in lush indigenous forest on both sides. If you’re into birdwatching, don’t forget your binos. You might just catch a glimpse of kingfishers doing their thing. If you’re lucky, the Knysna turaco, that flashy local celeb with the bright red wings, might make a dramatic flyby from tree to tree.

You can also hire kayaks from Kaaimans Adventures to explore the Kaaimans River area, even visit a waterfall. It’s set in a private nature reserve and has an outside area with pop-up style food court with takeaway food and drinks so you can enjoy a picnic on the riverbank. You can rent stand-up paddleboards from them too.​

3. Put on your hiking boots

Walking in the forests in and around Wilderness is always enjoyable

Explore one of the beautiful hiking trails in the Wilderness Section of the park. Two of my favourites are the Brown-hooded Kingfisher Trail, which starts 4km from Ebb and Flow Rest Camp on the road to Rondevlei and takes you along forest paths to a river (6km, 2-3 hours), and the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail that starts along a boardwalk near the bridge between the north and south sections of Ebb and Flow Rest Camp. A bit further up, this walk takes you across the Touw River on a pontoon to meet the old Giant Kingfisher Trail, and finally up to a waterfall where you can picnic and swim (7.2km, 3-4 hours, not counting your stop at the waterfall).

You can also tackle the sandy Cape Dune Molerat Trail that starts about 21km from Ebb and Flow on the road to Rondevlei, which takes you through different vegetation types with views of Rondevlei and Swartvlei lakes (6km, 2-3 hours), and a short (2.1km, 45-60min) trail at the Woodville Big Tree (see point 13).

4. Explore the Lake District 

The lakes are good places to see water birds and waders

Wilderness and Sedgefield’s very own Lake District is a Ramsar Wetland of international importance. This means it’s recognised for its ecological value and is protected to conserve biodiversity and maintain the ecological functions of this wetland.

These lakes – Langvlei, Swartvlei and Rondevlei – are home to 32 fish species, some 285 endemic plants, 300 bird species, and numerous invertebrates. This makes them a perfect place to go birding (see point 6) or to cycle along the gravel roads from lake to lake (see point 5). You can even paddle on the Serpentine or Touw River in your canoe (see point 2).

5. Go mountain biking

Go biking along the gravel roads between the Wilderness Lakes

Most of the big mountain biking routes in the Garden Route National Park are actually over in the Knysna Lakes section (see more about them here), but you can still get your biking fix around Wilderness. There are plenty of gravel roads linking the Wilderness Lakes that are perfect for a ride, or you could hop onto part of the scenic Seven Passes road (check out point 12). If you’re up for a bit of a workout, tackle the steep climbs from Wilderness village up to the Map of Africa (see point 14) or Hoekwil. These are tough climbs, but the ocean views at the top will reward your effort.

6. Go bird-watching

Malachite Hide is a good place for birding, especially water birds and waders

If you’re a keen bird watcher, the Wilderness Lakes are paradise. I have a couple of favourite spots where I love to hang out with my binos. First is the Malachite Hide, just across the railway line at Langvlei. Then there’s the Rondevlei Hide, where you may spot the malachite kingfisher, black crake, African rail, and African purple swamphen. Plus, there are usually loads of cormorants around, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of an African fish eagle or hear it calling. 

7. Meander along the beach by moonlight

Have fun poking around in rock pools on the Moonlight Meander at Swartvlei beach

Join biologist Judy Dixon on Swartvlei beach for a Moonlight Meander. Billed as ‘the best fun you can have after dark on the Garden Route’, the moonlight beach walks to Gericke’s Point let you meet intriguing sea creatures of the intertidal zone. Every spring tide at full moon and new moon (i.e. once every two weeks) finds Judy combing the beach and tidal pools for plough snails, limpets, chitons, barnacles and sea urchins, perhaps a cuttlefish or two. She makes it fun too. Did you know, for instance, that littorina are the bungy-jumpers of the mollusc world? That barnacles have a penis 20 times longer than their bodies? To find out why they need these interesting attributes – and lots more – book a magical moonlight meander.

Meet at the Swartvlei beach parking area, 19km from Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness. Bring a torch with at least three hours of battery life, a warm jacket, and shoes that won’t mind getting wet.

8. Go kloofing 

Swim and jump off cliffs on your kloofing adventure

Love adrenalin sports? Up for a fun kloofing adventure? Eden Adventures are the folks to help you make it happen at Cappuccino Canyon on the Kaaimans River. It’s a chilled guided morning tour that kicks off with an easy walk through indigenous forest to where the Kaaimans and Silver rivers meet. Then the real fun starts. You’ll swim through stunning canyons with crazy-high cliffs all around you. There are a few rock jumps along the way but they’re optional, so there’s no pressure to be brave. If you’re up for it, the biggest one is a wild 11.5m.

Don’t worry about gear; they’ve got wetsuits and buoyancy aids sorted. All you need to bring is your swimming cozzie, a towel, and some shoes/sandals that you can get wet.

Book ahead at the link above, and find them at their base at the Fairy Knowe Hotel.

9. Go tandem paragliding

Paragliding is a popular sport in Wilderness

Fancy an exciting 10-15min tandem paragliding flight, no previous experienced needed? Tandem flying is fun and easy; within minutes you could be soaring like an eagle over the beguiling Wilderness landscape. There are various launch sites in Wilderness, such as the Map of Africa, the Serpentine, and Kleinkrantz. Flights obviously depend on the weather.

So what do you need to bring with you, apart from a sense of adventure? Well, a pair of strong closed shoes, a long-sleeved top, some sunscreen, and your GoPro if you have one. Not a bad idea to take some water too. Book ahead. (If the flight is cancelled because of bad weather, you can either reschedule or get a refund.) For your tandem paragliding adventure, try Cloudbase Paragliding, Dolphin Paragliding or Wild2Fly.

10. Take in the views at Dolphin Point Lookout 

Wilderness as seen from Dolphin Point; you can sometimes spot whales from here

​If you’re cruising along the N2 towards George, stop at Dolphin Point on the hill just west of Wilderness. It’s a lookout that gives epic views of the coastline, the Kaaimans River mouth and tidal estuary, even the old railway bridge that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe used to chug along before floods wrecked the line back in 2006. Parking can be a bit of a squeeze, but you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of whales or dolphins.

Trains no longer run along the Kaaimans River bridge

Note: Sadly, Dolphin Point is currently (June 2025) closed because of extensive roadworks between George and Wilderness, but will reopen once the road is finished.

11. Spend time on the beach 

Early morning activities along Wilderness beach

If you’re a beach lover, you’re going to really have fun on Wilderness’s long, creamy stretch of sand. I’m obsessed with early morning walks there – before the sunbathers roll in, while the beach is still fresh from the tide, all smooth and untouched like a clean slate. It’s the best time to soak it all in and leave the first footprints of the day.

12. Drive the Seven Passes Road

One of many bridges over a river along the Seven Passes Road

Don’t miss a drive along the Seven Passes Road on the backroads through the forests between George and Knysna. Even if you only do a little stretch of it, it’s well worth it. The name says it all: seven gorgeous, twisty mountain passes that wind their way from Kaaimansgat Pass through the Touw River Pass, Hoogekraal, Homtini, Karatara, Rheenendal, and finally Phantom Pass, which pops you out onto the N2 just west of Knysna.

It’s a mix of tar and gravel, with loads of scenic vibes. Think clear, tea-coloured rivers, old-school bridges, and thick indigenous forest loud with bird calls. The whole 75km stretch is peaceful and way more chilled than the busy N2. Take it slow, soak it all in, and enjoy the ride.

Note: The section between George and Wilderness is currently (June 2025) closed because of flood damage, but you can still drive all the way from Wilderness to Knysna along this road.

13. Have a picnic at the Woodville Big Tree

The Woodville Big Tree

Stop along the Seven Passes Road (see point 12) at the Woodville Big Tree. It’s an 800-year-old Outeniqua yellowwood that towers above you at 33m and has a 12m circumference. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, sit on a bench, take a picnic or braai to enjoy nearby, or go for a walk along a forest trail (2.1km, 45-60min). You’ll find the tree and picnic site off the Seven Passes Road about 13km from Ebb and Flow Rest Camp.

14. See the Map of Africa

Map of Africa

Don’t miss a detour off the Seven Passes Road (or a short drive up Hoogte Road from Wilderness village) to see the Map of Africa viewpoint. Look out over the Kaaimans River gorge to see indigenous forest shaped like – you got it – a map of Africa. This is a favourite launch spot for paragliders so you may be able to watch some of them take to skies and get inspired to follow suit (see point 9).

15. Enjoy whale-watching

See whales at Wilderness or drive to Knysna for boat-based whale-watching

Look for whales along the coast, especially the humpback and migratory southern right whales that come here between June and November. A good spot to look for them at Wilderness is from the Dolphin Point Lookout (see point 10). You can also spot Bryde’s whales and dolphins all year round. Other good spots include The Views Restaurant and Salina’s Beach Restaurant (see point 16), both of which are perched on a dune with a good outlook over the ocean.

For a boat-based whale-watching excursion that lasts 90min to two hours, join Ocean Odyssey – the only permitted boat-based whale watching company in this area. Although this operates out of Knysna, it’s only about 45km away from Wilderness so I mention it for those who are especially eager to see these marine giants up close.

​16. Eat at restaurants in Wilderness
One of my favourite things to do in Wilderness is sample the food at its restaurants. For such a small village, it has quite a lot of them. Here are some of the ones we’ve tried.

Romantic summer vibes at Girls on the Square

Girls on the Square is a big restaurant but never seems so because there are many smaller enclaves. Sit inside to enjoy a winter logfire and attractive décor complemented by African art on the walls. Sit outside under fairy lights on a summer evening to enjoy fresh air on the covered deck. The food includes everything from breakfast to tapas and small plates, nachos, wraps, burgers, seafood, steaks, poultry and sushi. There are veggie options too.

Delicious flavours in this chicken stack at Girls on the Square

The chicken stack had me smacking my lips. Think grilled chicken breast with roast butternut, feta, macadamia nuts, dates, peppadews and coriander leaves on couscous, with an apricot mustard sauce. We also tried the sushi, which was good, the rice cooked just right.

At Ilali Restaurant in the village centre, you’ll find a relaxed buzz at the pavement tables and a sophisticated ambience inside. My vegetarian pizza with roast butternut, pumpkin seeds and rocket was delicious, with a thin, crispy base the way I like it. There are other good woodfired pizza flavour combos too. They also do salads, burgers, pasta, fish and chips, curry, steak, spareribs, and salads. 

Casual seating on the deck outside at Ilali Restaurant

Pomodoro is an Italian trattoria in Wilderness village. Their pizzas are popular (there’s an extensive list of choices), and I love their pasta. Even their plain tomato pasta is yummy, showing how choice ingredients and patience can wow the palate (a very Italian thing). For those who aren’t fans of either pizza or pasta, there are steaks, lamb shanks, and seafood. You can choose to sit inside or outside. My favourite tables are inside next to a wide fold-back window.

At The Blue Olive in the centre of the village, I like to sit outside on the deck under the shade of an old milkwood tree. The last time we visited was sadly too cold for that, but they had a nice logfire burning inside. We ordered the chicken schnitzel which came with a choice of two sides. My husband had chips and veg, but I enjoyed a double portion of roasted veg. Yum. The mushroom sauce was creamy and delicious too. They also have salads, burgers, pasta, seafood, and steaks.

The Views Restaurant at the View Boutique Hotel & Spa is worth a visit if only for the superb ocean views. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and the menu offers everything from burgers and ribs to pasta, fish and plant-based options. We enjoyed an early dinner there, but it would also be good for pre-dinner drinks and probably even better for lunch so as not to miss the views.

The patio and garden at Hoekwil Country Cafe

Stop at the Hoekwil Country Café in Hoekwil about 6km north of Wilderness for coffee and a snack or meal. Their toasties are nice but always leave space for their cheesecake. A local magazine voted it best in the country a few years back and it still happily trades on that accolade – and rightly so because it’s deliciously creamy. My favourite is the plain lemon one, but it also comes in salted caramel, chocolate, strawberry, berry, Turkish Delight, and sugarfree variants.

Take a drive into the country to visit Bistro Celeiro

Bistro Celeiro not far east of the Woodville Big Tree (see point 13) on the Seven Passes Road (see point 12) is a country-style building on a hill that could be in Tuscany or France. It’s only open on Sundays for a leisurely lunch and you have to book ahead. Think home-made comfort foods like salad picked from their own garden, creamy mussels, peri-peri chicken, lamb shanks, and gelato on a set menu each week.

Other Wilderness restaurants include:

• Serendipity – fine dining with an African twist, though we thought it was overhyped for the experience we had.
• Mozambik – inspired by the Afro-Porto fusion cuisine of Mozambique, it serves mainly chicken and seafood like calamari and prawns, with a kick of peri-peri. It has a Halaal menu too.

Salina's Beach Restaurant has gorgeous views over the beach and ocean

• Salina’s Beach Restaurant – salads, burgers, curries, steaks, seafood and sushi, all with a kick-ass view of Wilderness beach, especially from the outdoor tables on the upper deck. First come, first served. Parking is a bit of a nightmare on summer weekends when the beach is packed.
• Joplin’s Steak Bar – heaven for carnivores because this place is all about steak, with a retro, rock n roll vibe. Only open in the evenings; find it at Pirate’s Creek.
• Rambling Rose – a barnlike structure next to a pond in Hoekwil, with attractive décor and art on the walls. They serve steaks, burgers, chicken schnitzel, salads, and quiche. Check their opening times before you make the drive.
  
  

17. Go shopping with a difference 

Stroll around Timberlake Organic Village for a relaxed shopping experience

Although shopping isn’t usually top of mind when I’m surrounded by so much nature, if you feel the urge you could pop in to the Timberlake Organic Village on the N2 about halfway between Wilderness and Sedgefield. It’s a collection of independent businesses including a German deli, bakery specialising in sourdough breads, fine art galleries, wine shop, mohair mill shop, clothing shops, and shops selling homemade vintage sweets, and jewellery. The Naughty Monkey Café sells cakes, coffee, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and there’s a playground nearby to keep the kids amused.

18. Visit a local market

Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market

A superb place to shop for local farm and homemade food products is the Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market in Sedgefield, just a 20km drive east of Wilderness. On Saturday mornings you’ll find everything from fresh organic fruit and veg to cheeses, breads, cakes and more. The focus is on goodies with farm butter, stone-ground flours, and healthy oils. A special treat is to have breakfast under the trees. The pannekoek and the curried mince vetkoek are our delicious favourites.

Another market worth visiting is the Outeniqua Family Market in George, about 15km west of Wilderness. Open on Saturday mornings, it has about 150 stalls and sells a range of goods from fruit & veg, honey, cheese, pies and cakes to crafts. There are rides and fun for the kids too.

The Milkwood Village Market in Wilderness takes place on Sundays. Find handmade crafts by locals, enjoy the live music, let the kids play on the lawns. On the first Friday of every month, there’s a Night Market too, offering everything from handmade goodies and crafts to tasty cheeses, artisanal breads, and cured meats.

19. Pick your own strawberries

Pick your own delicious strawberries at Redberry Farm

Visit Redberry Farm, which produces 400 tons of strawberries each year and is about 28km away in George. Best to go in summer (especially October to December) when you can pick your own strawberries. There’s a farm stall and coffee shop on the premises, as well as a hedge maze with 10 000m of pathways for those who like a challenge.

20. Ride a scenic railway pass
I used to love driving the 17km Montagu Pass between George and Herold for its spectacular scenery, its 120 twists and turns, and steep gradients. Sadly, flood and fire damage in 2023 and 2024 led to the pass being closed to all traffic. Repairs are due to begin in October 2025, with completion by August 2026.

But you can still drink in the views and the scenery if you book a ride on the Outeniqua Power Van. Starting at the George Transport Museum, just 13km west of Wilderness, these old Transnet service trolleys take you up into the mountains while a guide tells you about the area’s history. Experience the forest, four passes (Montagu Pass, the older Cradock Pass, newer Outeniqua Pass, and the Outeniqua Railroad Pass), waterfalls, tunnels, fynbos and proteas, bird and animal life. Take your own picnic basket to enjoy at the top. Budget three hours for the whole experience; the round trip is about 2.5 hours, with 30min at the top for a picnic. Booking is essential.

Colourful boats on the lake at Wilderness

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