Wilderness with its beautiful long beach. * Wilderness Beach House and Backpackers
Driving west from Sedgefield, stop at Acrobranch, if you have kids or you are reasonably fit and enjoy obstacles and climbing. High ropes, crossings, ladders, tunnels, walkways, bridges and thrilling zip lines will keep you happily challenged for 2 hours.
Further along the N2, a long bridge crosses the Touws River estuary and the expansive Wilderness Beach stretches out. Many continue, thinking there are just a few houses. However, Wilderness is at the heart of Garden Route outdoor activities and it is home to a much awarded restaurant. Here are a few reasons to linger a while.
Acrobranch challenges *Vibe Surf School *Map of Africa with Side Street Adventures
The lovely white sanded beach is about 18kms long and is wonderful for long walks and swimming, but keep close to shore as currents further out are strong. It is an awesome place to learn to surf and Vibe Surf School are there to help you. They pick fantastic places as well as this beach to find good sea conditions. On a budget and want to chill with surfing culture, stay at the Wilderness Beach House and Backpackers with its great atmosphere and possibly the best views in the area.
Wilderness is called The Lake District. It covers about 38 kilometres. Besides being very pretty, it is unique as there are three different types of lakes all of which are common throughout the world but not common in that here, they are found in such a small geographical area. Sand dunes helped in the formation of the lakes and the oldest is 300 000 years old. This is a birders paradise and Rondvlei is a RAMSAR site or wetland of international importance. (i)
Rondevlei boardwalk and its neighbouring property Reflections Eco Reserve with chalets and glamping tents
Rondevlei lake as a bird sanctuary, has a number of bird hides. There are at least 72 bird species living here and the monthly average for birds using the lakes is about 10800 birds.
Stay at Reflections Eco Resort an off grid self -catering timber chalet or luxury glamping haven bordering Rondevlei and Langevlei. Join your hosts for a guided walk which is incredibly interesting from bird, insect and a plant perspective.
Grab a delicious lunch or supper al fresco at Girls on the Square, with all female chefs and crew plus innovative combinations in an aesthetically pleasing spot.
Yummy fusion food at Girls on The Square * Dolphin Paragliding * Ebb and Flow Restcamp
Take an E Bike tour with Side Street Adventures to the Map of Africa, a land shape that really does look like Africa. It is a comfortable and interesting route to the view site. The site is kept pristine by 2 incredible lady volunteers. Near the site you have a wonderful view of the Wilderness coast. You can join the paragliders here with Dolphin Paragliding. Try a tandem jump with someone who knows what they are doing.
For those looking to camp, Ebb and Flo is a lovely spot run by SanParks. Head here to reception for a great hike, The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail. It is a moderate trail of 8kms and takes 3 to 3 and a half hours return. It runs along and near the river, with labelled interesting trees, a pontoon, picnic spots and it ends in a waterfall.
Half Collared Kingfisher Trail * Elegant Lodge on The Lake * Restful tones of Serendipity
Wilderness has 2 wonderful up market places to stay. The first is the Lodge on The Lake with spacious rooms, lovely décor and gorgeous expansive views over the water. The second is a name synonymous with good food, Serendipity. Mom runs the Serendipity Country House and it is excellent. Situated on the river bank, you can take their canoes out for quiet enjoyment. The exceptional chef is daughter, Lizelle Stoltz, who runs the renowned Serendipity Restaurant with her husband. South African favourites are re-created for delicious set menus in a warm and unpretentious environment. If you eat at any restaurant in South Africa, it should be this one!
Mussels and mushroom tempura, samphire and madumbi crisps at Serendipity
You do not have to be an art critic to appreciate the work of Kevin Jones. As a result of motor neurone disease, Kevin has little normal function left, but he can paint and paint well with his mouth! Visit his studio. If you have a favourite photo of your trip, he will copy it and add his flair.
Kevin Jones restful flower work *Choose a peaceful canoe trip or high activity fun with Eden Adventures.
Perhaps the best activity of all, is time on the water with Eden Adventures. They have a range of river experiences and each is memorable as in beautiful surroundings with an excellent guide.
With a choice of courses, golfers can indulge their passion on beautiful courses in George, just a 12 minute drive from Wilderness. Visit a wonderful little gallery, Crouse with a nice range of South African work including top artists’ work for investment. Enjoy a great lunch at a beautifully decorated bistro, 101 Meade. It is the best eatery in the George area.
Stunning!- Crouse Gallery *Yummy tacos at 101 Meade *The Cats Whiskers view
All along the Garden Route there are pockets of indigenous forest, amazingly spared from fire and logging. One of these, near George, is the private Ballots Bay Nature Reserve. Towering yellow woods, stink wood and iron wood trees plus above the bay, a number of wild animals roam such as Bontebok, Ostrich, Zebra, Grysbok and smaller varieties such Porcupine and Bush Buck. We have three stunning architecturally designed self- catering houses here for you. Each privately perched on the cliffs and 2 give superb whale sightings. The Bees Knees, The Cats Whiskers and Forest Whisper are fantastic places away from crowds yet a short drive to attractions or golf, for when you can drag yourselves away.
Continue along the N2 and there are 2 special places to stay. The first is Seeplaas home of a very talented creative father and son and their family guest house, Seeplaas. This comfortable Mediterranean feel 4 star is set above the shore line with sweeping coastal views. Feeling romantic? Book the private Bubble… a glass igloo just off the beach with braai and hot tub. Lie in bed with the stars as your visual lullaby.
Glorious Bubble at Seeplaas *Executive Tented suite at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Now a treat, to visit a superb private game reserve: Botlierskop. This family run reserve is relaxed and special family accommodation has great options for kids. For couples, the romantic private lodges have views over the river and reserve. Game drives are exceptional in this 5 star reserve and you can enjoy a riding safari. Day visitors are welcome to join game drives.
Mossel Bay is home to the famous Batholomew Diaz Museum and the Post Box Tree used by early sailors. In the museum you can see the replica boat built to cross from Portugal to Mossel Bay for the Centenary of the first sailors landing in Mossel Bay. It was named such, as sailors said there was nothing to eat besides mussels from the rocks.
Mossel Bay town scene * Batholomew Diaz Museum * The old tree which served as the sailors Post Box.
Do not expect the famous forests in this area and it is why we suggest viewing the Garden Route from East to West. Those who visited here 25 years or more ago, will see a huge change including post Covid semigration from Gauteng particularly. It is now a large, mainly low rise residential area with neighbouring areas almost touching now, plus a small pleasant town centre.
In town find a wonderful punk artist gallery, Standl Art. Stop for a coffee in this great gallery space as you view his ingenious designs for lighting. Johan Standler’s work is in homes all over the world and they are much talked about collector’s pieces.
Stadl Art treasure trove St Blaize Trail Ramonza Boat trip to seal island
Hike the lovely St Blaise Trail along the scenic coastline, then head to the harbour for a relaxing boat trip on Ramonza. You will see the seal colony, maybe dolphin and a shark plus of course, migrating whales from June to November.
For a real buzz, go and tackle the Dragon! This is a massive sand dune with boards you can use to go down on your bottom, tummy or stand up surf down. It is likely to be one of your trips most talked about activities!
Last but not least visit Pinnacle Point on the Point of Human Origins tour. Recently proclaimed a UNESCO site this is a well looked after large cave where artefacts were found showing early behaviours which we take for granted now. Walk a boardwalk with lots of steps and an informative guide will help you understand why this site is so important. If you are able to, book the longer private tour with the archaeologist who worked on the site, Dr Nilssen.
Recommended accommodation is the luxurious 5 star designed for privacy, African Oceans Manor on the Beach and 4 star Bay Lodge on the Beach. Both have superb situations, pools for when you don’t want the beach and excellent service. They are also well situated for exploring.
African Oceans Manor on the Beach has a wonderful position. * Bay Lodge on the Beach suite with balcony
There are many beaches to choose from but do experience the sheltered sea bathing spot at Pinnacle Point. A natural line of rock parallel to the coast creates a wonderful natural open ‘pool’.
Happy Sauntering!
Interesting extra bit:
(i)So, what is a wetland?… “An area that is relatively flat, aids in slowing down water movement, and which has temporarily, seasonally, or permanently saturated soils. Some wetlands end in an estuary and varying levels of salinity occur. The higher the salinity, the lower the species diversity.
With an influx of nutrients from both the river and sea, estuaries and the accompanying wetland are highly productive systems that form the habitat of a diverse number of flora and fauna. Their functioning as nursery sites are of particular importance to many aquatic species. Plants that are adapted to wetland conditions act as sponges, helping to slow down water flow and reducing the effects of floods. Water is released slower from these areas, which means it will be available for longer. Less water is lost through evaporation due to the cover provided by wetland vegetation. They act as natural filters that help to purify the water by trapping silt, pollutants, excess nutrients, heavy metals and pesticides.”
