Elsabè says: Wilderness is situated in the heart of the Garden Route, South Africa. It is a fascinating combination of rivers, lakes, estuaries and beaches unfolding against the backdrop of lush forests and imposing mountains.
Apart from canoeing, mountain biking, abseiling, beach-kiting and serious hiking activities abound for the leisure seeker.
1. FOREST WALKS
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In Wilderness are a number of hiking trails; one of these is the most popular Half-collard Kingfisher Trail through the indigenous Afromontane forest; 1, 5 km along the western bank of the Touw River and then across the pontoon to the eastern side of the river for a further 2 km on the most beautiful boardwalk to the waterfall and rock pool. Remember to take your bathing costume. View on the Kingfisher Trail
Big Tree
The Big Tree is an Outeniqua yellowwood tree estimated to be 850 year old and a great attraction. A clearly marked path leads into the forest crossing a stream several times. Many of the trees are labelled so one can identify them. This is a circular trail extending about 2km. You will find designated picnic area and portable ablution facilities and wheelchair-friendly walkways through the forest.
2. BIRD WATCHING
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The Wilderness wetlands is a UNESCO proclaimed waterbird sanctuary of international repute. Many hours of spotting birds can be had at the various hides and from a canoe in the river and lakes or even from the beach where the scarce black oyster catcher lives and plovers, . There is a well known bird hide at Rondevlei, from where scanning of the reeds produce amongst many more the Purple Gallinule, Moorhen, African Rail,Black and Baillon’s Crake. The Touw River and the Island Lake and Ronde Vlei host many large waterbirds such as herons, egrets, bitterns, spoonbills, ducks and geese. The forested hillsides that surround the area are home to several raptors, including Cuckoo Hawk, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Black and Redbreasted Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk as well as bulbuls, thrushes and robins. The floodplains or serpentine as the meandering waterways between the lakes are known abounds in passerine birds.Purple Gallinule
2. VIEW POINT
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MAP-OF-AFRICA is an extraordinary viewpoint at Wilderness Heights and vantage point to view the miles upon of miles of golden beaches including the Wilderness Blue Flag beach at the mouth of the Touw River. It is also the launching area from where paragliders take off against the onshore breeze. The bright and colourful paragliders, soaring against the open blues skies, make a beautiful picture. Map-of-Africa is spectacularscenery of mountains and forests. It is amazing how "nature has shaped" this map image of Africa. The Africa outline is because of the way the two tributaries of the Kaaimans River carved their meander through mountain and forest.
DOLPHIN POINT is a famous view point. From here the whales are spotted. Umpteen locals and tourists spend time at this lookout point where the Kaaimans River meets the ocean searching for whales and dolphins or just to wonder at the mountains and lakes stretching out in front of you or just taking in the sights.
Stay at Serendipity in Wilderness
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Serendipity on the Garden Route in Wilderness is in a tranquil setting on the banks of the Touw River estuary which forms part of the Wilderness National Park. Walk to beaches or canoe from the property upstream to the waterfall and spot the birds. A sprawling double-storey residence with serene cosy bedrooms Downstairs is the popular Top 100 gourmet restaurant, specialising in South African inspired cuisine.