Where It All Began

Wilderness – the gem of the Garden Route, South Africa

Undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most spectacular locations, Wilderness is a small town on the Garden Route, which is the stretch of road that goes from Cape Town all the way to Addo (just to the east of Port Elizabeth). 

Wilderness is particularly famous for its beach, the length of which is visible from the Kaaiman’s Pass as you descend from the Cape Town side and guarantees a ‘Wow!’ from everyone in the car everytime! However Wilderness also has one of the most beautiful river settings, opening out into two freshwater lakes, behind the main dunes which add a whole other element onto the stay.  Add on to this some great food options and you’ve got a whole holiday right there.

There are so many wonderful choices for accommodation.  If you’d like to stay right on the beach, our top picks would be On the Beach (for five-star) and The Dunes (for four star).  Both are literally on the beach with nothing between you and the sand and surf. 

If you’d prefer something a bit more sedate, stay on the river at Wilderness Manor, whose gardens literally go right down to the bank and from which you can paddle a canoe to the beach.  If you’d prefer a lake view (and it’s a stunning one), have a look at Interlaken.

For a splendid budget choice, take a look at The Old Trading Post, which is a home stay B&B right on the shores of the lake. 

Our choices for Wilderness have price tags prices starting from as little as R2 000 (US$160) per room per night up to R7 000 (US$580) per room per night.