Wilderness National Park

...gateway to the Garden Route

In the heart of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, a captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches gently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains – all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna lourie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. During spring, a carpet of flowers, further enhance the verdant beauty of this national park.

Looking for an action packed holiday adventure? Then, Wilderness is your playground. Experience whales & dolphins from Dolphin Point. Hire a canoe or bicycle, go abseiling, kloofing, paragliding or hang-gliding. Go boating, fishing at Island Lake or hike to the waterfall above Ebb & Flow Restcamp. You do not have to be super fit to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are activities for young, old, energetic or idle: take a stroll along a forest path or visit the bird hide and discover the wealth of bird life. Lie back in a canoe on a quiet backwater and watch the world float by. Camp under the stars alongside the river or stay in log cabins on stilts.

Wilderness National Park stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve, giving welcome protection to five lakes and the Serpentine, which is the winding strip of water joining Island Lake to the Touw River at the Ebb-and-flow Restcamp.

5 Things to Seek
Knysna Seahorse
Pansy Shell
Pied Kingfisher
Grey Heron
Little Egret

Accommodation
Ebb & Flow Restcamp (South)
All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.
4-bed family cottages, each with two bedrooms, one bathroom (bath), open plan, partially equipped kitchen. Please indicate whether you would prefer a double bed and 2 single beds or single beds only, subject to availability.
4-bed log cottages on wooden stilts, each with two bedrooms, one bathroom (bath & shower), open plan, partially equipped kitchen. Please indicate whether you would prefer a double bed and 2 single beds or single beds only, subject to availability.
Forest Cabins – 4 beds and 2 beds – ablutions and partially equipped kitchens. A communal kitchen for cooking.
NB: Microwave ovens are available for hire from Reception.

Ebb & Flow Restcamp (North)
2-bed Rondavel, each with bathroom (shower) and basic kitchen equipment.
2-bed Rondavel, communal ablution facilities and basic kitchen equipment.
NB: The rondavels are basic and are classified as budget accommodation.

CaravanCamping
Both restcamps have caravan and campsites on the banks of the Touw River, communal ablution and scullery facilities.
Some sites at Ebb & Flow Restcamp (South) are equipped with 220V power points.
The power points are for caravan plugs only; to be able to use a normal three-point plug you need the applicable adapter.
Portable braais are supplied - please inquire at Reception.
A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.
Activities
Recreational activities and adventures
Bathing, rowing, fishing, at Wilderness beach, the Touw River and some of the lakes
Water-skiing is restricted to Island Lake and Swartvlei
Canoes are hired from Eden Adventures (or 044 877 0179)
DSTV in a communal area
Table tennis in a communal area
Volley ball and basket ball
Bird hides at Langvlei and Rondevlei
Hiking
There are five trails all located in the National Park, all with varying distances and degrees of difficulty.

Canoeing
Start at the Ebb & Flow Restcamp and canoe the winding Touw River, which leads to Wilderness beach or gently canoe on the Wilderness Lagoon. Canoes available for hire from Eden Adventures (or 044 877 0179)
Mountain Biking
There are two scenic routes for mountain biking. Bikes equipped with child seats are also available. Mountain bikes available for hire from Eden Adventures in the park (or 044 877 0179)

AbseilingKloofing
Whether on a short 10 m abseil or a 45m drop next to a roaring waterfall, reach your goals you perceived to be unobtainable. (Eden Adventures, or 044 8770179)

Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the following sections of Wilderness National Park - Leentjiesklip, Kleinkrans, Sandhoogte, Swartvlei, Eilandvlei, and Gericke’s Point

Birding
Due to the many different ecosystems within the park ranging from the indigenous forest to the rocky shore, Wilderness National Park has become a bird paradise.

Paragliding
Experience the freedom of paragliding with experienced operators. Please contact Wilderness Eco Tourism for more information or 044 877 0045.

Facilities
Many facilities are available in the towns of Wilderness and George.
There is no shop in the Restcamp, however vending machines are available at Reception.
The closest restaurants are in the town of Wilderness – a list is available at Reception.
Laundromat and dryer.
Medical doctors, a dentist a pharmacy and the postal agency are available in the town of Wilderness.

For more information visit www.sanparks.org

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