Wilderness & George

The quiet village of Wilderness, with its gorgeous beach, is a nature lover’s paradise. Lakes, lagoons and lush indigenous forest are the order of the day here. Enjoy a lovely peaceful walk around the lake shore or stroll along the beach. You can follow back roads through mysterious primeval forests all the way to Knysna. This was the erstwhile haunt of 19th century gold diggers. Indeed it's this juxtaposition of the ancient and the picturesque that is part of the Garden Route’s charm.

Sedgefield lies Between Wilderness and Knysna with a couple of attractive lodges such as Fynbos on Sea (see Knysna)

Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, at the gateway to the Garden Route, is a busy resort town with some stunning beaches nearby. You may like to visit the historically interesting Post Office Tree as well as the Batholomeus Dias Museum complex with its full scale replica of a caravel ship. This is a good area for whale-watching in season and shark cage diving excursions.

George

George was named after George III of England and lies on the coastal plateau below the Outeniqua Mountains. It's the principal town of the Garden Rout: a bustling business and farming community with the region's main airport.

For the holiday-maker, the best-known George landmark is the world-famous Fancourt Golf Estate, consistently ranked among South Africa’s finest golf destinations. Home to the Fancourt Links Course, this is a definite stop for the golf lover!

Game Lodges

There are a couple of good game reserves near Mossel Bay Gondwana Game Reserve and the Botlierskop.

Note that we generally recommend heading to the Eastern Cape or Kruger for your safari but if you don't have the time, these are good options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wilderness a good destination for families?

Yes — calm rivers, boardwalks, gentle foresttrails and long beaches make it ideal for families who enjoy nature without strenuous activity.

How do I get to Wilderness, George or Mossel Bay?

George Airport is the region’s main hub, with Wilderness 20 minutes away and Mossel Bay about 35 minutes from the terminal.

Can I combine this area with a safari?

Absolutely. While the Kruger and Eastern Cape offer broader wildlife diversity, Botlierskop and Gondwana provide excellent Big Five experiences for travellers short on time.