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Wilderness National Park

Wilderness National Park: Address, Phone Number, Wilderness National Park Reviews: 4.5/5

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Wilderness National Park

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Wilderness National Park
4.5
436
#2 of 18 things to do in Wilderness
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Top ways to experience Wilderness National Park and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
24 within 5 kms
Hoekwil Country Cafe
343
1.4 kmRR - RRR • Dessert • Cafe • International
Hoeka Toeka Pub & Diner
10
1.4 kmRR - RRR • Grill • Diner
Mrs B's Kitchen
25
1.5 kmRR - RRR • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Serendipity Restaurant
839
2.1 kmRRRR • African • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Joplins Steak Bar
642
2.1 kmRR - RRR
Merchant & Maiden
14
1.7 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Fairy Knowe Hotel
39
1.7 kmRR - RRR
Mugg and Bean Langeberg Mall
35
1.8 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Views Restaurant
237
2.3 kmRR - RRR • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Salinas Beach Restaurant
2 114
2.9 kmRR - RRR • Cajun & Creole • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
20 within 10 kms
Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
108
1.1 kmHiking Trails
Garden Route Trail
52
1.1 kmHiking Trails
Wilderness Beach
558
3.8 kmBeaches
Wilderness Lagoon
134
2.3 kmBodies of Water
Cornerstone Creek
6
1.3 kmArt Galleries
Victoria Bay
264
Bodies of Water
Dolphin Point Lookout
116
3.1 kmLookouts
Perdepoort Horse Tails
55
3.3 kmEquestrian Trails
Map of Africa Viewpoint
536
Lookouts
RPRX - Real People Real Xperiences
16
3.3 kmDistilleries
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Popular mentions
4.5
436 reviews
Excellent
252
Very good
138
Average
33
Poor
10
Terrible
3
Andre H
Cape Town, South Africa353 contributions
Little Known Gem
Dec 2021
We have visited the Garden Route many times & The Wilderness beaches but we were unaware of this National Park a few minutes drive off the N2 Highway . There are various trails , we did 3 of them . They vary between 2km - very steep climb , a 7.2km & 4km roundtrip trails both ending at waterfalls. The Park was quite busy being peak season but still not overcrowded even at the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail which is the most popular walk. Most of the walk is amongst tall trees , so pretty shaded & not to strenuous , a few steps to climb at a couple of spots. There are a number of wooded walkways & the park is well maintained & safe . Crossing the river with the Pontoon was a highlight for many walkers based on the excitement evident with each crossing. Its basically a "raft" you pull across the river using a pulley rope system , very easy to use , even for children .

Most visitors seemed to visit in the mornings but there is enough parking near the Ebb & Flow North entrance as well as the main access point to the Park . Cost is R50pp for locals & R170pp for overseas visitors . The Brown Collared trail is a bit further away & going along the N2 highway & taking the Hoekwil turnoff is probably the quickest avoiding a short gravel road from Ebb & Flow . We also made use of the picnic area at Tarentaal camp across the road of Ebb & Flow North entrance gate , canoes can also be hired here by day visitors.

The Half Collared trail takes about 3.5 hs at a leisurely pace & can end with a swim in the waterfall pond which is not to deep & not to cold . The Brown Collared 4km takes about an hour & has a deep waterfall pool , was rather chilly but refreshing. The Bosduif Trail is not for the faint hearted as the initial climb is very steep & takes about an hour but has a wonderful viewpoint as the top.

This Park is really worth visiting & suitable for all ages
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3 142 contributions
Fynbos, forest, rivers and lakes near the ocean
Nov 2021
The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National park is roughly around the town of Wilderness and between the towns of George and Knysna. It is not as wild as the name suggests, as vast parts are covered with fynbos (shrubs). Lakes and waterways crisscross the park and there are many trails to access even the remote areas.

The natural beauty of the park is superbe. Different types of kingfishers, egrets and herons can be observed especially near the rivers and streams. Of course the proximity of the ocean is another asset. I did several trails. The Half Collared Kingfisher trail is the most popular. Personally I liked the Brown Hooded Kingfisher trail most, as it is more tranquile and secluded.

To reach the trailheads if you do not have a car, is rather problematic as public transportation is scarce. I ended up walking along tarmac and dust roads quite a bit.

Entrance fee 170 Rand for foreigners! 50 Rand for SA nationals.
The aim seems to be to keep low-income people out as much as possible.
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LuzetteEls
Cape Town, South Africa34 contributions
Cape nature at its best
Mar 2021 • Couples
Eb & Flow north and south are beautiful reservation and was with a lot of outdoor activities available. Friendly staff and clean facilities. A gem in the Wilderness area.
Written 25 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vanessa
5 contributions
Experience beauty and peace of the Wilderness
Dec 2020 • Couples
The Wilderness National Park has so much to offer. A choice of hiking trails in a beautiful unspoilt environment. Abundant birdlife with two bird hides from which to enjoy the sight of water birds in complete peace. We particularly enjoyed the Half Collared Kingfisher trail up to the waterfall. The trail is well maintained with wooden boardwalks for most of the way in this pristine forest area.
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dominique
9 contributions
Great park.
Dec 2019
If you are looking for the perfect combination of wilderness, ocean, and river this is the ideal place. They are situated within wilderness and surrounded by nature. This is a quiet tranquil place, ideal for a quick getaway holiday.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cairokid
Maidenhead, UK1 196 contributions
Fantastic
Jan 2020
This is part of the Garden Route and is lovely. The beach is awesome with dramatic waves and a large sandy beach.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Juri
7 contributions
Half day trip to the waterfall In Wilderness National Park
Jan 2020
I can recommend the day trip to the waterfall in wilderness national park. The first part we make with canoe, ca 40 min. And then ca.40 min easy walking.
At your destination you can relax, take a bath under a waterfall, or lie under the sun.
Please plan about 1.5 hours for this.
So in order not to overuse yourself, for the whole trip, is about 4-5 hours to plan.
As we have WildCard, the entry was free for us.
We paid about 25 € for canoeing.
Conclusion: nice little adventure (without problems with children) in which you will see a lot of water and greenery.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Been a few places
Epsom, UK1 118 contributions
Views, hikes, boat trips & nature
Dec 2019
Wildnerness National Park is a must-do when exploring Western Cape's Garden Route. There's so much to do - plenty of hiking trails (some busier than others), stunning views, birdwatching hides and boat trips. We only spent 24 hours in the area and wish we'd been able to stay longer. It's so beautiful but not quite as rugged as the name suggests!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
miki121
Johannesburg, South Africa1 225 contributions
Beautiful nature
Dec 2019 • Couples
I’ve visited most other Sanparks locations but this was the first time in Wilderness section of the garden route national park. Beautiful park, sparkly clean river, stunning lakes and neat camp with self catering or camping accommodations. Will definitely make an effort to come stay in the park at some stage. We did a river cruise with wild river safaris which was lovely and great for bird watching. There also hiking trails to do and lots of birdhides to visit at the different lakes.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NikJ
Ascot, UK759 contributions
Lovely at all levels
Dec 2019 • Family
Spent time with the high views, map of africa, and the paragliding take off point, as well as on the beach and walked along the train tracks to the bridge... all lovely
Written 29 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wilderness National Park
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