A little history

As far back as the late 1800's the reputation of Wilderness, with its natural bounty of rivers and lakes and intrinsic peace and tranquility ideal for seaside holidays, was laid in a little stone farmhouse. A seaside boarding house was established in the old homestead, and so began the tradition of hospitality that has made this exquisite resort famous all over the world. The farmhouse is now part of the Wilderness Resort Hotel. Wilderness lies 15 km east from George, between the Kaaimans River and the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

It is renowned for its vast stretches of beach, its tranquility and the absence of windswept headlands and wild stormy seas. Wilderness overlooks not only the sea, but also the placid lagoon (Touw River Estuary), the Serpentine, which meanders between the Touw River, Island Lake and Rondevlei. This is a favourite water skiing venue, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. Wilderness has a 2 500 ha National Park with five rivers and five lakes, two estuaries and 18 km of Southern Cape coastline.