Explore

Things to do in Wilderness & the Garden Route

Wilderness sits between George and Sedgefield, where forest-lined rivers and a chain of lakes meet a long sweep of golden beach. Here are a few of our favourite ways to spend the day — most within a short drive of the house.

Aerial view of Dune Beach House and its pool on the Wilderness beachfront, with forested hills behind

On your doorstep

On our doorstep

Wilderness Beach

A long, wide sweep of golden sand right in front of the house — perfect for sunrise walks, beach games and sundowners. Always swim with care: the surf here can be strong.

From the deck

Whale & dolphin watching

Dolphins can be seen in the surf throughout the year, and from about June to November southern right whales visit this stretch of coast. Our decks and dining room are the best seats in the house.

At the house

Pool days at the house

Not every day needs a plan. Read by the pool, nap on the timber deck and let the ocean set the pace.

Nature & adventure

≈ 5 min drive

Half-collared Kingfisher Trail

One of the Garden Route's best-loved day hikes: about 7 km through indigenous forest along the Touw River to a waterfall with pools. Get your permit at the Ebb & Flow rest camp in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park.

≈ 5 min drive

Canoe the Touw River

Paddle the quiet, forest-lined backwaters of the Touw River and the Wilderness lagoon — canoes can be hired in and around the village.

≈ 10 min drive

Map of Africa & paragliding

Drive up to the Map of Africa viewpoint above Wilderness, where the Kaaimans River has carved a bend shaped like the continent. Tandem paragliding flights launch nearby when the wind is right.

≈ 5 min drive

Dolphin Point

Pull over at this lookout on the N2 for sweeping views over the coastline — and, with a bit of luck, dolphins and even whales below.

≈ 10 min drive

Lakes & birdwatching

Island Lake, Langvlei and Rondevlei form part of the Wilderness lakes system, with bird hides at Langvlei and Rondevlei. Five species of kingfisher occur in the area.

≈ 15 min drive

Victoria Bay

A small, sheltered cove between Wilderness and George that's loved by surfers and swimmers alike.

Day trips

≈ 20 min drive

Sedgefield & Wild Oats Market

On Saturday mornings (8am–12pm) the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market in Sedgefield is a feast of fresh produce, coffee and local crafts.

≈ 20 min drive

Woodville Big Tree

An easy forest walk to an ancient Outeniqua yellowwood, estimated to be around 800 years old and more than 30 metres tall.

≈ 40 min drive

Knysna

The lagoon, the Heads, waterfront dining and the famous oysters — an easy and rewarding day out.

≈ 15 min drive

George

The Garden Route's largest town, with shops, restaurants, golf courses and George Airport.

Full-day trip

Oudtshoorn & the Cango Caves

Cross the dramatic Outeniqua Pass into the Klein Karoo for limestone caves, ostrich farms and wide-open skies.

Whale season on the Garden Route

Southern right whales usually visit this coastline from about June to November, often coming close to shore to calve. From our sea-facing rooms, the dining room and the sundecks, you may well spot them without leaving the house.

Getting here

Easy to reach, hard to leave.

Fly into George Airport, roughly 20 minutes' drive away, or follow the N2 along the Garden Route — Wilderness lies between George and Sedgefield.

  • Address31 Die Duin, Wilderness, 6560
  • GPSS 33° 59′ 45.0″ · E 22° 35′ 16.6″
  • Nearest airportGeorge Airport (GRJ) · ≈ 20 min

Dune Beach House

31 Die Duin, Wilderness

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Come for the view. Stay for the pace.

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