Wilderness National Park

Multi-day tours along the Garden Route from Cape Town typically include a stop at the Wilderness National Park. Adventurers can hike one of the park’s five trails; take a boat cruise or canoeing excursion along the Touws River; or enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, abseiling, paragliding, or fishing. The 3-mile (5-kilometer) Kingfisher Trail is a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts, with the chance to spot five different species of kingfisher, including Knysna Lourie, as well as grey heron, little egret, and Knysna seahorse. Along the coast, head to Dolphin Point to spot dolphins and whales.

• The Wilderness National Park is a must for bird-watchers and has hikes to suit all abilities, including children.
• There are numerous hotels, campsites, and restaurants in the park, most of which lie along the N2 Highway.
• A national park permit is required to enter the park; admission is included for Wild Card holders.
• Access is limited for wheelchairs but an accessibility guide is available from the South African National Parks website.

The Wilderness National Park lies along the N2 Highway on South Africa’s popular Garden Route. It’s around 275 miles (440 kilometers) east of Cape Town or about a 5-hour drive. There is no public transport directly to the park, but numerous tours and hop-on hop-off buses travel along the Garden Route, stopping at the park.

Year-round sunshine means that exploring the Garden Route is possible at any time of year, but most visitors come between November and April, when the park is busiest. The park is particularly colorful in spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, while whale sightings are most common from June to December. If you’re visiting during the hottest months of January and February, plan to hike early or late in the day, when the weather is coolest and wildlife is at its most active.

Running for 190 miles (300 kilometers) from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route is South Africa’s most popular road trip. Highlights along the way include Mossel Bay, where boat cruises set sail for nearby Seal Island; the beaches of Plettenberg Bay; and the Tsitsikamma National Park, where activities include hiking ziplining, and kayaking. Wildlife lovers can visit the Knysna Elephant Park, spot the Big Five at the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, and visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, while adrenaline-seekers will be tempted by the legendary Bloukrans Bridge bungy jump.