Wilderness is a small coastal town next to the N2 national route in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is part of the bigger Garden Route National Park that stretches from Wildernis to Tsitsikamma further east. The garden route is the third most popular tourist destination in South Africa after the Kruger National Park and Cape Town.
The
Wilderness Lakes received its status as Wetlands of International Importance on
28 June 1991. The wetlands, which are now managed by South African National
Parks (SAN Parks) according to the Ramsar convention, include the Serpentine
river, Island Lake, Langvlei and Rondevlei. These lakes, each a wetland by
itself, form a link in the chain of the Touw River that meets the sea on the 18
kilometer stretch of beach at Wilderness. These wetlands support 285 endemic plants, 32 fish
species, up to 300 bird species, and a variety of invertebrate. Due to the slow
moving water through the system, the lakes also play a major role in flood
control.
The
area is seen as a holiday destination and many tourist activities and
attractions are available. The most popular activities include hiking around
the lakes and indigenous forests, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, skiing,
sailing, swimming, birding, and even paragliding.
SAN
Parks offer good quality and well situated accommodation in the form of
self-catering chalets and camping sites at Ebb & Flow, on the banks of the
Touw river, just 3 kilometers outside town. In town and in the neighbouring
areas are several camping sites, B&B units, self-catering chalets, guest
houses, and hotels available. First class restourants offer a wide range of
menus and are open most hours of every day and night.
Wilderness
has a moderate climate throughout the year with rainfall not limited to a
specific season. It boasts an average of 200 sunshine days per year. Located
next to the N2 between the bigger towns of George and Knysna with the George
airport only 30 kilometers away, Wilderness is one of the most accessible
national parks in South Africa.
Follow the Picures link on the left or visit the facebook page, www.facebook.com/saramsar for more pictures taken during our visits to the wetlands and surroundings.