Wilderness Touws River Paddle
This out-and-back route takes you along the Touws River past the Wilderness National Park (SanParks). Approximately 4,5km upstream, where you can turn around and head back.
The Wilderness Lakes are designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The wetlands, which are now managed by South African National Parks, 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 at Wilderness. These wetlands support 285 endemic plants, 32 fish species, up to 300 bird species, and a variety of invertebrates.
| Start Coordinates: (DD) | -33.9938732, 22.5849041 |
| Start/Finish | Southside Road (or Waterside Road) |
| Distance | ± 8,85 km |
| Elevation Gain | ± 0 m |
| Perceived Exertion | Moderate |
| Trail System | Paddling |
| Surface | River Flat water |
| Route Markers | None |
| GPX Map | Download GPX file for self-navigation on your GPS device or smart phone. |
ESTIMATED TIME
| Paddling | ± 2 h |
| Typical Paddling Speed | Time to Paddle 1 km | |
|---|---|---|
| Novice, out of shape or young paddlers | 2-3 km/h | 20-30 min. |
| Intermediate Paddlers | 4-5 km/h | 8-15 min. |
| Advanced Paddlers | 6 km/h | 10-12 min. |
| K1 kayak average | 4 km/h | 15 min. |
FACILITIES AT THE START
- Parking
The History of Wilderness
Wilderness, nestled along South Africa’s southern coast, started out as a single farm in the late 1800s and gradually grew into the coastal village we know today.
It all began in 1877 when George Bennett, originally from Liverpool, bought a piece of land at the mouth of the Touws River and called it The Wilderness. He and his wife Henrietta settled there and raised three children on the farm. Sadly, George died in his early thirties, and Henrietta returned to England. For the next 30 years or so, the property remained in her family’s hands. They looked after it and rented it out from time to time, but nothing much changed in terms of development.
Things started shifting in 1902, just after the South African War ended. Montagu White, who also owned Fancourt, bought the property. While he didn’t live there full-time, he turned the main house into a guesthouse and built White’s Road—a more manageable route up the steep hillside. This made the area easier to get to and was really the first sign that Wilderness might become something more than just a private farm.
When White died in 1916, Wilderness Ltd took over, with Owen Grant at the helm. Grant moved quickly: he expanded the guesthouse, laid out proper roads, sold off plots, and families started building homes. By the late 1920s, Wilderness had transformed from an isolated coastal farm into a small but growing seaside settlement with a steady trickle of holiday visitors.
A real turning point came in 1928 when the railway line between George and Knysna opened. Wilderness was the only stop between the two towns, which made it much easier for people to visit and really put the village on the map as a holiday destination.
For years, the main road connection was the Seven Passes Road—a tricky route that tested early motorists. That all changed in 1952 when the N2 coastal highway was built. With a new tarred road running right past the village, shops and businesses gradually relocated closer to the highway. This is when areas like Wilderness East, Kleinkrans, and Die Duine started to develop.
In the 1980s, the establishment of Wilderness National Park was a crucial moment. It prevented overdevelopment and protected the lakes, forests, and coastline that make Wilderness special. Thanks to this, the village has kept its natural character rather than turning into a heavily built-up resort area.
Explore Wilderness
Today, Wilderness is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with activities to suit every interest and fitness level.
For beach lovers, the Wilderness to Swartvlei beach walk offers a gorgeous coastal stretch, while hikers can tackle the scenic Vic Bay to Wilderness trail or explore the forest on the Woodville Forest Trail and Woodville Big Tree Meander.
Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss the Pied Kingfisher Trail, Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail, or Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, each offering excellent opportunities to spot these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
Mountain bikers are spoiled for choice with routes like the Wilderness Lakes Loop, Map of Africa, Whites Road, the Hoekwil Loop, the Hoekwil MTB Trail, and the Lakes Loop MTB Route — all winding through stunning landscapes that showcase the area’s natural diversity.
If you prefer being on the water, grab a paddle and explore Island Lake, the Kaaimans River, or the winding channels of the Serpentine. Each waterway offers its own peaceful escape and a chance to experience Wilderness from a completely different perspective.
Whether you’re here for a leisurely stroll, an adrenaline-pumping ride, or a quiet paddle, Wilderness has something special waiting for you.
