Wilderness National Park
Protected area of South Africa forming part of the Garden Route National Park.
Wilderness National Park, also called the Wilderness Section, is a protected area located around the seaside town of Wilderness between George and Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. It forms part of the Garden Route National Park and protects indigenous forests, fynbos, lakes, and waterways. The park is notable for its Ramsar-designated wetlands and varied wildlife.
- Established
- 1983
- Area
- 1,100 hectares (initial); later expanded to over 2,000 hectares
Quick Facts
- Location
- Western Cape, South Africa
- Nearest City
- George
- Area
- 1210 km2
- Established
- 6 March 2009
- Governing Body
- South African National Parks
- Website
- 1=http: · www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Wilderness National Park stretches from the Touws River mouth to the Eilandvlei estuary, linking into the Swartvlei lake and neighboring the Goukamma Nature Reserve. Its wildlife includes the Knysna seahorse, pansy shell, pied kingfisher, Knysna lourie, grey heron, and little egret. The park protects three major zones of indigenous forest, four types of fynbos, and various lakes and waterways. Historical sites include Goudveld, an old mining town in the forest. (Note: The Woodville Big Tree is not within the park; it is located in the Woodville State Forest.)
Reader's Guide
The park's significance lies in its role as a protected area that conserves diverse ecosystems, including wetlands of international importance designated as a Ramsar site. The Touws River connects three lakes—Eilandvlei, Langvlei, and Rondevlei—which host a variety of aquatic species. The park offers recreational activities such as canoeing, bicycling, abseiling, kloofing, paragliding, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its history began in 1968 with the protection of 450 hectares around the river mouth, including two lakes and the Duiwerivier Kloof. The park was proclaimed in 1987 after being under the Lake Areas Development Board until 1985, when the National Parks Board took over. In 2008, it joined the Garden Route National Park, solidifying its place within a larger conservation network.
Did You Know?
- The park was proclaimed in 1983, not 1987.
- It protects four types of fynbos (wild shrubs).
- The Serpentine waterway connects three lakes: Eilandvlei, Langvlei, and Rondevlei.
- The Woodville Big Tree is not in Wilderness National Park; it is in the Woodville State Forest.
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