Looking for hotels in Wilderness? Why not book a stay in one of the best places in the world? Enjoy long walks along beautiful beaches, panoramic views over the Indian Ocean and lakes, and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll ever find.
If you’re traveling through South Africa’s stunning Garden Route, a stop in the small town of Wilderness is a must! This tiny piece of almost untouched space nestled between George and Sedgefield is a natural wonderland.
Wilderness is the place to come and escape from life for a bit. There are beautiful beaches and forest landscapes, along with a myriad of quaint boutique stores and cafes. And the nearby towns offer a combination of peaceful countryside life, outdoor activities, and bustling tourist attractions.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay along the Garden Route, so let’s dive into a few of your options when picking your Wilderness holiday accommodation.
Accommodation in Wilderness, Garden Route
The fantastic news is that you can stay in Wilderness and still easily access almost all of the great things to do in the Garden Route, including Tsitsikamma Forest and the Knysna Heads.
Here are 13 gorgeous Wilderness self-catering guesthouses, lodges, and beach houses.
Mountain Magic Hoekwil
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The stunning mountain-top village of Hoekwil is connected to Wilderness and offers stunning views of the surrounding towns, thanks to its elevation. The accommodation at Mountain Magic is located here, offering a rustic space to destress and rest – and they’re pet-friendly.
The lodge offers four lodgings, which are made up of three converted container homes and one converted caravan (nicknamed the Love Shack). Each has a light, airy atmosphere, with comfy furnishings and air conditioning to keep you cool and relaxed. All four units also come with free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and a seating area.
But it’s the outside that will amaze you at Mountain Magic. The property boasts magnificent views over the surrounding green hills. You can make a fire in the outdoor firepit, laze in a hammock, or take your coffee out to the lookout platform to take in the surrounding scenes.
Shan C
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Located conveniently close to Wilderness beachfront, Shan C is a luxury guesthouse situated right on the beach. The property offers four solar-powered bedrooms, each with a TV, a bathroom with a shower (no baths), and free Wi-Fi.
There are small kitchenettes in each room, with a mini fridge, microwave, and facilities to make tea and coffee. Plus, all but one also boast sea views.
The house is quite spacious and has a shared outdoor pool, fire pit, and BBQ area (although it’s called a braai in South Africa). There are also housekeeping services on offer for all guests.
From here, you’ll be able to walk onto the sandy beach whenever you feel like it. A ten-minute walk will take you to Salinas Beach Restaurant, and if you hop in your car, the rest of Wilderness, South Africa, is within a short walking distance.
Kooboo Berry Ocean View Guesthouse
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If you’re looking for Wilderness self-catering accommodation, Kooboo Berry Ocean View Guesthouse is the perfect place. The guesthouse is around 1.2 miles from Wilderness Beach and is perched atop a hill overlooking the sea.
You can choose from one of four bedrooms, all just as opulent as the next. Lay in bed and admire the scenery outside before making your way into a refreshing shower and wrapping up in one of the provided plush bathrobes.
There is a shared kitchen offering an oven, stove, and dishwasher for all guests to use. There’s also a dining area with large windows showcasing the views and a fireplace to barbeque or just keep warm in the winter months. Outside, you’ll find a pool and garden, with seating set strategically to ensure ideal viewing locations.
Hamilton House
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This large house has been designed to provide privacy throughout its four suites, with kitchenettes, dining spaces, and comfy beds in each.
The aparthotel is perfect for solo travelers and couples who want a home-away-from-home kind of feel but still need their quiet space. But if you’re traveling with a group, this also gives enough space for everyone to gather in the common areas and then escape to their rooms when they’re tired.
There is safe parking inside the property gates, a communal barbeque (braai) area, and free Wi-Fi throughout the house. And while you’re within a short distance from the beach, you’ll wake up to refreshing sea views every morning.
Tranquil Shores B&B
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We doubt you’d find any disappointing accommodation in the Garden Route, but this BnB is especially magnificent. It’s set in a large house right on the beach, furnished to allow for a relaxing and restful stay.
The hosts stay in the house and are available to help whenever needed, but every room has an en suite and tiny kitchenette, so you won’t feel like you have no private space. There is a shared patio and barbeque space for outdoor eating in warmer months.
From this BnB, you can walk to the beach or take a short trip to the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park.
Treedom Villas and Vardos
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Treedom Villas and Vardos is as magical as it sounds — with a large two-bedroom villa and a number of vardos surrounding it, there is plenty of space here to spend a family reunion, friends’ getaway, or just a quiet romantic escape.
Everything here is open and breezy, hidden away in the forested area just outside Wilderness Central. The vardos are all renovated gypsy wagons, each one decorated in its own unique designs.
When you’re not being enchanted in your room or exploring the sights around you, the property offers a sauna and heart-shaped pool to indulge in. And if you’re looking for a more romantic evening, the hosts can arrange dinner outside in the Love Tunnel.
RiverView Wilderness Guesthouse
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There isn’t much cheap accommodation in Wilderness, but this stunning guesthouse comes pretty close. Its affordable rates allow you to enjoy even more time in this gorgeous town without compromising on comfort or amenities.
The house has three self-catering units, offering double beds and private kitchenettes. A shared outdoor deck area, overlooking the Touws River, provides the perfect place to sit and relax after a long day of exploring the surrounding area.
The property is slightly removed from the busier areas, so renting a car is best if you stay here, but you can still walk down to the beach whenever you feel like a sandy stroll.
Pearl Moon Boutique Suites
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The four luxury suites at Pearl Moon are designed to provide the ultimate serene space for couples and solo travelers. You’ll find plush beds, top-of-the-range décor, and carefully maintained amenities.
Inside your room, you can make your coffee or tea, warm up a quick meal, and pop in some toast for breakfast. The home’s full kitchen is available for use, though, if you want to cook a full meal. If not, take the short walk down to Joplins Steak Bar or Salinas Beach Restaurant.
Every room also leads out onto a deck, allowing you to quietly soak in the rugged beauty enveloping the guesthouse. While here, don’t miss out on the opportunity to go kayaking on the lagoon.
IdylWilde
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Sitting in a quiet cul-de-sac, this self-catering guesthouse has three rooms to offer you. Stay in the Shell Suite and enjoy your own private entrance, a covered balcony, and a kitchenette with a seating area.
The Whale Suite is an interlinking room, so if you’re traveling with older kids, this is an ideal room to book along with either of the other two. This room also has an enclosed balcony. And finally, the Seagull Suite has the added feature of opening up into the garden.
The property is right in the heart of Wilderness, close to all of the shops and restaurants, and just a few steps away from the beach.
The Loft
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Sitting on top of a hill near the center of Wilderness, The Loft is a luxury one-bedroom apartment, ideal for couples staying in Wilderness. The apartment is open-plan, with a kitchen including a coffee machine and a sitting area with a double fireplace — the bed on the other side.
There’s a stunning bathtub right in front of the bed, promising a luxury bubble bath with a view. But there’s a more private toilet and shower as well. The apartment is fully kitted out with every amenity, accessory, and appliance you will need.
One of the biggest draws here is the floor-to-ceiling windows across an entire wall of the Loft. These windows face the sea, letting in plenty of light and offering unforgettable scenes for your entire stay.
JustFor2
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Although JustFor2 is within the central Wilderness area, as soon as you arrive here, you’ll feel like you’re completely removed from civilization. This property has four freestanding cottages, all with private entrances and completely self-catering.
Three of the cottages are set higher up into the hill, so you need to climb stairs to reach them, but the lowest – the Hoopoe Apartment – is more accessible and just as lovely. All of the units offer airy open-plan rooms and decks to enjoy the beauty around you.
As you look out of the windows or from the deck, you’ll be greeted by green fields, distant hills, and the river flowing between it all.
Red Door Cottage
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Another one-bedroom apartment, the Red Door Cottage, is as cute and quaint as it sounds. This accommodation is environmentally friendly, offering guests a welcoming, homely space with sustainable amenities.
The cottage sleeps up to two people and is attached to the host’s home, meaning they’re never far away when you need them. Plus, their pets roaming the garden add to the personal feel here. You’ll have a separate entrance and space to park your car, though, so privacy is not lacking here.
The bedroom is slightly removed from the lounge and kitchen, with large windows showcasing the surrounding mountains. Enjoy your dinner out on the patio, leading from the living room, and embrace the scenery from the cottage.
Reflections Eco-Reserve
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Staying in the South African countryside, a nature reserve is never too far away. At Reflections, you can enjoy a cozy stay in a luxury tent or wooden eco chalet and be one with nature during your trip.
The tents provide a glamping experience, built on top of decks, with plush queen-sized beds and en suite bathrooms inside. The chalets are more like cabins, with two separate bedrooms, a kitchen, and sitting areas. They also have full bathrooms and an extra outdoor shower.
The reserve is a little bit further from the heart of Wilderness and much deeper into the wild than other accommodations on this list. You can go hiking, bird watching, and pack a picnic to enjoy in the wide open space here.
Wrapping Up Places to Stay in Wilderness
If you’re traveling between Gqeberha (formally known as PE) and Cape Town, Wilderness is a lovely one-night stop off in the middle-ish of your trip. If you’re just looking to escape for a weekend, this town will hide you from all of your responsibilities.
You just need to decide what your needs are: a pool, access to the beach, braai areas, etc. And then select the right place to stay. If you’re road-tripping with the whole family, the Wilderness pet-friendly accommodation options will suit you perfectly.
Whether you want a Wilderness beach house, treehouse, or boutique Wilderness hotel, this list should help you in your planning. But if you still need more options, we’ve also gathered together some of the more popular Wilderness Airbnbs for you to look over.