The charm of this beautiful seaside resort lies in its other-worldliness, it’s sense of being cut off by its boundaries of sea and forest from the hectic workaday world.

Wilderness is renowned as much for its natural beauty, vast stretches of beach, tranquillity and calm seas, as it is for its tradition of hospitality - which began as far back as the late 1800’s, when the first stone farmhouse was converted into a seaside boarding house.

Although the village centre lies just 15km east of George, the area known as Wilderness stretches from the Kaaimans River to the borders of the Goukamma Nature Reserve. It is the only village in the country that can boast its own National Park, for the 2 500 hectare Wilderness National Park lies within its boundaries. With five rivers, five lakes and 19km of beach, this sensitive eco-system creates a wetland of international importance.

Bird watching is a rare and unique experience, for here is a tapestry of interwoven wetlands, forests, mountains, beaches, open fields and fynbos that provide habitat for nearly 200 species, ranging from the rare and endangered African Black Oystercatcher to the elusive Narina Trogon and Knysna Loerie. Canoeing on the Touw River Lagoon or the Serpentine - which meanders between the Touw River, Island Lake, Langvlei and Rondevlei - is a popular and relaxing pastime. You might even catch a glimpse of a Cape clawless otter or a shy bushbuck on the riverbanks.

You can enjoy mountain biking, whale and dolphin watching, hang gliding, paragliding, horse riding, scenic drives and day tours as well as an extensive network of hiking trails, a number of popular picnic spots - the indigenous forest at the 800-year old Woodville Big Tree is a favourite - and watersports such as skiing, sailing, surfing and angling.

Excellent viewpoints include the Map of Africa for its breathtaking scenery of lakes, forests, mountains and coast; Dolphin’s Point, which is known for its whale and dolphin watching, and the Kaaimans River Bridge, which is popular with photographers looking for the definitive shot of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe as it steams across the river mouth.

With all these attractions basking in year-round sunshine, a splendid winter climate where balmy, daytime temperatures rarely fall below 10ÞC, and a well-earned reputation for hospitality, Wilderness is truly the Garden Route’s premier holiday destination.

Set in the hills behind Wilderness, between the mighty Outeniquas and the sea, Hoekwil is an unspoiled little town from the past. The views of lakes, sea, mountains and valleys from this lofty rural village are astounding. Every plot in Hoekwil overlooks one or other natural scenic wonder.

At its heart, the church built by the people stands proudly, the centre of all village activities. Opposite, the gabled schoolhouse, built in 1922, was the first in the area. A tiny part-time Post Office and two small country shops complete Hoekwil’s ‘CBD’. In keeping with its simple rustic character, old time courtesy still prevails. Everyone greets everyone and even visitors warrant a friendly wave.

Many talented people settle here. Among them, potters, artists, writers and specialised woodworkers ply their crafts. Outdoor people like hikers and birdwatchers enjoy the spectacular nature trails. Hoekwil also offers indigenous forest walks, a ‘Big Tree’ and lovely picnic spots.

Holidaymakers who like being close to the action on the Garden Route without the noise and bustle, find Hoekwil a haven. As indeed do all who come here.