Things to do near
Victoria Bay
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Wilderness (1.4 km from Victoria Bay) Map of Africa in Wilderness lookout point is situated near Hoekwil. The setting of the river flowing around the hill makes the view look like a map of Africa. It is also a very popular paragliding spot, and has spectacular views of the Wilderness beaches.
One can reach the Map of Africa lookout point via a clearly marked turn-off from the N2. This is a well-maintained gravel road. A great outing on a beautiful day.
Beaches
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Wilderness (2.9 km from Victoria Bay) Wilderness Beach is unspoilt, safe and breathtakingly beautiful. Warm Indian Ocean waves break onto this golden sandy beach that stretches for seemingly endless kilometres. Time almost stands still as the hours slip by while you wander and enjoy this coastal Eden and its creatures. It's a good spot for whale and dolphin watching.
Village Marketplaces
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George (4.6 km from Victoria Bay) The Outeniqua Farmers’ Market is the home of nearly 80 food and craft stalls, offering visitors a wide range of produce and goods supplied and created by local farmers and craftsmen.
Located opposite the Garden Route Mall on the N2, the market spans a five-hectare site. You'll find everything, from breads to berries, fish to flowers, and everything in between.
The Outeniqua Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 to 14:00.
Shopping Malls
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George (5.5 km from Victoria Bay) Conveniently situated near George Airport at the confluence of the N2 highway and Knysna Road, Garden Route Mall is a vibrant regional shopping centre providing locals and visitors a relaxed one-stop shopping experience.
The new elegant shopping centre offers easy access to all entrances from 3 000 parking bays and top-notch security. Shop till you drop at a selection of 125 shops, including big-name brands
such as Woolworths, Truworths, Pick n Pay, Game and Queenspark as well as speciality shops and numerous restaurants.
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sundays and Public Holidays 09:00 - 15:00
Popular Attractions
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Wilderness (6.1 km from Victoria Bay) Clip clop through the Wilderness forest and farmlands with Mountainview Horse Trails.
The emphasis is on having fun, while experiencing nature in a unique and unforgettable way. All the horses are easy-going, affectionate and very much a part of the Mountainview family. Trails are tailored to suit the riders’ level of experience and budget.
Wildlife you may see include bushbuck, baboons, monkeys, caracal and if you’re very lucky, leopard. Look out for the spectacular Knysna loerie flitting through the treetops.
+27 (0) 78 672 1665
Nature Reserves
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Wilderness (6.4 km from Victoria Bay) In the heart of South Africa's lush Garden Route, a captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beachesgently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains – all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park.
Walking trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna lourie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. During spring, a carpet of flowers, further enhance the verdant beauty of this national park.
Looking for an action packed holiday adventure? Then, Wilderness is your playground. Experience whales and dolphins from Dolphin Point. Hire a canoe or bicycle, go abseiling, kloofing, paragliding or hang-gliding. Go boating, fishing at Island Lake or hike to the waterfall above Ebb and Flow Restcamp. You do not have to be super fit to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are loads of activities for young, old, energetic or idle. Stroll along a forest path or visit the bird hide and discover the wealth of bird life. Lie back in a canoe on a quiet backwater and watch the world float by.
Wilderness National Park stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve, giving welcome protection to five lakes and the Serpentine, which is the winding strip of water joining Island Lake to the Touw River at the Ebb-and-flow Restcamp.
Hiking Trail
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Wilderness (6.5 km from Victoria Bay) Starting next to the railway bridge near the Ebb and Flow North Restcamp on the Touw River, the Half-collared Kingfisher Trail replaces the Giant Kingfisher Trail.
Step right into superb woodlands of indigenous yellowwoods, white stinkwood, white milkwood, wild pear, climbers, lichens, flowering bulbs and ferns. Numerous species of trees are labelled along the way, enhancing the experience of forest diversity.
Look out for the brilliantly coloured half-collared kingfisher for which the trail is named. Other forest specials to twitch about are the Knysna turaco (loerie), Narina trogon, brown-hooded kingfisher, dusky flycatcher, blue-mantled crested-flycatcher and tambourine dove.
Take a break at one of the rustic picnic spots next to the river bank. Interesting display boards identify some of the woodland-dwelling birds and animals that are frequently seen. The trail leads to a waterfall and rock pool which is a great spot to cool off before returning on the same path.
The 7.2km return route is not strenuous and usually takes three hours. Permits are required – there is a pay entrance at Ebb and Flow.
Hiking Trail
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Wilderness (6.6 km from Victoria Bay) Named after the perky black and white kingfisher with a distinctive noisy call, this rambling route is perfect for whiling away a few peaceful hours around the Wilderness Lagoon.
Starting at the Ebb and Flow South Restcamp, this mellow 10-kilometre trail follows the Serpentine River floodplain. Depending on the weather, the route can be done in reverse starting early in the morning along the two-kilometre sandy beach section.
The boardwalk section runs along the Wilderness Lagoon to the Touw River mouth. Interesting information boards describe the numerous kingfishers that live along this shoreline.
Golf Courses
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George (6.7 km from Victoria Bay) The best short course ever. Distances – 90m to 292m (Total 3001m ) Clubs and carts available to hire
Hiking Trail
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Hoekwil (8.2 km from Victoria Bay) The 'Big Tree' is a yellowwood tree estimated to be 850-years old is a great attraction in Hoekwil, especially for hikers. A clearly marked path leads into the forest, crossing a stream several times. Many of the trees are labelled so one can identify them. This is a circular trail extending about 2 km. There is a designated picnic area and kids can play in the streams. There are ablutions and wheelchair-friendly walkways through the forest.
The GPS coordinates are incorrect, please follow directions.
Galleries and Museums
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George (9.2 km from Victoria Bay) Take a trip down memory lane at the Outeniqua Transport Museum.
You will be able to see 13 different steam locomotives including a narrow gauge, the Emil Kessler- Johannesburg’s first steam locomotive and the impressive GL Garrett. Also on view are beautiful old carriages such as a coach from the Royal Train of 1947, Paul Kruger’s coach and private saloons.
A photographic exhibition displays stunning photos of South African steam. There’s also train travel poetry and displays of crockery and cutlery previously used on main line trains and station restaurants. Road motor vehicles and a private vintage car collection complete the displays.
Summer season (1 September to 30 April)
Daily excluding Sundays 08:00 – 17:00
Off peak season (1 May to 31 August)
Mon to Friday 08:00 – 16:00
Sat 08:00 – 14:00
Closed Sundays
2 Mission Street, George
+27 (0) 44 801 8288
Dams Vleis
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Wilderness (9.5 km from Victoria Bay) Wilderness Island Lake provides fishermen and canoeists a great hybrid habitat to explore.
Further down from the lake, the Serpentine and Touw rivers interconnect to offer the angler another habitat to explore, best done via canoe. Island Lake is renowned for its' big leervis, black bass and blue kurper. In the Touw River you'll find large schools of grunter, leervis, cape moonies and mullet.
Fishing permits can be acquired from the local post office.
Popular Attractions
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Garden Route (11.1 km from Victoria Bay) For a unique eco experience, Outeniqua Power Van rides is the thing to do. Currently this is one of the most popular attractions along the Garden Route.
Enjoy the Garden Route from the comfort of rail buses in exclusive groups. Travel into the Outeniqua Mountains, one of the most scenic railway passes in the country. Experience forests, passes, waterfalls and tunnels. Flora and fauna is prolific along the route.
Trips are made daily between 7:00 and 21:00.
Hiking Trail
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Wilderness (11.4 km from Victoria Bay) One of the least demanding walks in the Wilderness area, the 5 km Brownhooded Kingfisher Trail follows the meandering course of the Duiwe River.
Lush river woodlands line the riverbanks and the path crosses the river frequently. Take care when crossing after the river has flooded – particularly on wet slippery rocks.
After a short distance the trail branches off along the tree-lined Klein Keurbooms River to the turning point – a beautiful rock pool. This lovely setting is perfect for a leisurely picnic and cooling off on a hot day.
Knysna turacos are frequently heard and seen flapping between the treetops. Other birds to look out for are fish eagles, Martial eagles, Cape Battis, Burchell’s Coucal, Cape robin, little egrets and the brownhooded kingfisher.
Permits are self-issuing at the entrance gate. A small fee is usually charged in peak season.
Galleries and Museums
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George (11.5 km from Victoria Bay) Dinner theatre aficionados in George have a new state-of-the-art theatre to visit for good times, delicious food and quality entertainment.
The Kalahari Restaurant and Theatre opened its doors in September 2010 to cater for discerning theatre fans and music lovers in the Garden Route. The 400 seater theatre will stage the latest productions from the main circuit in a warm and friendly environment.
The theatre complex houses a separate bar and a 120-seater family restaurant with an outdoor deck. A beautiful grand piano mounted on a circular stage steals the limelight in the restaurant which also functions as a cocktail bar and entertainment area.
Bookings for shows can be done at the theatre or through Computicket. Patrons are advised to pre-order snack platters and pizzas to enjoy in the theatre.