River, beach, waterfall & more - right on your doorstep
Experiences
R 2,200*
Average per night for 2 guests
At The Cottage
River Canoeing
Included · Canoes & rowing boat provided
The Kaaimans River is your front garden. Two canoes and a rowing boat are available throughout your stay — take them out whenever you feel like it, no booking required. Paddle upstream into the gorge where the river narrows and the forest closes in around you, or drift downstream towards the river mouth. At low tide, paddle to the beach and walk out on the endless beach beyond the bridge; at high tide the water is deep, clear and perfect for swimming directly from the canoe. It's unhurried, it's beautiful, and it's yours for the duration of your stay.
Kaaimans Waterfall
15 minutes by canoe
A gentle paddle upstream brings you to one of the Garden Route's lesser-known gems — the Kaaimans Waterfall. Tucked into the gorge where the river bends away from the N2, it's a world away from the highway above. Most guests make the trip at least once; many go back every day. Swim in the pool at the base of the falls, scramble up the rocks, or just sit and let the sound of the water do its work. Best visited at high tide when the river is fullest and the paddle easiest.
Secluded Beach
5 minutes by boat · Kaaimans River mouth
A short row across the river mouth brings you to Kaaimans Beach — one of the most secluded stretches of sand on the Garden Route. Framed by the iconic Outeniqua Tjoe Choo railway bridge on one side and the river gorge on the other, it's the kind of beach that feels like a secret. No parking lot, no vendors, no crowds — just sand, surf and the sound of the river meeting the sea. Bring a picnic, spend the morning, row back for lunch.
Fishing
Bring your own rod
The Kaaimans River is a tidal estuary and home to a variety of fish year-round. Cast from the deck, from the bank, or from the rowing boat — guests have landed kabeljou, spotted grunter and various bream species over the years. No fishing licence is required for recreational angling in estuaries. Bring your own rod and tackle — we'll supply the river.
For The Adventurous
Canyoneering
For the fit and experienced
The Kaaimans River gorge offers a memorable canyoneering experience for those who like their holidays with a bit of adrenaline. The gorge involves swimming, scrambling and navigating through narrow rock passages carved by the river over millennia. It's not a guided commercial experience — this is wild, self-directed adventure for guests who are comfortable in and around water and have some experience with technical terrain. Ask us for current conditions and access information before attempting.
Explore The Surrounds
Tandem Paragliding
Fly over the Garden Route with an experienced pilot. George and Wilderness offer some of the most scenic launch sites in the country.
Wilderness River Safaris
A relaxed guided cruise on the Touw River through the Wilderness National Park. Excellent birding and indigenous forest scenery.
Milkwood Village, Wilderness
Located on Beacon Road, it serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists with a mix of permanent shops, restaurants, and a popular weekly market.
Restaurants in Wilderness
Enjoy a variety of top restaurants in Wilderness
Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
The Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is an 8-kilometre out-and-back (4km each way) trail located near Wilderness that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.