Lakes, rivers, lagoons and endless stretches of untouched beach. Lush forests and dramatic gorges against the grand mountain backdrop of the Outeniquas. This is Wilderness.

Stop your car at Dolphin Point in winter to watch the whales making their way south to calve in Hermanus or drive up to the Map of Africa and experience the full panorama of coastline, mountain and valley. Keep an eye out for the brilliantly coloured Knysna Lourie as you walk through Wilderness National Park's indigenous forest to the Touw River Waterfall.

If it's an exquisite five-course uniquely South African dining experience you're looking for or an evening of live music by local musicians, Wilderness village has that, too. From art gallery to Friday night market, from sundowners and fresh line fish at the beach to craft beer and spare ribs in the village, you're bound to find something that appeals to your palette.

For the adventurous, there's no shortage of activities – canoeing, abseiling, kloofing, paragliding, horse riding, hang gliding and off road quad-biking. For those who want to pamper themselves, there are spas and treatment centres within in a 10 kilometre radius. And golfers are simply spoiled for choice from Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay to at least seven golf courses in nearby George, including multi-award winning Fancourt, to Simola and Pezula in Knysna.