Wilderness National Park

Wilderness National Park
Rest camp situated within the Wilderness National Park
Location of the park
Location	Western Cape, South Africa
Nearest city	George
Coordinates	34°0′S 23°15′E
Area	1,210 km^2 (470 sq mi)
Established	6 March 2009
Governing body	South African National Parks
www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/

Wilderness National Park, also called the Wilderness Section, is located around the seaside town of Wilderness between the larger towns of George and Knysna, in the Western Cape.^[1] It is a protected area of South Africa forming part of the Garden Route National Park.^[1]

Description

This natural area stretches from the Touws River mouth to the Eilandvlei estuary and linking into the Swartvlei lake, where it neighbours with the Goukamma Nature Reserve.^[2] The wildlife in this natural area is varied, and includes the Knysna seahorse, pansy shell, pied kingfisher, Knysna lourie, grey heron, and little egret.^[2]

This park protects three major zones of indigenous forest, four types of fynbos (wild shrubs), plus various lakes and winding waterways.^[3] There are also a number of interesting historical sites include the Woodville Big Tree (believed to be over 800 years old) and Goudveld (an old mining town in the forest).^[4]

The Touws River connects a series of three lakes: Eilandvlei, Langvlei and Rondevlei, which host a variety of aquatic species and have been designated as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance).^[5] Sports within the park include canoeing or bicycling, abseiling, kloofing, paragliding, boating, fishing and hiking.^[6]

History

In 1968, the protection of the lakes in the Wilderness area was started through the identification of 450 hectares around the river mouth, including the two lakes as well as the Duiwerivier Kloof.^[1] The Wilderness National Park itself was proclaimed in 1987, after being under the control of the Lake Areas Development Board until 1985, whereafter the National Parks Board took over.^[1]

In 2008, the Wilderness National Park joined the Garden Route National Park.^[1]

Landscape scenery in the park

References

1. "South African National Parks – Garden Route National Park – About the Park". South African National Parks. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
2. "Welcome to BirdLife South Africa – Wilderness – Sedgefield Lakes complex". BirdLife South Africa. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
3. "South African National Parks – Garden Route National Park – Vegetation". South African National Parks. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
4. "South African National Parks – Garden Route National Park – Activities". South African National Parks. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
5. "Wilderness National Park – South African Nature Reserves". South African Nature Reserves. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
6. "South African National Parks – Garden Route National Park – Activities and Facilities". South African National Parks. Retrieved 19 July 2018.

External links

• Garden Route National Park