South African Road Trip IV - Wilderness

After a relaxed breakfast, we hit the road again around 10 o'clock. Because from Struisbaai it is a little over 450 kilometers to Wilderness. It takes about five hours on the well-developed N2.

In Wilderness, we stayed at Fairy Knowe Backpackers, which is about 2.5 kilometers outside the small sleepy town of Wilderness. In Fairy Knowe, there is a good fairy in the truest sense of the word. Didi, the manager, floated around the hostel all day in airy dresses, spreading a warm and welcoming atmosphere among everyone present. Some may have even seen a fairy or two there.

Which was probably due to the high grass consumption of most backpackers and staff. The first joint was always before breakfast for the hardcore ones. Even without grass, the special vibe of this place captivates you in such a way that you don't want to leave.

As small and unlikely as Wilderness may seem, the outdoor activities are diverse.

So in the afternoon, we went on a hike along the old railway route towards Victoria Bay.

After the first tunnel, you will encounter the Cave Man. If you want to enter his home and admire it, you have to bring a pack of candles and a chocolate bar as toll. What this hermit has created in the old railway restaurant is unique and takes you into Alice's Wonderland rabbit hole.

The most breathtaking thing about this hike is that the railway track runs directly along the coast.

Another highlight is dinner at Fairy Knowe. African dishes are served and all guests, as well as staff, eat together at one table and have conversations.

The next day, we embarked on a kayak tour through the Wilderness Nature Reserve. We headed upstream in the late morning (no current), until the river became too shallow and we had to walk for about 45 minutes to reach the waterfalls where we could swim and enjoy the cascading water.

The evenings at Fairy Knowe not only offer South African specialties, but also a well-stocked bar, live music, and open mic events attended by residents of Wilderness. So, conversations between travelers and South Africans blend together over good music, beer, wine, and cocktails.

What no one tells you is that it rains relatively frequently on the Garden Route compared to the rest of the coast. So, I indulged in leisurely activities. Took a long walk on the beach during a break in the rain or went swimming in the river with other backpackers.

On the penultimate evening, I met Nik and Paolo. A couple who are currently working in Paolo's father's restaurant in Wilderness during their semester break. After a few shots, beers, and good conversations, Mutti and Julian were invited to Nik's birthday braai the next afternoon. I was excited.

But before that, we had to sleep off the hangover and go to the Hand Craft Market in Segefield the next morning. Amazing!

The birthday braai took place at Paolo's parents' house. We received a warm welcome from Paolo's parents and his sister. Unfortunately, Mutti grabbed the wrong fizzy drink as a gift. None of the bottles say if the sparkling drink is sweet or dry. It turned out to be extremely sweet. Horror! And Paolo's mother's reaction was "Don't drink it! Here, take the good stuff!"

The braai was simply amazing. The conversations with Nik, Paolo, and the other guests were relaxed, curious, and very pleasant.

In the evening, we returned to Fairy Knowe where the live music was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy. Through Tamara, a backpacker from Karlsruhe, I met Julia from Cologne and her boyfriend, Brian. Our paths would unknowingly cross several times in the following days.

And finally, I hereby award the Fairy Knowe Backpackers Mutti's Seal of Excellence!

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye to Didi and Fairy Knowe with lots of hugs and goodbyes.

In this spirit: Go East!

Have Fun and Be Proud!

Your Jan/Mutti