Kaaimans River

ByDavid

Jan 23, 2025 #beach, #bridge, #Dolphin Point, #lagoon, #river, #swim

Kaaimans River Railway Bridge with Dolphin Point in the background.

The Kaaimans River reaches the coast in a dramatic kloof to the west of Wilderness. If nature cannot impress you enough with this beautiful kloof, then I am certain the beauty of the Kaaimans River Railway Bridge will!

kaaimans-river

The parking to access the river, beach, and accommodation is at the bottom of the ravine where the N2 crosses the river. Please be incredibly careful when turning into the parking and access road.

The beach is a stretch of pristine golden sand along the river, a short walk downstream from the parking area. You can swim safely in the river; I would not recommend swimming in the river mouth.

You could also use this as a base for the Wilderness to Victoria Bay hiking route.

Kaaimans River Bridge from Dolphin Point viewpoint.

Kaaimans River Bridge plaque at Dolphin Point viewpoint.

Looking upriver in the Kaaimans River valley.

Looking west across the Kaaimans River Bridge.

Wilderness Beach and the Touw River mouth, looking east from Dolphin Point, Wilderness.

The mouth of the Kaaimans River, looking west from Dolphin Point, Wilderness.

Paddling down the Kaaimans River towards the railway bridge.

Some of the best photographic opportunities are from Dolphin Point on the N2.

Kloofing the Kaaimans River is an adventurer’s dream. I first kloofed the river upstream as part of the Merrell Eden Duo adventure race, emerging at the Seven Passes Road bridge.

Kaaimans River Bridge, The Passes Road between George and Knysna.

Please do not attempt this without an experienced guide.

References:

Iconic Kaaimans River Railway Bridge Declared a Provincial Heritage Site: The Heritage Portal (no date) Iconic Kaaimans River Railway Bridge Declared a Provincial Heritage Site | The Heritage Portal. Available at: https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/iconic-kaaimans-river-railway-bridge-declared-provincial-heritage-site (Accessed: 20 January 2025).