17 Awesome things to do in Baviaanskloof
Last year we shared two articles with some awesome things to see and do while you are in the Baviaanskloof Area. We’ve combined those blogs into one handy list for you below. Enjoy, live, love & laugh!
Baviaanskloof Hartland 6-day Hike
Where? Gamtoos Valley
Start: Rietrivier
Finish: Rietrivier
Duration: roughly 12 km a day
Fitness: you need to be fit to cope with steep sections, rock surface and rough terrain
Tip: This is a slackpack trail, but you will need to provide your own lunch and drinks every day.
Vondeling Optel Craft
Where? Vondeling, near Willowmore, Eastern Cape, South Africa
When? Please enquire.
How? Call +27 (0)73 565-0813
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Vondeling, in Eastern Cape
Vondeling settlement consists of an isolated scatter of homesteads, made up of only 29 families, on public and private land close to the now disused Vondeling railway siding. It is located 47 km west of Willowmore in the Eastern Cape, close to the boundary with the Western Cape Province.
The infrastructure at the settlement consists of a primary school and a church hall. There is no electricity supply. The town use to be connected to the outside world by train, but they have long since stopped running. Vondeling Optel Craft is recognized as a reliable supplier to the top craft retail stores, and niche Christmas decoration stores in South Africa, and is also exporting successfully.
Soetendalspoort 4×4 Trail
Where? 46km from Willowmore in the Baviaanskloof Region, Eastern Cape
When? Please enquire.
How? Call +27 (0)44 923-1872
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Willowmore, in Eastern Cape
Experience the haunting beauty of the Karoo in a very special way when venturing out on the Soetendalspoort 4×4 Trails. These trails are situated less than 50 kilometres from Willowmore in the province of the Eastern Cape. They are secluded from the bustle of city life, allowing the drivers and their passengers to experience the South African landscapes in their most unadulterated state.
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Doringkloof 4×4 Trails
Where? About 80 km from Willowmore in the Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape
When? Booking is required.
How? Call +27 (0)49 839-1160
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Baviaanskloof, in Eastern Cape
Deep in the ancient formations of the Baviaanskloof Mountain Range lie the Doringkloof 4×4 Trails. This area is characterised by rugged landscapes, enormous mountains that burst from sometimes arid ground, and an abundance of plant and animal life. It remains popular amongst campers and explorers from all over the world; those wanting to be part of the untouched part of the South African countryside.
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Longmore Forest MTB Route
Where? Longmore Forest, Off N2, towards Hankey, Baviaanskloof
When? Monday to Sunday from 07h00
How? Call +27 (0)41 368-7244
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Hankey, in Eastern Cape
This long trail is perfect for the intermediate mountain biker and can take between 2 hours to a few days to complete (if you wanted to come back to cover all routes of course) depending on how long you want to ride for and what routes you decide to take.
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Eden to Addo Hike
Where? The hike starts in Knysna and ends in Addo.
When? At the moment, the hike is not yet formal, and happens only once a year in September. Contact for full details.
How? Call +27 (0)44 533-1623
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Addo, in Eastern Cape
The Eden to Addo hike is considered by some as the longest, if not the toughest hiking trail in South Africa. Regarded as a ‘mega’ hike, the Eden to Addo entails an 18-day haul from Knysna to Addo and the Addo Elephant National Park, on its way to being one of the largest national parks in southern Africa. The ‘eden’ in the title no doubt suggests a ‘lost’ paradise; a play on what would once have been deep forests along the coast.
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Gonjah 4×4 Trails
Where? Gamtoos River Valley, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape.
When? Please Enquire
How? Call +27(0)42 283-0596
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Gamtoos Valley, in Eastern Cape
The exciting Gonjah 4 x 4 Route is a fabulous way to explore and discover the gorgeous area of the Gamtoos River Valley in the Eastern Cape. This area borders the Baviaanskloof region, which is one of this province’s most prized natural jewels and tourist attractions.
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Baviaans Heritage Tours
Where? 70 Wehmeyer Street, Willowmore, 6445, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape
When? Booking is essential.
How? Call +27 (0)44 923-1574
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Willowmore, in Eastern Cape
The Baviaanskloof is a majestic mountain range that is not only significant for its natural abundance, but also for its historical and cultural heritage, particularly when coupled with the valleys, kloofs, farms and even villages around it. It is no wonder, then, that this is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, inviting tourists from all over South Africa and the world to see the bounty and beauty of the Eastern Cape Province.
Cedar Falls Day Hike
Where? Go Baviaans, Ceder Falls, Studtis, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
When? Only available to guests staying overnight at Cedar Falls Base Camp at Go Baviaans in Baviaanskloof.
How much? Falls into price group R1 to R100 per person. Confirm with the provider.
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Studtis, in Eastern Cape
The magnificent Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is one of the Eastern Cape’s most exquisite treasures, acclaimed for the dramatic mountain ranges and unique array of vegetation that make it so scenic. The Cedar Falls Day Hike is in the heart of the Baviaanskloof, and hikers can drink in the beautiful South African landscapes as they follow streams, negotiate rugged pathways, and descend into breath-taking kloofs.
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Bushmen Painting Walk
When? Only available to guests staying overnight at Cedar Falls Base Camp at Go Baviaans in Baviaanskloof.
How much? Free
More? See website
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Studtis, in Eastern Cape
Within the spectacular beauty of the Baviaanskloof, a number of hiking and walking trails lie in wait for eager adventurers. The Bushmen Painting Walk is ideal as it combines history and culture with the untainted splendour of this pristine part of the Eastern Cape.
Mooihoek Boerdery – Pick your own Strawberries!
Mooihoek Boerdery, just a few kilometers outside of Hankey, opened their fruity gates to the public last holiday season. For a reasonable fee you can pick your own strawberries and fill a whole tray with big, red, sweet, juicy, delicious fruit (minimum is one tray per 3 people).You can lookup their loaciotn on Google Maps –> https://goo.gl/maps/JscZrcgHq3K2 Give them a call on 042 284 0100
Tolbos | Bistro – Deli – Info
When? Tolbos makes for a perfect stop on your day trip. Open daily
How? Call +27 42 283 0437
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Patensie, in Eastern Cape
Tolbos is a fully licensed restaurant, country shop and tourist information point in the heart of the Kouga Mountain Range and surrounding orchards. It offers a cosy indoor venue as well as a charming outdoor courtyard garden with children’s play area that is great for children and families to enjoy . They often host Sunday afternoon music shows which make for a great afternoon out. Browse through the rest of this website for further information.
Glenmore 4 x 4 Trail
Where? Glenmore Farm, Willowmore, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape
When? Booking required.
How? Call +27 (0)82 834-9219
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Willowmore, in Eastern Cape
The Glenmore 4×4 trail is located on a farm in the Baviaanskloof, and consists of five trails. The farm is located approximately 35km from Willowmore, which is in the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area.
Riverside Camping at Baviaanskloof Lodge
Where? Baviaanskloof Lodge, Onverwags Farm, Cambria, Patensie, Eastern Cape, South Africa
When? Booking is essential.
How much? Price on request
More? See www.baviaansklooflodge.com
Riverside camping is only 2 km away from the main lodge. 4×4 Trails are also available. Baviaanskloof Lodge itself offers Comfortable Accommodation, Dinner Bed and Breakfast, Outdoor Recreation Facilities and Tourist Info Services. Accommodation consists of spacious en suite rooms, dining room, lounge as well as outdoor living area with BBQ facilities and a breathtaking view.
Camping at Gonjah
When? Booking is essential.
How much? Price on request
Website:http://www.baviaans.net/gonjah/
The campsite at Gonjah is delightfully set next to a gently flowing mountain stream, surrounded by towering Yellowwood trees – a real escape to the country.
There are basic facilities on site including a hot shower and flush toilet and braai wood is available so that you can light up that campfire and enjoy nature the way it was meant to be – uninterrupted.
Other Activities
- Excellent hiking is available around the chalet and in the area.
- Fresh water fishing nearby in the Gamtoos River.
- Cycling Trails are close by.
- Hankey golf course is just 15km away
- Firewood can be bought for braais and campfires.
- 10 minute drive to Tolbos Country Shop and Restaurant.
After Hours Number:
041 000 1585 or 082 566 4047 (Hetsie)
Elandsheuwel MTB Trails
Where? Elandsheuwel, Steytlerville, 6250
When? Please enquire. Booking is essential.
How? Call +27 (0)49 834-9011
How much? Price on request
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Steytlerville, in Eastern Cape
Elandsheuwel is a working angora goat and merino sheep farm that is easily classified as ‘far from the madding crowd’. It offers three trails – 6km, 14 km and 18 km. However further jeep tracks, 4×4 routes and paths all over the farm, over and across hills, make up hundreds of kilometres of trails if you are prepared to explore.
Baviaanskloof MTB Route
Where? The Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, Eastern Cape.
The untarred R332 stretches for 180 km from Patensie in the east to Willowmore in the west.
Difficulty: Difficult, the routes are long and can be gruelling
When? Best during daylight hours.
Type of route: gravel roads, tricky river crossings, dense wooded areas, uphills and heart-stopping downhills
Best: summer is incredible, even winter days can soar to 28 degrees, although the evenings and early mornings are really chilly
How much? Free
Overnight? Stay at accommodation in Willowmore, in Eastern Cape
The ride is tough, but the beauty and the remoteness are second to none.
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