Enquire about a trip
Our travellers
Destinations
Travel inspiration
About us
Inquire about a trip!
Partner with us Your Impact Contact Dutch English
Enquire about a trip

Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve

When you venture off the beaten Garden Route paths, you’ll find yourself at Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll discover ancient rock art and can enjoy stunning hikes. The views are magical, and the area is beloved by locals! Fortunately, it’s still not overrun by the masses.

Another turn-off

It’s a well-known road trip route that many travellers take—and rightly so! This route runs from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and has plenty of amazing stops along the way. But when you're in the mood to go off the beaten track and explore a wild, untouched nature reserve where you’ll hardly encounter anyone except the occasional baboon with a red bottom, you should take the turn-off to Baviaanskloof. This area is loved by locals and, fortunately, still not overrun by the masses...

Untamed, wild wilderness

Nestled between two parallel mountain ranges, the Baviaans in the north and the Kouga in the south, lies Baviaanskloof: 192,000 hectares of untamed, wild wilderness. Recently, this area was granted World Heritage status due to its fragile ecosystem and more than 1,000 plant species. Here, every nature lover—whether adventurous or more laid-back—can truly indulge.

The majestic mountains rise from rolling, green plains, densely covered with plants like Aloe Vera. The many mountain peaks, plateaus, and valleys offer breathtaking panoramic views at every corner you turn. You can hike, mountain bike, rock climb, camp, birdwatch, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the river or one of the many mountain lakes—often with no one around to peek at you while you’re skinny dipping!

The lost city

For those who prefer to stay comfortably in the car, Baviaanskloof is still a destination not to be missed. Just be sure to leave your cute little city car at home: the road winds its way through this wilderness and can mostly only be tackled with a 4×4. This is exactly what you picture when you think of an adventurous (off-)road trip! The road snakes along the banks of the river that flows through the immense ravines.

Here, it feels as if time has stood still. The only things you’ll encounter are the occasional lonely church or petrol station, or a stray village—such as Zaaimanshoek, which has even been dubbed ‘the Lost City.’ And oh yes, of course, it’s highly likely you’ll come across one of the many baboon families along the way!

A piece of history

During your trip, you’ll also pass through the small town of Hankey, which serves as the administrative centre of the area. Named after William Hankey, who established a missionary post here in 1825, the town offers a glimpse into cultural history. Here, you can admire Africa’s largest sundial and pay your respects at the burial site of Sarah Baartman.

Sarah Baartman is a painful reminder of our dark colonial history and the first documented victim of human trafficking and racism. The Khoikhoi woman was shipped to England, where she was put on display because of her remarkable backside and—what Europeans considered—strange body shape. After her death, she was laid to rest here, in Baviaanskloof.

Palmato Gecko

Zijn grote ogen zorgen ervoor dat hij non-stop een panorama-uitzicht heeft over het landschap waar hij doorheen loopt en met zijn grote tong moet hij regelmatig langs zijn ogen gaan door het gebrek aan oogleden. Met de zwemvliezen tussen zijn voeten kan dit beestje zich ook snel voortbewegen en met zijn bijzondere kleurpatronen is hij daarbij haast onherkenbaar voor roofdieren.

Slapen in een boomhut

Altijd al een keer willen overnachten in een boomhut? Dan hebben wij een verrassing, dat kan hier!! Even volkomen back to basic en echt een ervaring op zich. Hier waan je je helemaal in de rust van Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve en kan je compleet ontspannen. Toch meer zin om iets sportiefs te ondernemen? Natuurlijk zijn hier ook talloze activiteiten te doen, zoals een waterval hike, mountainbike trail of bekijk de bushman schilderingen, it’s up to you! ‘s Avonds wordt er weer een lekkere braai voor jullie klaargemaakt waarna het tijd is om in de boomhut te klimmen. De farm wordt gerund door een leuk stel, genaamd Marc en Pauline. Ze vinden het fantastisch om jullie mee op pad te nemen. Dus zeg maar wat jullie willen zien of doen en ze nemen jullie op sleeptouw. Eén ding is zeker: jullie sluiten de dag af met een heerlijk driegangendiner op de farm .

Unique & Authentic Experiences

Come with us to the authentic sides of Africa. That means authentic connections with local people and keeping a curious eye for the unknown.

View all unique experiences
Kenya

Kenya Mighty Nature, the Big Five, and vibrant kenyan tribes

Kenya is for the traveler who wants to experience it all. Enjoy motorcycle adventures in Magadi, spot zebras from the back of a horse, or climb the rock walls of Mount Kenya.

Discover Kenya
Uganda

Tarzan jungles, green cityscapes and mountain gorillas

From gorilla trekking to a motorbike ride past temples and mosques in green Kampala. Uganda has been crowned the Pearl of Africa for a reason. Ready to discover it for yourself?

Discover Uganda
Botswana

Salt pans, mokoro boat trips and endless savannahs

Safari paradise with a slightly more luxurious edge. Explore the Okovango Delta in a boat made of a hollowed-out tree trunk, spot the big five from the air (!) and come face to face with rhinos.

Discover Botswana

1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We'll custom-tailor the entire trip to your wishes. And you can count on us along the way, even in the middle of the night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

Our travellers

Destinations

Information

Want to receive our newsletter?

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Collaborating with

amref
just-digit

Copyright © Charlies Travels 2024