The Baviaanskloof Mountains

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Sunset over the Baviaanskloof Mountains

© Chris Marais

The Baviaanskloof Mountains encompass the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, which is located approximately 120 km west of Port Elizabeth in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. This area includes the 200 km long Baviaanskloof - also known as the valley of the baboons - and the Kouga and Baviaanskloof mountain ranges and is made up of largely unspoilt and rugged bushveld and mountains.

Starting in the east at Komdomo, the approximately 180 000 ha tract of wilderness leads through the Grootrivier Gorge to Willowmore in the West. The valley stretches from the Baviaanskloof Mountains in the north to the Kouga Mountains to the south.

The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area offers many routes to travel. It is accessible by road, 4 x 4 and walking trail with activities on offer both the adventurous and more sedate tourist. The eastern part of the Baviaanskloof valley routes are only accessible by 4 x 4 and requires a skilled driver, but its epic views are well worth the careful drive. Wildlife abounds in this unspoilt conservancy and visitors can expect prolific bird watching with regular sightings of Fish and Black eagles.

Troops of baboons, as well as small mammals like mongoose, Vervet monkeys and otters inhabit rocky mountain slopes, river beds and thickets and dense bush. Mountain Zebra and Cape Buffalo have been reintroduced to the area and the lucky may even catch a glimpse of the Cape leopard. Available accommodation includes various campsites with access to the river.

The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve forms part of the valley and neighbouring land offers incredible biodiversity and has been short-listed to be awarded World Heritage Site status by Unesco. The Baviaanskloof also forms part of the Cape Floristic Kingdom World Heritage Site.