Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back

BBaviaanskloof is one of the most stunning off-the-beaten-track wilderness locations in South Africa. Spanning a couple of hundred thousand hectares, it features mountains, valleys, forests and thicket, as well as abundant wildlife. The rugged terrain means most areas are only accessible by 4x4, mountain bike or on foot.

Baviaanskloof in the Eastern Cape is a major 4x4 drawcard. Although some areas can be accessed by a normal sedan, the majority of the area is pure 4x4 territory, making it the perfect destination for your off-road getaway.

Baviaanskloof refers to a 300 000ha conservation area, characterised by extreme topographical and biological diversity. Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, it is an ecologically-sensitive area that is home to more than 1000 plant species, including ancient cycads, and dozens of mammal species, including the rare and elusive Cape leopard.

Did You Know?
BBaviaanskloof forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Eco-tourism in the region has gained momentum in recent years and visitors are now able to thoroughly explore the incredible biodiversity through the many adventure activities offered. Its mountainous terrain perfectly positions it for 4x4, mountain biking and hiking excursions. The area boasts various trails that take in mountain passes, waterfalls, rock formations and natural rock pools.

Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape

Food
When to visit
How to get here

TTry the Cambria route (accessible by sedan) to see geological wonders and the beautiful Baviaans and Kouga mountains and Cambria Valley; the Doodsklip trail (4x4) to experience the forested Poortjies area and awesome mountaintop panoramas; and the Geelhoutbos route (4x4) to summit the Gransnek Pass with its 360-degree mountain views.

Rock climbing and camping are also available with camp sites at Doodsklip, Rooihoek and Poortjies, or, for something a little different, there is a fully-equipped Bakkrans Cave camp. This natural rocky overhang provides shelter and is a good base from which to hike, rock climb, bird watch and explore San rock art sites.

The Baviaans area also includes the towns of Steytlerville and Willowmore, which themselves offer numerous outdoor activities, including paragliding and abseiling. They are also the only points to fuel your vehicle or stock up on supplies before entering the reserve, so make sure you pop in for a visit.

Who to contact
How to get here
Best time to visit
Around the area
Get around
Length of stay
What to pack
Where to stay
What to eat
What's happening

Related article

Active adventure

Trail running in South Africa: off the beaten track… into Eden

Active adventure
Trail running in South Africa: off the beaten track… into Eden
South Africa has amazing trail-running terrain for visiting athletes, including mountains, forests, bushveld, beaches, savannahs and deserts – as well as some competitive runs to consider.
Active adventure

The Freedom Trail: coast to coast on a mountain bike

Active adventure
The Freedom Trail: coast to coast on a mountain bike
The Freedom Trail is an exhilarating mountain-bike route from East Coast to West Coast in South Africa that runs through some of the most spectacular natural beauty the country has to offer.
Breathtaking scenery

Rock climbing in South Africa: some of our cliffs are tough; others are a little boulder

Breathtaking scenery
Rock climbing in South Africa: some of our cliffs are tough; others are a little boulder
Rock climbers are spoilt for choice in South Africa – Western Cape, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape are all provinces blessed with plentiful mountains and myriad climbing routes.
Active adventure

Port Elizabeth to Nature’s Valley: soaring forests and much more on the way to Tsitsikamma from Eastern to Western Cape

Active adventure
Port Elizabeth to Nature’s Valley: soaring forests and much more on the way to Tsitsikamma from Eastern to Western Cape
The N2 route from Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape to Nature’s Valley in Western Cape offers seaside history, excellent seafood, surfing and adventure, and magnificent views in the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Active adventure

Canopy tours take you atop the forest

Active adventure
Canopy tours take you atop the forest
Canopy Tour operators have developed canopy tours among some of South Africa’s most beautiful forests and pristine wilderness areas where you can move along a zip-line from platform to platform among giant trees, through mountains and over waterfalls.
Sun-soaked coasts

Wild Coast diving at Cathedral Rock, Eastern Cape

Sun-soaked coasts
Wild Coast diving at Cathedral Rock, Eastern Cape
Cathedral Rock on the Wild Coast offers spectacular underwater photography and adventure diving, especially during the annual sardine run.
Breathtaking scenery

Two Week South African Road Trip Itinerary

Breathtaking scenery
Two Week South African Road Trip Itinerary
Road trip itinerary starting in Johannesburg and going through Sani Pass, Coffee Bay, Hogsback, Jeffrey’s Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield and Graaf-Reinet
Active adventure

Taking the Camino, the South African way

Active adventure
Taking the Camino, the South African way
A look at the South African Camino trails.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2023 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy