The Baviaanskloof nature reserve is situated approximately 120km west of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

This beautiful conservation area begins in the town Willowmore in the west, all the way east to Komdomo Campsite, covering 200 square kilometres of rugged unspoiled, mountain terrain, and the third largest nature conservation area in South Africa. The Baviaanskloof is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site - eight protected areas covering an area of 553 000ha.

Due to the areas diverse habitat, it is home to more than a 1 000 different plant species including 17 types of protea, 50 mammal species and over 300 bird species, which makes it perfect for bird watching.

A scenic drive through the area will take you along snaking rivers that divide cliffs going up mountain passes only to return you to the valley floor. There are also many caves with well preserved Bushman paintings, with Beacosnek being a popular site to visit. This ecologically sensitive area also offers the more adventurous tourist the opportunity for plenty of outdoor fun, including mountain hiking, rock climbing, fishing and canoeing.

An entrance fee of R43 per person is charged to people visiting the park. People only passing through the park, staying on the R332, do not have to pay this entrance fee.

Accommodation available in the reserve is a lodge, hikers hut and campsite.

You should however still complete the entry and exit registers and obtain a permit for transit through the park.

The first 64km up to the western gate is the easy part of the kloof, relatively flat with the least water crossings.

In general, for the entire route, experienced adventure bikers must be able to handle the wet and wild terrain. Not suitable for beginner motorcyclists, especially with big bikes over 1000cc's. Its more suitable to smaller bikes under 800cc's.

There are more than 20 river crossings. Driest months are September to May. Although sporadic rains at this time can make the water levels at Smitskraal (the longest water crossing) and Doodsklip making it over 1m deep, which can be impassable for bikers.

Note that recovery in Baviaanskloof is extremely difficult.

In a 4X4 its a totally different experience. One only requires a snorkel in the wet season between May and October. High clearance, 4x4 and a diff lock are strongly recommended.

ACCOMMODATION:
Various accommodation options are available.

PERMITS:
Permits can be purchased at the entrance gate of Poortjies and Geelhoutbos to visit Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve section between Poortjies and Geelhoutbos. Fees approx: ZAR20pp/day, day visitors free and vehicles free.

FOOD:
Dinner Bed and Breakfast are offered at the Baviaanskloof Lodge for the guests.

FUEL:
There is no fuel in Baviaanskloof, fill up your tanks in Willowmore or Patensie.

TRANSPORT AND ROAD NETWORKS:
There are a few paved river crossings, which travellers have reported as being from 20cm deep to 70cm deep on different occasions. Possibly passable with a 2WD vehicle if the water is not deep. Note that the water levels change drastically when it rains. If the water level is a problem East Cape Nature will not allow any vehicle through.

Officially it is recommended to use a 4x4 to travel through the Baviaanskloof, but parts of it can be done with a normal car. But only 4x4 is allowed in the last part of the Baviaanskloof. The trip is approx 210km long and 60km of it rather difficult driving. Very steep and narrow tracks. But the landscape is beautiful.

Entering from Willowmore, sedan vehicles are able to drive up to the Reserve Gate (just after Zandvlakte). Entering from Patensie, sedan vehicles can drive up to the Reserve gate (just before Bergplaas). In the Reserve section (between the two Reserve gates) the road is only open to 4x2 vehicles with diff lock, soft 4x4 SUV's, 4x4 vehicles with high ground clearance, adventure type two wheel motorbikes (no off -road bikes allowed) and 4x4 trailers. If there are any changes to the road condition, Baviaans Tourism posts an update to their website immediately.

OTHER:
Medical services, banks, pharmacies and vehicle services are available in the nearest towns of Willowmore or Patensie.

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