Baviaanskloof or ‘Valley of the baboons’ is a deep twisting ravine walled between parallel east-west mountain ranges, the Baviaans and the Kouga. The Baviaans area encompasses the Karoo towns of Willowmore and Steytlerville, in the north. Known for the richness of their endemic plant species, its interesting cultural heritage and its abundance of bird and animal life.

Thomas Bain masterminded the creation of the road which allows us to journey through one of the most protected areas in Southern Africa – no wonder it was declared a heritage site. Come and see if you can find the keys to open the jewel of the Baviaanskloof.

The distance of about 15-18km per day is walked in 6km stretches, with safari style rest breaks in the veldt, or at an interesting cultural or historical stop along the way.
You meet the locals, eat their food and learn about their history.
Walking is done on gravel roads without a backpack – no hiking trails.
Accommodation is on guest farms, guest houses and in chalets. A support vehicle and team are with you on the route throughout the day.

Day 1: Departure

Pick up at George Airport at 14:00 or we meet between 16:00 and 17:00 in Willowmore. Settle in at Willow Historical Guesthouse with briefing and drinks before dinner in their dining room. (own account)

Accommodation: Willow Historical Guesthouse (B&B)

Day 2: Walking day 1

Walk from Willow Historical Guesthouse the short distance to Poortjie Private Lookout for Zebra, Kudu and Giraffes. Walk along the water farrow to the fountain and onwards along the Poort to Baviaanskloof. This was the old road into Baviaanskloof and not open to the general public. Transfer to Nuwekloof Pass and walk through spectacular rock formations and indigenous plants e.g. Pelargonium and Kiepersol (Cabbage Tree) Raaskrans, Willow Cedar, The Key of Baviaanskloof and The Lions Head. At Uitspan you will meet Blackie the dog, who will be your guide into The Kloof of Uitspan Guest Farm.

Accommodation: Uitspan Guest Farm – Chalets (DB&B)

Day 3: Walking day 2

Walk from Uitspan Guest Farm past Duiwelskloof further into Baviaanskloof.

Lookout for the seven dwarfs along the way! The story of the Cambell’s last resting place will be told by Patrick, a local guide, at Sewefontein Wild Fig Forest. Visit ‘Babes se winkel’ and meet Miss Baviaanskloof! You sleep where the Cambell’s rest.

Dinner is on the veranda of Damsedrif Farmstead. (own account)

Accommodation: Damsedrif Guesthouse (B&B)

Day 4: Walking day 3

Walk a circle route before breakfast, with views across the Kloof. After breakfast at the Damsedrif Farmstead we walk on back roads and Jeep Tracks across the last remaining farms in the area to have a picnic at Doringkloof Boskamp. From the Boskamp to Zandvlakte Guest Farm on the border of the Wilderness Area.

Accommodation and Dinner: Zandvlakte Guest House (DB&B)

Day5: Walking day 4

Early morning start into a Kloof on Zandvlakte, circling back towards the Winkeliershuis for breakfast. Walk across the landing strip and rosemary and lavender (essential oils) fields to the entrance gate at the Wilderness Section of Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. Join an eco-tour to learn about the Spekboom and Leopard Project as well as farming with essential oils, with Piet Kruger. Walk the Num-Num Hiking Trail with a picnic breakfast at a point where you can look back across the Baviaanskloof.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at the swimming pool or relaxing under the Fever trees at Winkeliers Huis.

Accommodation& Dinner: Zandvlakte Guest House (DBB)

Day 6

Walking day 5

Our last day walk will be on Zandvlakte Farm where we will join Piet Kruger on an eco-tour to learn about the amazing oxygen-giving qualities of Spekboom, his Leopard, and Essential Oils Projects and visit the ‘Working-for-Water Project on the farm. Piet is the founder and energy behind all these projects.

Accommodation: Zandvlakte Guest House (DB&B)

Day 7

Transfer to Keurfontein for breakfast at Sophie’s Choice Coffeeshop near Willowmore (own account).

Leave after breakfast at Sophie’s for George Airport to arrive at the Airport by 12:30

This walk, 18 – 20km per day, offers everyone that participate an unbelievable experience. The walk was designed for the social walker with ALL the Eco experiences that the area’s unique beauty has to offer.

After booking you will receive the ‘SPORE’ Newsletters with checklists, recommendations on training, walking equipment, background information to Baviaanskloof and general information i.e. traveling arrangements.

(Route may change due to weather and road conditions)

HIGHLIGHTS

The Village of Willowmore
Uitspan and it’s rock formations
Damsedrif, where we stay in old farmhouses
Sewefontein Figtree Forest
Babes se winkel
Zandvlakte and joining Piet Kruger on an Eco Tour
Learning about the Spekboom and Leopard projects
As well as the Essential Oils Project and Working for Water Project
Meeting the people surviving in this remote Kloof
The scenery and feeling of isolation

Price Includes:

Return transport by Mercedes Sprinter bus from George Airport, Comfortable Accommodation ( 2 people per room) in Chalets and Farmhouses – single accommodation on request.
Breakfast and Dinner as per itinerary and a light picnic lunch, refreshments while walking, permits and entry fees and support team and vehicles during walk.

Price excludes: