This name refers to the small, narrow portal that gives access to the bigger Baviaanskloof.  The area contains a few historical picnic spots along the public road that follows the course of the pristine Witrivier.  Up until 1986 Poortjies was heavily grazed by cattle and horses before the area was bought for conservation purposes. Poortjies is characterised by the narrow, shady valley with huge indigenous trees and the road that crosses the sparkling river at least 12 times.

Poortjies is characterised by the narrow, shady valley with huge indigenous trees and the road that crosses the sparkling river at least 12 times.  This majestic, deep crevice that had to have been forced open by awe inspiring flood waters through the ages, today offers one of the most beautiful spots in our country.

In the steep, rocky sides of the Poort, fantastic rock formations have been formed and bakkranse and caves exist, some of which are adorned by Bushman drawings.  The river system contains two scarce endemic redfin fish species, Pseudobarbus asper and Pseudobarbus afer.  This makes the system very sensitive to disturbance and pollution.