Patensie to Doodsklip -  62km - 2 hours

At Andrieskraal (16 km from Patensie), the bust of Queen Victoria rises out of the cemented matrix of water-borne pebbles known as Enon conglomerate. The road cuttings in the area are characterised by sheer cliffs of the same geological formation.

A slight detour of 7km to the Kouga Dam leads to the life source of the Gamtoos Valley and the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Representing the first ever, double-arched dam built in South Africa, its waters stretch for a tranquil 28km up into the mountain wilderness.

PLEASE NOTE:   Vehicular access to private, secondary and service roads, as well as to rough off-road jeep tracks is strictly prohibited, Visitors are requested to remain on recognised public roads.

Mac Mountain peak (1582m) poses a moderate challenge to the experienced hiker.

Hand-packed stonewalls bear testimony to the endeavours and resolve of long-departed farming folk. Winston le Roux's cable way system once bridged the gaping Waterpoort, providing an effective link between the Enkeldoorn and Bergplaas farming communities. Constructed in the early 1960's, the system was used to transport farm produce (wheat, potatoes, vegetables, livestock) between the two areas, by-passing the tortuous and time consuming road route.

On roller coasting down to the Holgat Mountain Pass, do pause to admire the conical hill known as Langkop, set against the backdrop of the glistening waters of the Kouga Dam. A must for aspirant botanists is a breather on the steep descent, where fynbos species, such as proteas, pincushions and cone bush, occur in profusion.

REMINDER: All forms of refuse/waste are to accompany visitors on their way out of the area - " What is taken in must be brought out" . Firewood may not be collected - visitors should bring their own into the area. Bookings are essential for Doodsklip and Rooihoek camp sites. Bookings : 043 742 4450

Kleinplaat is an island of private land within the vast conservation area and visitors are requested to remain on the public road and close all gates behind them.

Located at the head-waters of the Kouga Dam, the Doodsklip wilderness camping site provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. Legend has it that certain individuals died under strange circumstances at the site, hence the imaginative name. Originally known as Lemoentuin or Orange Grove, this area was extensively farmed up until 1970. The great flood of 1971 and buy-out initiatives by the state (related to the construction of the dam), put an end to active farming in the area. Pit latrines and designated camp sites are the only services on offer.

Doodsklip to Geelhoutbos   -   40km - 1.5 hours

Located 5km upstream from Doodsklip, the Rooihoek wilderness camping site sports a natural swimming pool fringed by an expansive stretch of white sandy beach. The pool has been named after the patron of the area, Dr Allen Hydrant. A visit to this area is incomplete without feeling the temperamental embrace of the Kouga waters. Finely tuned ears will capture the symphonic strains that fill the air, epitomising the life and spirit of the Baviaanskloof. The sounds range from the guttural bark of the baboon, the incessant squabbling of the Red-billed Hoopoe to the heavenly wail of the Fish Eagle.

Rooihoek is serviced by pit latrines and camp-sites are demarcated. This area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, serving as an important trail-head for the Geurna and Berg Plaatz wilderness area.

Kruisrivier, located at the confluence of the Kouga and Baviaanskloof rivers, lies 4km due west of Rooihoek. Prior to the construction of the Kouga Dam, the area was extensively farmed by the Smit family. Kruisrivier is the favourite haunt of antelope such as eland, kudu and bush buck. Adventure beckons in the direction of the Kouga River Canyon where some of the area's best kept secrets are to be found. Intrepid explorers will eventually exit at the Riverside Development Area, which is normally accessed from the Langkloof.

Caringly restored by the Eastern Province Section of the Mountain Club of South Africa, the Doornkraal homestead illustrates Cape Nature Conservation's willingness to cater for the overnight requirements of clubs and special interest groups. Previously home to the Smit family, the area was actively farmed up until the early 1980's.  

Energy-sapped travellers wishing to cool off in the sweltering summertime conditions are in for a treat at the cement causeway at the foot of the Grassneck/Keerom Mountain Pass. Nestled between the rock face and riverine vegetation is a natural plunge pool designed to clear fuzzy minds and refresh superheated bodies.

On ascending the Grassneck Pass, a backward glance will reveal wall-to-wall valley bush veld and the broad, gentle sweep of the Kouga-Baviaans floodplain, hemmed in by the impassive Kouga Mountains. Spare a though for the farm-folk of yesteryear who once traversed this pass with heavy laden ox-wagons bound for produce markets at Humansdorp

On reaching the summit of Grassneck Pass, the sentinels of the Baviaans Range come into view, with Scholtzberg (1 626m) dominating the Karoo skyline. Roadside viewpoints offer a stunning 360 degree vista of the entire complex.

Entry into the Nuwekloof Mountain Pass jars you into the realisation that the warm. intimate embrace of the Baviaanskloof is almost over. In its place remain vivid images and fond recollections of a world within a world, and most comforting of all, the knowledge that the Baviaanskloof is most certainly one of God's most cherished places.