The Baviaanskloof region incorporates the Karoo town of Steytlerville, the scenic, fertile farming area of the Gamtoos Valley and traverses the rugged natural beauty of the entire Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, a World Heritage Site, for 250km, to exit at Willowmore in the west.
A wonderful scenic route to this area is to take the R331 from Port Elizabeth or the R330 from Humansdorp via Hankey and Patensie. Allow at least two days to drive from your starting point through the kloof (6-8 hours driving time to cross the the kloof alone) and extra time to explore the towns in this beautiful, peaceful, unspoiled region.
The Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve of 500 000ha is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in the country and is home to more than a 1,000 different plant species, more than 50 mammal species, over 300 bird species as well as many reptiles and amphibians. The wilderness experience and outdoor recreation offers visitors rock and mountain climbing, bird watching, a 4×4 trail and excellent camping.
The road through the Baviaanskloof is quite an adventure in itself. Narrow, steep, winding and gravel surfaced, with several river crossings, you will need a 4×4 or high clearance vehicle for the stretch between Cambria and Geelhoutbos if you want to traverse the kloof.
For the latest information regarding the road and water levels phone 044 923 1702 or 042 283 0630.
Biking is also popular in Baviaanskloof, but due to the buffalo, it is better to discuss the biking options with Eastern Cape Parks. Read the Country Life article on biking the Baviaanskloof.
Hankey is the oldest of the three towns that make up the Gamtoos Valley, the others being Loerie and Patensie. The keystone industry is agriculture and as a result the area is very scenic. It is probably best known because of its claim to the largest sundial in Africa that stands 18m high and weighs in at a ton. Hankey’s other claim to fame is the burial place of Sarah Baartman – now an icon for human rights.
The economy of the farming town of Patensie is based on citrus and the orchards create a wonderful patchwork of dark green. This is the last stop before entering the Baviaanskloof Wilderness area. Patensie, surrounded by the Cockscomb Mountain is a thriving town with a modern citrus warehouse that plays a large role in the Gamtoos citrus industry. Just 25 km from Patensie is the Kouga Dam – the lifeblood of the valley, which irrigates the farmlands and also supplies Port Elizabeth with most of its water. Follow a visit to the dam with a stop at the quaint little home industries tea room of Tolbos in Patensie for a light meal.
