Home to four of South Africa’s national parks as well as numerous private and provincial nature reserves, the Eastern Cape boasts the World Heritage Site, Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is known worldwide as South Africa’s largest wilderness area and as one of the country’s eight Cape Floristic Regions protected areas.
The Adventure Province is fast becoming one of the preferred safari destinations in Africa due to the fact that the area holds a malaria-free status. Visitors are able to visit and enjoy the game viewing and safari experiences of the Eastern Cape without the need to take precautionary malaria medication and mosquito prevention measures.
Covering 200km of unsullied rugged terrain, the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve promises visitors the opportunity to bask in the glory of spectacular landscape views, thousands of unique plants species as well as unlimited natural wildlife and game species.
Local South African plant species such as the Erica and Protea families, as well ancient cycad species are abundant across the local landscapes as well as an impressive seven out of South Africa’s eight ecosystems – namely: Fynbos, Forest, Grassland, Succulent Karoo, Nama-Karoo, Subtropical Thicket and Savanna. How more vast could one nature reserves landscape be!
Surrounded by the Baviaanskloof Mountains in the North and the Kouga mountains in the South, the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve lies within a magnificent untouched valley where footprints of human history dating back to a million years can be found. Derived from the Dutch meaning “valley of baboons” the name Baviaanskloof is now renowned for the lush valley that is home to unspoilt wilderness, trickling streams and vast plains homing a multitude of wildlife species.
The motor trails through the nature reserve offer guests a tour through the areas rich heritage with the opportunity to experience historical sites such as the Tjaart van der Walk monument, one of the oldest Outoniqua Yellowwood trees in the area, an ancient species of Cycad approximately 3000 years old as well as the protected fish species – the Red Finned Minnow. There is even the opportunity to witness the unsolved mystery of the old stone wall which can clearly be viewed from the second viewpoint at Combrinks Pass along the motor trail.
Accommodation at Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve
There are only two accommodation establishments in the Cambria Valley, just on the outskirts of the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve – Baviaanskloof Lodge and Kudu Kaya Lodge.
Baviaanskloof Lodge hosts an intimate number of guests at a time, not exceeding 10 guests sharing in their four en-suite rooms, each of which has its own unique theme that is indigenous to Baviaanskloof.
The lodge also boasts a Bushcamp where each camp site can host 6 guests at a time. Bushcamp guests are required to bring their own tents and camping gear and have accessibility to the communal ablutions with cold water shower and flush toilets – a true nature lovers experience.
Dinner, lunch and breakfast meals are available for Baviaanskloof Lodge guests and light lunches can be pre-arranged for Bushcamp guests at the Baviaanskloof Lodge Country House.
Kudu Kaya Lodge is located just a few kilometres from the Baviaanskloof Lodge and offers guests a more rustic, down to earth accommodation experience on the working Citrus farm, Ysrivier. Offering six fully-equipped self-catering chalets on the farm, Kudu Kaya Lodge also boasts 17 shaded campsites overlooking the ever-flowing mountain stream.
Day trips into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve can be arranged with the management of Kudu Kaya Lodge, and there are a multitude of hiking trails for guests to embark on and get up close and personal with the local fauna and nature.
This World Heritage Site is a nature and wildlife enthusiasts’ dream come true. Home to some of South Africa’s richest history, a multitude of ecosystems, local fauna and wildlife, the Baviaansklof Nature Reserve offers 200km of untouched landscapes and game viewing opportunities for visitors. Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the nature reserve offers guests a malaria-free safari experience to remember.
For more information on the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve or accommodation in the Cambria Valley, please visit our website.
