Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Tell us about your recent trip. Please add some photographs.
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Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

We decided to visit this talked about area and can I say wow. I will go back again and again :thumbup:

I found this site to be very helpful:
http://www.baviaans.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The program was worked out to include the following:
Drive from CT to Willowmore.

Camp at the first farm Uitspan:- stay 2 days(very nice and neat campsites with clean ablutions - serviced daily) Camping on nice grass and some sites have large trees for shade.
http://www.baviaansuitspan.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Camp at second farm Doringkloof (neat and clean ablusions) -stay 2 days More than 70 % of the sites have shade.
http://www.doringkloof4x4.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Camp at third farm Kudu Kaya (ablutions on the older side but clean) - stay 2 days all the sites have shade - here is very little grass and get very muddy - grass was re-planted but will take a while to grow and cover the site.
http://www.kudukaya.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The last evening before returning to CT we would spend in the Royal Hotel in Steytlerville - self-catering - very friendly people and great food - first time I had supper on the "stoep" in a town main road :thumbup:
Here are some pics
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On the way to Willowmore 31 March
On the way to Willowmore 31 March
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

Pics: on the way to Uitspan Farm. The gravel road is very good from Willowmore side.
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Baviaanskloof sleutel (the rock on the left)
Baviaanskloof sleutel (the rock on the left)
Baviaanskloof sleutel (the rock on the left) they say if this rack were to fall it will seal off the road from the Willowmore side
Baviaanskloof sleutel (the rock on the left) they say if this rack were to fall it will seal off the road from the Willowmore side
Raaskrans - we could not see the water but we could hear the water
Raaskrans - we could not see the water but we could hear the water
On top of Nuwe Kloof Pass
On top of Nuwe Kloof Pass
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

Uitspan Fram pics - the farm get its water from a natural spring high up in the kloof (some pics later). I can definitely recommend Uitspan - still a working farm. Do yourself a favour and taste /buy their Kudu and sheep combination sausage. There was only place for 2 kg in the fridge.

Tip for the braaiers - take a bag of charcoal as the wood here will not make good coals and die quickly - or add a lot of wood at R 25 per bag :mrgreen:
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044 (Copy).JPG
Swimming pool, Receiption area with build in braai, bar and pool table - here the Stormers beat the Bulls at Newlands - lets say all but 1 person in the room was very happy
Swimming pool, Receiption area with build in braai, bar and pool table - here the Stormers beat the Bulls at Newlands - lets say all but 1 person in the room was very happy
075 (Copy).JPG
Another camp site
Another camp site
One of the 7 camp sites
One of the 7 camp sites
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

camp at uitspan - the only site with a lapa and a build in braai
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

We decided to take the children for a walk up the kloof but about 1 km into the kloof the going got to tuff for them and they turned around. We continued for another km as we wanted to go to Makadaat caves (accommodation in the caves). They were fully booked so no go - we will have to visit some other time.

The sound of the water was deafening in the kloof - but beautiful. Some pics.
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Only animals we found in this kloof
Only animals we found in this kloof
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189 (Copy).JPG
186 (Copy).JPG
184 (Copy).JPG
183 (Copy).JPG
181 (Copy).JPG
179 (Copy).JPG
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

We wanted to have a look at the Makadaat caves accomodation but it was fully booked - so no entry.

We took a drive down the Baviaanskloof road past the Baviaanskloof Craft shop. Some pics
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Seven dwarfs
Seven dwarfs
Parking at Baviaans Craft shop
Parking at Baviaans Craft shop
148 (Copy).JPG
Vensterklip
Vensterklip
Vensterklip closer
Vensterklip closer
free roaming horses
free roaming horses
172 (Copy).JPG
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

After a lekker braai we were headed for Dooringkloof farm the next moring.
But on the way we had to stop at Babes se winkel.

There were a few "water crossings" - and the kids loved it and wanted to see who could make the "biggest splash" :lol:
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Splash 1
Splash 1
Splash 2
Splash 2
Splash 3
Splash 3
Babes se winkel
Babes se winkel
Bebes se winkel
Bebes se winkel
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218 (Copy).JPG
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

Arriving at Doringkloof Bush Camp we were alone in the camp. The other guest only arrived the next day (do not enter at the first entrance indicating Doringkloof Farm - you need to go to the bush camp 1.7 km further the turnoff is marked for the bush camp). Remember to radio the farm from the 2 way radio that is provided at the reception/small shop. There is fully shaded camp sited and full sun and then some of the sites have partial shade. See pics
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225 (Copy).JPG
Vervets at Doornkloof - and a lot of them as well
Vervets at Doornkloof - and a lot of them as well
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286 (Copy).JPG
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by ROOFER »

nice report & pics Niel
thanks :wave: :wave:
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

we were forced to pay R 5 to see the show :lol: :lol: some more of Doringkloof - very nice camp site in the middle of the kloof - just make sure you do not disturb the ants as there is a hell of a lot .....o ja an the turnoff to go to the main gravel road is marked 4x4 (small board) when leaving the camp site :lol: some more pics
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shaded camp sites
shaded camp sites
423 (Copy).JPG
432 (Copy).JPG
landscape
landscape
landscape
landscape
Part of the show lol
Part of the show lol
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

This is a very popular stop over as we were alone and the next day well there was a lot more people on the second day (5 more vehicles arrived after the pic was taken. So in peak season this camp site might be a bit more noisy than Uitspan
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Donkey »

Thanks for sharing Niel :thumbup:
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

ROOFER wrote:nice report & pics Niel
:thumbup:
Donkey wrote:Thanks for sharing Niel
pleasure

It is an awsome place with friendly people and itis almost as if time stood still in the kloof - I will definately be back a few more time in the future. :thumbup:
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

We went for another hike at a farm called Bokloof. The guide for this trail's name is Skollie (the farmers dog). R 20 per adult but worth the money.

When a bit more than halfway thru the hike my daughter almost step on a green fast moving snake of approximately 80/90 cm long (suspect it could have been a Boomslang) ...... well the kids panicked and the ladies all said no further :banned:

So we turned back and headed back to Doringkloof. Here are some pics of the kloofie.
Passing Babes shop again on the way back we stopped for some supplies. Here you still get served from behind the counter – no self-help here. We also saw road crews filling the corrugated road (more the pot holes) but at least they attempt to do something. The section from Babes shop to the Baviaanskloof Nature reserve is extremely corrugated. O ja and Doringkloof is just past the police station.
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Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

some more
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Bokloof Hike
Bokloof Hike
Rock where the people stand is the snake spot - the snake was more scarred of them en het gatskoon gemaak lol
Rock where the people stand is the snake spot - the snake was more scarred of them en het gatskoon gemaak lol
Skollie and the crew
Skollie and the crew
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

The next morning we left for Kudu Kaya but the Baviaanskloof Nature reserve was still ahead - Park day fees apply. Here the In the Nature reserve the Baviaanskloof was the most spectacular (for me at least) and is a very scenic drive. More pics to follow ......
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

Slingsby map of Baviaans
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map
map
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Mud Dog »

:thumbup: Lekker Niel! Beautiful area! When I see platanna's in the streams, you know there's no pollution ... those guys cannot survive otherwise .... might not be safe to drink without treatment though.

Looking forward to the rest of the pics. ;-)
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by SuidWes »

Dankie Niel, baie nice :thumbup:

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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Family_Dog »

Excellent trip report, Niel!

Looking forward to more of it, it appears to be a very beautiful part of the country. Another place where timr appears to have stood still is the Northern Cape, barren, yet starkly beautiful as well, all the way from Springbok to Port Nolloth.


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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Padmaker »

Thanx for the report Niel. I'm so glad that area gets enough tourists for the camp owners to keep the camps running in such a good shape. We were there in 2008 and spent all our time at Doringkloof Campsite. Did you try their homemade bread? How was the roads? Any 4x4 specific photos you can share?
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Bulletjie-3 »

Thanks Neil
Your photos are so good because the places are so good. Nice shots.
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by 3 Blind Monkeys »

Very nice photos Neil, sure brings back memories when we where there in December. It is a beatiful place and the best part is the no cellphone reception.
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by george »

lyk lekker. Het jy ekstra onderbroeke gehad vir die groen slang :twisted:
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Rebel 4x4 »

Nice to see more and more people enjoy the Eastern Cape area. My last visit was last year when the big rains releived the drought. The area was soaked and flooded. None the less, its a trip i'll never forget.
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

Mud Dog wrote: When I see platanna's in the streams, you know there's no pollution ... those guys cannot survive otherwise .... might not be safe to drink without treatment though.
Andy very true about the platannas :lol: and the streams are very clean as it comes out the mountain. I did drink from it and all is still ok :thumbup:
SuidWes wrote:Het julle die trailer gemis??
Jaco, nee wat ek het jare met n grond tent gekamp - was nie lus vir met n trailer sukkel op die passe nie.
Family_Dog wrote:it appears to be a very beautiful part of the country.
definately - I can really reccomend the area :thumbup:
Family_Dog wrote:Another place where timr appears to have stood still is the Northern Cape, barren, yet starkly beautiful as well, all the way from Springbok to Port Nolloth.
Agree, Port Jollie is not that big either :lol:
Padmaker wrote:I'm so glad that area gets enough tourists for the camp owners to keep the camps running in such a good shape.
Yes, they say it has picked up a bit in the last 5 years :thumbup:
Padmaker wrote:Did you try their homemade bread?
Did not know they had but my wife "bake" bread in the platboom potjie. :thumbup:
Padmaker wrote:How was the roads?
The road from the Willowmore side to around the craft shop is ok but from there to the Baviaanskloof Nature reserve it is badly corrigated. Thereafter it is better again.
Padmaker wrote:Any 4x4 specific photos you can share?
We were discurraged from doing Antoniesberg as puntured tyres were a common thing - we only carried 1 spare each - we did not do any 4x4 trails either will post some pics of the passes.
3 Blind Monkeys wrote:It is a beatiful place and the best part is the no cellphone reception.
agree, switched it off and only switched on at Patensie - then found out I had a burst geyser back home :evil:
george wrote:Het jy ekstra onderbroeke gehad vir die groen slang
:lol: :lol: ek was die enigste een wat nie die slang gesien het nie en ook blykbaar nie Skollie ook nie :lol: - was besig om fotos te neem
Rebel 4x4 wrote:The area was soaked and flooded. None the less, its a trip i'll never forget.
In the rainy season it will be a diffrent story. I counted about 78 driffies and some of them might be deeper than I would like to be in.
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by HennieO »

In the rainy season it will be a diffrent story. I counted about 78 driffies and some of them might be deeper than I would like to be in.
Yes Niel, some of those driffies become quite deep in the rainy season....
LR in water.jpg
drif.jpg
baviaans water.jpg
Maar dis hoekom mens kids het...hulle LIKE dit om die diepte van die water vir jou te toets! :lol:
Twins water.jpg
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Sebata »

oh! WOW.... beautiful pics Niel... :thumbup: i so want to do it as well
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by pietpetoors »

Nice pictures Niel. I see you got some exercise :cooldude:
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Hoppy »

Magic plek daai, was al paar keer daar en het nog so baie plekke om te sien, ek sien daar's kampplekke met gras?, ons staan altyd iewers in n bos!
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Witblits »

Great report, have filed for future reference. Thanks for the trouble, Niel.
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

The first stop of the day was Baviaans Country Shop where we bought some Baviaans clothing, sweets ..... we hit the road shortly thereafter in the direction of the Baviaanskloof Nature reserve. The veld was a lot greener and had a lot more tree and undergrowth than before and water was in abundance. We as per usual thru some more driffies. At the gate we paid our fees and left to miss the crowd. The road was good and we managed to stay ahead of the pack as 4 more vehicles pulled up to the gate behind us. we shortly got to Grasnek Pass and shortly thereafter Combrink's Pass. See pics.
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Baviaans Country place
Baviaans Country place
490 (Copy).JPG
493 (Copy).JPG
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Road
Saw a few of them in the kloof
Saw a few of them in the kloof
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

some more of the landscape and the road - the passes are very narrow witrh few places to pull off to allow someone to pass or to comr thru from the front.
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road
road
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Niel
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

After arriving at Kudu Kaya in late afternoon we setup camp in the "muddy soil". Their regular camp site was closed for repair. So we camped in the wet soil spot secluded in the corner under some big trees. Here the wood was cheap so we bought (R 15 per bag) 8 and got the fire going. The weather was now overcast but it did not rain as yet. But that would change at 04:14 the next morning. :lol: we were too lazy to put the skull caps of the tents on and parts of the tents were not as dry as they should be :lol: so I had to get out in the rain and put the skull cap over after using some choice words.
Since everything was wet and muddy we decided to take the 40 km drive to Patensie and see what they had to offer. Breakfast was a must and we stopped a farm stall/restaurant in Patensie – as the food arrived I received news that the geyser valve burst and that took 3 hours to sort out (it always has to happen when you are not at home). See pics
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Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
Kudu Kaya camp site
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Niel
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

some more of Kudu Kaya
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kids enjoying another swim.
kids enjoying another swim.
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stream running past the camp site
stream running past the camp site
rock pools
rock pools
we were all like kids and had a swim - yes head under water swim - not sure who was the kids in the story lol but the water wasd very very cold
we were all like kids and had a swim - yes head under water swim - not sure who was the kids in the story lol but the water wasd very very cold
landscape on the road to Patensie
landscape on the road to Patensie
gravel road to Patensie
gravel road to Patensie
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Niel
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

On the way back from Patensie we decidecd to go and have a look at the Kouga Dam. see some pics
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Kouga dam
Kouga dam
Kouga dam
Kouga dam
Kouga dam
Kouga dam
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

After leaving Kudu Kaya we were on our way to Steytlerville where we booked in at the Royal Hotel. We would have taken the short route via Antoniesberg. The farmer at Kudu Kaya advised against using Antoniesberg route to get to Steytlerville as it had rained the day before. The locals no longer drive the route for fear of losing more tyres on the downhill - Steytlerville side due to sharp rocks on the road surface. (apparently they tried to fix the road by dumping river rocks on the downhill making it difficult to get traction when descending). With a 4x2 and an almost new Fortuner in the group we decided to take the advice and take the long route.

I was pleasantly surprised with Steytlerville - as it was our first visit.

We sorted out the accommodation and we had a swim in the splash pool and it reminded me of the very flippen cold river water of Kudu Kay the day before. Twenty min later the clouds started to form high in the sky with some familiar thundering noises. Shortly thereafter the thunder storm started and with a bit of hail the skies opened - this lasted 15 mins and thereafter the sky cleared.
We had a walk in the town to see what was happening in this little town.
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Mr_B »

Stunning Neil... really enjoyed reading your report... makes me so lus to get back to the Baviaans... we stayed at Makadat Caves last time I was there... very nice indeed... 2 piccies:
DSCF4325.jpg
DSCF4329.jpg
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Re: Baviaanskloof 31March/ 6 April 2012

Post by Niel »

Thanks B now I know what it looks like as well
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