Nature Reserves
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Baviaanskloof The breath-taking Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is one of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Covering roughly 200-square kilometres of pristine mountainous terrain, the ‘Valley of the Baboons’, is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in South Africa. Just 120 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth, this awesome wilderness playground has much to offer nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
The eastern side of the reserve starts at the Komdomo Campsite. From here the road winds 250 kilometres through the incredibly scenic and craggy Groot River Port towards Willowmore in the west.
A paradise for adventurous and active types, the vast mountainous landscape offers a unique wilderness experience with a plethora of things to do. These include rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, fishing, scenic drives, bird watching and 4x4 trails.
The diverse habitats support over 1,000 different plant species including the striking Erica and Protea families as well as ancient cycads. The reserve is also home to more than 50 mammal species, 300 bird species and numerous reptiles and amphibians.
A state-of-the-art World Heritage Site Interpretive Centre overlooking the Cambria Valley showcases the diversity and natural and cultural history of the Baviaanskloof region.
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Things to do near
Baviaans Region
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Nature Reserves
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Baviaanskloof (36.1 km from Baviaans Region) The breath-taking Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is one of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Covering roughly 200-square kilometres of pristine mountainous terrain, the ‘Valley of the Baboons’, is one of the largest wilderness conservation areas in South Africa. Just 120 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth, this awesome wilderness playground has much to offer nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
The eastern side of the reserve starts at the Komdomo Campsite. From here the road winds 250 kilometres through the incredibly scenic and craggy Groot River Port towards Willowmore in the west.
A paradise for adventurous and active types, the vast mountainous landscape offers a unique wilderness experience with a plethora of things to do. These include rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, fishing, scenic drives, bird watching and 4x4 trails.
The diverse habitats support over 1,000 different plant species including the striking Erica and Protea families as well as ancient cycads. The reserve is also home to more than 50 mammal species, 300 bird species and numerous reptiles and amphibians.
A state-of-the-art World Heritage Site Interpretive Centre overlooking the Cambria Valley showcases the diversity and natural and cultural history of the Baviaanskloof region.
more...
Hiking Trail
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Stormsriver (63.3 km from Baviaans Region) Starting a little distance from the restaurant, the Loerie Trail is one of the short hikes from Storms River Mouth Rest Camp that don’t require permits or fees.
The two-kilometre circular route starts on the same path as the Blue Duiker Trail and takes a short cut through beautiful scrub forest featuring small trees of Cape Beech, Kershout and Bastard saffronwood.
The meandering path then passes through pristine coastal fynbos. Don’t miss seeing the views from the lookout platform. This is also a brilliant vantage point to spot whales in winter.
Grab a copy of 'Secrets of the Forest' and 'Deeper into the Forest' at the Enviro Centre. Maps and info are available at the camp's Info Centre. The start and end is well signposted just off the tarred road.
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Nature Reserves
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Stormsriver (64 km from Baviaans Region) Spectacular coastlines, lush forests, deep river gorges, majestic mountains and open savannah – the Garden Route National Park has it all.
This section of the South Coast of South Africa owns one of the loveliest stretches of coastline on the planet. Home to a variety of ecosystems, the park combines the world renowned Wilderness and Tsitsikamma sections, the Knysna Lake section, various mountains, and indigenous forest and Fynbos regions.
Resembling a mosaic of landscapes and seascapes from ocean to mountain areas, the Garden Route National Park is celebrated for its diverse ecological and cultural heritage. Not only that, the Park is a playground for adventurers and nature lovers.
Managed by SAN Parks, it offers numerous accommodation choices, events, activities, places of interest and scenic attractions.
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Hiking Trail
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Stormsriver (64.1 km from Baviaans Region) South Africa’s most frequently hiked trail is so popular that bookings need to be made at least a year in advance – but don’t let that stop you.
The dramatic setting of luxuriant Tsitsikamma forest meeting the rugged Indian Ocean coastline in the Garden Route National Park contributes greatly to this unforgettable five-day hiking experience. Along with the incredibly diverse natural beauty, the area is paradise to numerous birds, wildlife, plants and trees.
Starting at Storms River Mouth, the first day is an easy warm up of 4.8 km, passing an interesting cave and gorgeous waterfall. The following three days are fairly tough and a reasonable level of fitness is required. The last leg of the 42 km route is a relatively easy 6 km amble to Nature's Valley.
Footpaths mostly follow the shoreline along cliff tops with stunning ocean views – dolphins and whales are often spotted. The trail returns to sea level for river crossings. Be aware of the dates and times of high and low tides as it is highly inadvisable to attempt river crossings during high tide.
The best time to hike the trail is between September and March. Overnight stops are situated at stunning locations. Rustic wooden huts offer bunks and mattresses, fireplaces, firewood, drinking water and toilets.
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Hiking Trail
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Stormsriver (65.5 km from Baviaans Region) Known as ‘Day One’ of the massively popular Otter Trail, the Waterfall Trail is definitely a worthwhile excursion at Storms River Mouth.
The linear route runs along the coastline for three kilometres until reaching the graceful waterfall, which marks the halfway point. The starting time for doing this walk is all important – in latest time to start in summer is 14:30 and in winter it is 13:30.
The hike is considered tricky because of the jagged and slippery terrain and it is advisable to tackle it at low tide. Don’t forget to take your swimming gear for a cooling plunge under the waterfall. Look out for the red flash of Knysna turacos in flight.
Grab a map of the various walks and a list of fauna and flora species at the Storms River Mouth Info Centre.
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Nature Reserves
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Addo (67.2 km from Baviaans Region) Discover the magic of the Karoo with a unique wilderness experience at the exclusive 5-Star Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve.
Bordering the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers malaria-free wildlife viewing of a wide variety of game.
Professional rangers will introduce you to lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare flora on interesting game drives.
An awesome thing to do is go on a walking safari to shadow cheetah as they prowl for their prey.
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Mountain Biking Trails
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Stormsriver (67.4 km from Baviaans Region) This scenic ride offers 22 kilometres of wonderful riding through forest and mountain fynbos. Suitable for families, the undemanding trail mostly follows comfortable contours in the plantation and indigenous forest.
Starting from Storms River Village along the old Storms River Pass, the trail takes cyclists over the low water bridge over the Storms River. This will get you to the awesome viewpoint of Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
From this point you have the choice of cycling back on the same route or walking with your bike down to the suspension bridge.
Mountain bike hire: Mild2Wild Adventure Centre +27 (0)42 281 1054
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Popular Attractions
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Stormsriver (67.9 km from Baviaans Region) Looking for hip and unusual things to do on the Garden Route? Segway Off-Road ECO-Tours offer guided tours on a Segway Personal Transporter, a great way to see the outdoors.
The Segway Personal Transporter is easy and safe to use. Before each tour, guests receive a thorough orientation from an experienced trainer.
Tours pass through the quaint Storms River Village, into the Tsitsikamma pine forest and over the historical Witteklip Bridge. Booking is essential.
www.segwaytours.co.za
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Nature Reserves
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Joubertina (75.1 km from Baviaans Region) Lying inland and north of Nature's Valley is the relatively undiscovered Formosa Nature Reserve.
Most travellers to the Garden Route cling to the lovely coastline and miss the beautiful wildness of the Tsitsikamma Mountain range. But if you’re after the solitude of a pristine reserve that is seldom disturbed, look no further.
You can spend days exploring this long stretch of wilderness that lies between the Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature's Valley, and the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area. There are no formal hiking trails in the 5 0000-hectare reserve – just lots of lovely footpaths to discover the stunning mountain forest and wet fynbos.
Abundant bird life draws twitchers from far beyond the limits of Kareedouw and Misgund, the Klein Karoo villages on either side of the park.
Don’t miss one of the reserve’s major attractions – trek up the famous Formosa Peak to summit the highest pinnacle in the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
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Golf Courses
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St Francis Bay (79 km from Baviaans Region) Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the challenging St Francis Links Course is characterised by undulating terrain, greens and variation in length and direction.
The consistent layout combines every element of shot making. The bunkers define the quality and character of this course, looking as if they have been ploughed out of the ground.
The greens have simply been placed on top of the sand and follow the natural flow of the landscape. All players will find that St Francis Links present a stiff mental and physical test from the first shot.
Facilities at St Francis Links include the Clubhouse, Lighthouse Restaurant, Jack’s Bar and Pro Shop.
+27 (0) 42 2004500
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Galleries and Museums
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Jeffreys Bay (80.1 km from Baviaans Region) Only a surfer truly knows the feeling! If you’re in ‘J-Bay’ to catch the tubes or even if you’ve never tried surfing, the Quicksilver Store on De Gama Road is worth a visit. It is home to the highly informative Jeffrey’s Bay Surf Museum which tells the story of how surfing started in J-Bay and how the town has developed over the past 50 years.
There are many reasons why this surf-driven town just had to have a surf museum. Essentially, Jeffrey’s Bay is one of the top surfing destinations on the planet. Supertubes, the famous point break right-hander, is the dream destination of every young surfer – the perfect wave often accompanied by dolphins.
J-Bay is the place where the top 44 international surfers compete every year for the WCT world contest surfing tour. Along with local lore, the museum also documents the history of surfing globally and pays tribute to many pioneers and legends.
Walk through this museum and feel the magic that exists between the surfer and the ocean.
Entrance to the museum is free! Open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday 09:00 – 14:00 and Sunday 09:00 – 13:00.
+27 (0) 84 240 1741
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Shops
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St Francis Bay (80.4 km from Baviaans Region) St Francis Bay's Friendly Supermarket offers a variety of freshly baked speciality breads, rolls, cakes and tarts as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. A selection of freshly made home meals and take aways are available on a daily basis.
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Beaches
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Paradise Beach (80.9 km from Baviaans Region) Paradise Beach is a long sandy beach situated between Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay (7 km west of Jeffreys Bay and 7 km east of St Francis Bay). It’s actually a suburb of J-Bay but is relatively untouched by development.
Surrounded by nature reserves and estuaries, you can often spot tiny buck, tortoises, numerous birds, rabbits, mongoose and otters – all much loved by locals. It’s an awesome place for windsurfers and kite boarders with good wind all year round. A not-yet-discovered windsurfing and kite surfing spot!
Paradise Beach is one of the coastal towns where you are guaranteed to spend a relaxing day on a pristine white beach. The name explains it all – it really feels like paradise.
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Nature Reserves
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Kleinpoort (81.2 km from Baviaans Region) Koffylaagte Game Reserve is a pristine and historic private reserve conveniently situated 130 km from Port Elizabeth. The reserve is named for its colourful history as the resting place of the early settler traders who travelled between the vicinity and what is now known as Nelson Mandela Bay.
The original 1870s farmhouse enjoys spectacular views of the landscape, heightened by the lonesome old ox-wagon, a remnant of the early pioneering days.
Dedicated to wildlife management and breeding programmes, the land has been stripped of residues from its early farming days and converted back to its magnificent fauna and flora. Today Koffylaagte is a serene place where you can rest your mind, body and soul.
The reserve is home to abundant wildlife including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, some 22 species of South African antelope, warthog, bush pig, mongoose, fox, and porcupine, jackal, meerkat, baboon and vervet monkey.
The birdlife is prolific and it’s not uncommon to spot the majestic black eagle and other birds of prey. The spectacular Karoo flora resembles a natural succulent garden with aloes, euphorbia, spekboom, rare cycads and Elephant’s Foot.
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Popular Attractions
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Tsitsikamma (84.2 km from Baviaans Region) Five… four… three… Experience the extreme thrill of the highest commercial bungy jump bridge in the world.
So you’re brave enough? After being secured in a full body harness, you walk along a 200-metre catwalk suspended beneath the road surface. This gets you to the place where it all happens – the top of the arch – 216 metres above the Bloukrans River!
Not into plunging headfirst? Try the exhilarating zip across the gorge on a 200-metre Flying Fox cable slide (foofie slide in South Africa speak). This takes you to the top of the arch where you can watch all the action.
For the less fearless you can walk along the catwalk to the top of the arch from where you look out over the gorge to the mountains and the sea in the distance.
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Bars
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Cape St Francis (84.3 km from Baviaans Region) Full Stop Pub and Grill is a vibey watering hole where locals and visitors to Cape St Francis hang out, enjoy drinks, braai, grab a pizza or play pool.
The pub has a pool table, big dance area, and a very big bar of course! Full Stop also has an outside area with lapa and braai facilites.
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Nature Reserves
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Cape St Francis (85.4 km from Baviaans Region) On the tip of Cape St Francis and sandwiched between a plethora of coastal holiday houses is the lovely Cape St Francis Nature Reserve.
This sanctuary is not only rich in botanical and animal life; it offers unhindered views of the ocean. Here the endangered coastal dune forest and fynbos is preserved from further development, providing a home for bushbuck, grysbok, duiker, porcupine, bushpig, monkey, mongoose, caracal and otter.
Twitchers will find plenty to tick off here with 200 bird species recorded. A delightful hiking trail leads to a superb viewpoint and it’s easy to lose yourself for many hours within the reserve.
Bottlenose and common dolphins can often be seen surfing the breaks and southern right whales winter offshore during August to November.
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Hiking Trail
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Natures Valley (93 km from Baviaans Region) This ‘must do’ for any serious hiker leads through alternating indigenous afromontane forest and mountain fynbos landscapes. Self-guided and self-catering, hikers need to be well prepared for six days in the wilderness.
Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail leads into a hiking paradise of deep ravines, valleys with crystal clear mountain streams and exquisite swimming pools contrast with the backdrop of endless mountains fading into the distance.
The 60 km trail starts at Nature’s Valley and finishes at the Storms River Bridge, mostly passing through the heart of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Two, three, four or five day options are possible by means of vehicle access to all five overnight huts. A ‘slack-packing’ option allows hikers to walk comfortably with only their day packs.
Many fine old Outeniqua yellowwood trees tower up into the sky. Wildlife that is frequently seen on the trail includes bushbuck, baboon, vervet monkey, genet and bushpig. If you’re lucky you may spot elusive leopard, honey badger serval, caracal, and the rare blue duiker. Look out for unusual forest and fynbos birds such as Narina trogon, sombre bulbul, rameron pigeon, sunbirds, forest buzzards, and flycatchers.
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