South Africa

Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve

Rivers wind between steep cliffs. The road climbs over mountain passes before dropping back into the valley. In Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, the landscape sets the pace.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Out here, the landscape leads the way.

Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve lies in the Eastern Cape, around 120 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth. The protected area stretches from Willowmore in the west to Komdomo campsite in the east.

Between them lie 200 square kilometres of rugged mountain country. Baviaanskloof is the third-largest nature reserve in South Africa and forms part of the Cape Floral Region.

The drive takes you alongside winding rivers, between cliffs and up mountain passes before descending into the valley again. Here, the landscape does more than surround you. It shapes the road ahead.

From mountain pass to valley floor.

A drive through Baviaanskloof keeps changing perspective. Rivers cut their way between cliffs as the road climbs higher into the mountains.

From there, the route drops back towards the valley. The changing terrain means Baviaanskloof rarely looks the same for long, even when you are simply following the road ahead.

View trips from the region

More than 1,000 plant species grow here.

Baviaanskloof’s varied habitats support more than 1,000 plant species, including 17 species of protea. The reserve is also home to 50 mammal species and more than 300 bird species.

There is plenty of reason to stop and look around, particularly if birds catch your eye. Baviaanskloof is also part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site made up of eight protected areas covering a total of 553,000 hectares.

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Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve

  • Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve lies in the Eastern Cape.
  • The reserve is around 120 kilometres west of Port Elizabeth.
  • It stretches from Willowmore in the west to Komdomo campsite in the east.
  • The protected area covers 200 square kilometres.
  • Baviaanskloof is the third-largest nature reserve in South Africa.
  • It forms part of the Cape Floral Region.
  • More than 1,000 plant species grow here, including 17 species of protea.
  • The reserve is home to 50 mammal species and more than 300 bird species.
  • The drive passes rivers, cliffs, mountain passes and valleys.

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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