Hiking Trail Description

	Baviaans Vallei

The wilderness area between Patensie and Willowmore lies mostly in the vast wild kloofs and krantzes of the Kouga and Baviaanskloof Mountains. The Kouga, Groot and Baviaanskloof Rivers lie within this region that is increasing in popularity as a hiking area because of its remote tranquillity. There are various wilderness-hiking options. A number of caves are rich in San paintings and stone artefacts left by the prehistoric hunter-gatherers who frequented the area from 100 000 years ago until the 19th century. Visitors may see chacma baboon, bushpig, klipspringer, rhebok, mountain zebra and numerous birds.

Trails of various lengths and duration.

One access is via Willowmore, but the route most used is from Port Elizabeth westward along the N2. After about 40 km take the off-ramp to Loerie, Hankey and Patensie and continue to the Kouga Dam and onwards. The access road meanders through the kloof several times crossing the Witrivier and Grootrivier in the east and the Baviaanskloof River in the west with the result that after heavy rains the region is inaccessible to ordinary vehicles

No formal trails exist. Hikes can range from one to several days depending on the fitness and experience of the hikers.

Parking could be a problem but arrangements can be made on a personal basis. Fully equipped cottages are available at Geelhoutbos, and at Rooihoek and Doodsklip camping and picnic sites are available. A detailed map is available from Camp Trails, 294a, Cape Road, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth.