Info and facts... Info and facts...
The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is South Africa's third largest inland protected area and covers an area comprising of 185 000 ha. Located in the eastern portion of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the hallmark of the area is its phenomenal ecosystem diversity. Through the efforts of various organisations and local government,the Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve Project will see the area expanded to involve further state and private land to a projected 500 000 ha!
It is home to amazingly diverse species of fauna and flora, including 17 types of protea. Ancient cycads stand majestically on the mountain slopes, while the western section of the wilderness is home to the rare Willowmore cedar. No less than five of the seven terrestrial biomes occur within the area, namely fynbos, indigenous forest, valley thicket (bushveld), namu karoo and grasslands.
Mammals to be seen include kudu, hartebeest, bushbuck, rhebok, eland, waterbuck, duiker, klipspringer, cape buffalo (north), bushpig, the rare cape mountain zebra, rarely seen leopards, and the common chacma baboon from where the name Baviaanskloof comes, meaning ‘cleft of the baboons'.
The area provides a haven for 317 recorded bird species, making it truly a birders paradise. Species include the knysna loerie, paradise flycatchers, fish eagles and the malachite kingfisher.
The Kouga river forms in the west and flows through the Langkloof to meet the Baviaanskloof river, which gives rise to the Kouga Dam that winds it's way through the untouched mountains to connect with the Groot Rivier downstream of the spectacular wall. This forms the Gamtoos river that cuts it's way through the fertile valley to the sea. The skyline is dominated by three major peaks, the Mac, Scholtzberg and the largest Cockscomb (1759m).
The unforgettable drive through the area will take you along snaking rivers that dissect sheer cliffs to wind up mountain passes only to return you to the valley floor, all this with no less than 22 river crossings!
The unspoilt wilderness of the Baviaanskloof, just an hours drive from Port Elizabeth offers unlimited potential for adventure. These rugged mountains with breathtaking kloofs provide opportunities for activities such as hiking, kayaking, birding, mountain biking, fishing or just enjoying the amazing bio-diversity of the area while cooling off in a crystal clear stream.
Tours take the form of day trips to all inclusive 3 day excursions, undertaken in an air conditioned four wheel drive vehicle that can accomodate up to 7 passengers comfortably.
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