Baviaanskloof, a wild,lonely valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa has rightly been described as Psalm 23 country.
It is off the beaten track, it is peaceful, it is beautiful, a river runs through it, it is a place where your soul can be rejuvenated...
| We took this picture late afternoon while entering the kloof from the Patensie side. |
| The road first winds along the Gamtoos river, then along the Groot river on the way to Cambria which was the destination of our first campsite. |
| Typical of the area are the red rock formations contrasting against the dark green of the surrounding trees and bush. |
| You can take this warning seriously. You need a vehicle with high ground clearance, preferably a 4X4 vehicle beyond this point. |
| The turnoff to Kudu Kaya which is which was our first campsite on this trip. |
| The campsite is situated on a working farm on the banks of a stream called Ysrivier. The hosts, Petrus and Helene van der Watt are very friendly and provided us with a wealth of information on the Baviaanskloof. |
| Relaxing at Kudu Kaya after setting up camp. |
| The campsite is well sheltered and shaded. Electricity, hot water and clean ablutions are available. Highly recommended. |
| There is a short hiking trail at Kudu Kaya meandering along the banks of the Ysrivier. |
| It really is a tranquil stream and the hike is not demanding at all. |
| The trail crosses the stream time and again. |
| The trail crosses a dam wall in the stream. |
| Fresh water is supplied to the farm via this gutter along the stream. The water is sourced from the source of the stream. |
| The water in this stream and others in the kloof is crystal clear and pure. |
| This close up of the water shows it to be like glass. |
| It is a good idea to wear a bathing suit as you have to swim cross several of these lovely pools before the trail ends at a waterfall. |
| From Kudu Kaya we traveled to Rooihoek campsite which is in the wilderness area. |
| One of many drifts to cross... |
| ...and into the water we go! |