{"id":5510,"date":"2019-04-12T10:31:50","date_gmt":"2019-04-12T08:31:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travelbucket.co.za\/?p=5510"},"modified":"2019-05-31T09:06:30","modified_gmt":"2019-05-31T07:06:30","slug":"and-we-are-off-to-the-baviaanskloof-mega-reserve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/travelbucket.co.za\/and-we-are-off-to-the-baviaanskloof-mega-reserve\/","title":{"rendered":"….. AND WE ARE OFF TO THE BAVIAANSKLOOF MEGA RESERVE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This will be our eighth escape to the magical world of the Baviaanskloof in the adventure province of the Eastern Cape!\u00a0\u00a0 From all of our trips we entered only once from the Eastern access gate and all the other times we entered through the Nuwekloof pass on the Willowmore side.\u00a0 \u00a0It does not make any difference from where you enter, the rugged beauty is always special to us.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On 15 March 2019 the catchment area of the Baviaanskloof had a down pour of about 75 mm in a time span of 40 minutes which caused huge damage to roads and alike.  Once through Raaskrans and crossing the first \u201cdrif\u201d we noticed that big amounts of water rushed through the kloof.  Debris was hanging from trees to indicate the water\u2019s reach.  This was the trend for the next two days \u2013 short and easy water crossing, longer water crossings, washed away water crossings and then there is the (in)famous water crossing at Smitskraal.  This is where we also encountered two bikers that was soaking wet, but with big smiles on their faces.  They just enjoyed the ride! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The 197 km long kloof is adorned with interesting names such as Vensterklip, where a skirmish between English and Boer took place, Doodsklip, Queen Victoria\u2019s bust, Studtis and Babes se winkel.  If you get to know the history of the kloof you will also learn that JG Strijdom was born in the kloof and a book by PH Nortj\u00e8 is based on the kloof.  Other points of interest are the Campbell monument which was erected to commemorate the floods of 1916 where several people succumbed to flood water rushing through the area.  The little DR Church with its red roof was also relocated to Zaaimansvlakte after it has been washed away in the 1916 floods.  So, there are a lot of sadness and interesting stories in the kloof if you look closer.  Take your time when you pass through the kloof. You will encounter different types of traffic from bicycles to donkey carts and beyond.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are not comfortable with\nno cell phone reception and be disconnected from the outside world, this is not\nthe place for you.   In the kloof people\nare friendly and always have time for a bit of chatter.  Be courteous and enquire about their wellbeing\nas well.  Sometimes you, as the visitor,\nis the only contact they might have with the outside world for some weeks.  Life is slow here.  Enjoy the ride.  At the moment you will definitely need a 4×4\nto traverse the kloof as no road repairs were done to date.  It might also be a good idea to make sure\nyour spare tyre is in good condition.  Despite\ndriving careful we got a cut on the outside wall of one of our tyres, luckily no\nbig damage, but come prepared.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, remember this is also a\npopular ride for motorbike enthusiasts. \nBe aware of them and especially around corners stick to your side and on\nsteep inclines give them right of way \u2013 they will appreciate it!  If an accident happen here it takes hours to\nget help to this remote part of the world. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good place to stop and stock up while you enjoy a coffee moment is at Tolbos Deli and Bistro (http:\/\/www.tolbos.co.za<\/a>)  where you can buy anything from wine, jams and rusk that will make your trip more enjoyable.  Also chat with the friendly owner, Hetsie, who is always on the ready the help with some advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some need to knows: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving conditions are slow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch out for wildlife – kudu and\nbaboon are abundant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a water scarce area \u2013 keep water sources pristine <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch out for motorcycles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are camping (our favourite is Doringkloof) and various guesthouse options available in the kloof<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no cell phone reception <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nights can get chilly, pack something warm even though it is summer <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This will be our eighth escape to the magical world of the Baviaanskloof in the adventure province of the Eastern Cape!\u00a0\u00a0 From all of our trips we entered only once from the Eastern access gate and all the other times we entered through the Nuwekloof pass on the Willowmore side.\u00a0 \u00a0It does not make any difference from where you enter, the rugged beauty is always special to us.\u00a0 On 15 March 2019 the catchment area of the Baviaanskloof had a down pour of about 75 mm in a time span of 40 minutes which caused huge damage to roads and alike.  Once through Raaskrans and crossing the first \u201cdrif\u201d we noticed that big amounts of water rushed through the kloof.  Debris was hanging from trees to indicate the water\u2019s reach.  This was the trend for the next two days \u2013 short and easy water crossing, longer water crossings, washed away… Read more ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5514,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[140,139],"tags":[1439,1442,385,1259,1258,1446,1456,1445,1444,1443,1222,1441],"geo":null,"yoast_head":"\n..... 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