baviaans - Grahamstown

The
2nd Wonder of our world
BAVIAANS
& THE GAMTOOS VALLEY
ELANDS RIVER VALLEY, GAMTOOS RIVIER VALLEY, HANKEY,
LOERIE, PATENSIE, STEYTLERVILLE, WILLOWMORE
www.travelbaviaans.co.za
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1
TOWNS IN THE BAVIAANS & GAMTOOS
VALLEY AREA
2
MAPS
3
THINGS TO DO
5
PLACES TO SEE
7
PLACES TO STAY
9
USEFUL INFORMATION
15
The biggest wilderness area in
South Africa
Experience the true meaning of hospitality and adventure in the
most beautiful of surroundings in the Baviaans and Gamtoos Valley.
The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, a World Heritage Site and South Africa’s
largest protected area has seven biomes with an abundance of bird and animal
life, holds ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. The Baviaanskloof is a
nature reserve synonomous with breathtaking scenery and wide open spaces.
There are plenty of heritage sites just waiting to be discovered, as well as San
Art which adorns the pristine cliffs. While travelling through this area, you
will be forgiven for feeling as if you are the first person to set foot on some
of the rugged mountain paths. It is a sought after wilderness destination that
offers camping, hiking and a serene refuge from the stress of daily life.
Among the friendly and quaint towns situated in the Baviaans area are
Willowmore and Steytlerville, each with colourful histories and surroundings
which offer outdoor adventures, scenic routes and a variety of arts and crafts
to appreciate. Willowmore is one of the only places in the Karoo with coastal
fynbos, while Steytlerville is renowned for its variety of semi-desert vegetation.
For clean skies, starry nights and sweet breezes, there is no better place than
the Baviaans to spend your time.
www.travelbaviaans.co.za
1
TOWNS
IN THE BAVIAANS &
GAMTOOS VALLEY AREA
E L A N D S R I V E R VA L L E Y
Follow the trail through the mountains and enjoy the beauty of the area
where wild fynbos, protea and purple heath abound or simply absorb the
scenic Cockscomb Mountain and surrounding picturesque environment.
Just 52km from central Port Elizabeth Elands River Valley offers various
eco friendly accommodation camps and other activities.
G A M T O O S R I V I E R VA L L E Y
The Gamtoos Rivier Valley has numerous game reserves, farm activities,
hiking trails and unspoilt nature on offer. The route through the Valley
winds its way through purple mountains and grazing fields, back into
Steytlerville where good old Karoo hospitality is the order of the day.
HANKEY
Hankey, the oldest town in the Valley, is home to the largest sundial
in Africa (diameter: 36.4m) as well as the remains of Sarah Bartmann.
From the Toposcope in Hankey, onlookers will have the most magnificent
views of the Gamtoos flood plains, while the 9-hole golf course offers the
perfect opportunity to unwind.
Tourism Information Centre, Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0543
LOERIE
The little town of Loerie is named after a rather elusive species of bird,
the Knysna Loerie, and is probably best known for its annual Naartjie
Festival which takes place during the month of September. There’s only
a church, a fistful of houses and a local store, yet this beautiful and fertile
valley is a blend of nature, agriculture and wilderness that makes it the
perfect place in which to escape.
PAT E N S I E
Patensie, guarded by the majestic Cockscomb Mountain, is situated at
the doorway to the Baviaans wilderness area. This little town’s activities
primarily revolve around the citrus industry. Over time, it has become
a very popular tourist destination with many B&B’s and self catering
establishments, as well as fuel stops, banks and shops from which to choose
The impressive Kouga dam, which was built in 1967, is a must see.
Tourism Information Centre, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0437
S T E Y T L E RV I L L E
The little town of Steytlerville showcases a host of architectural gems and
is home to several South African personalities in the past, a holiday in
this town easily leads to relocation.
Tourism Information Centre, Tel: +27 (0) 49 835 0484
WILLOWMORE
On the western side of the Baviaanskloof lies Willowmore. Boasting a
host of interesting nooks and crannies, Willowmore offers weary travellers
a place to rejuvenate both body and soul. The town lends itself to cozy
weekends spent next to the fire relating folklore and recalling stories of a
bygone era, while also offering various options for hikers to choose from.
Tourism Information Centre, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1702
2
OUR LOCATION
SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT
Johannesburg
Pretoria
Durban
Eastern Cape
Cape Town
Port Elizabeth
CACADU CONTEXT
KAROO
GRAHAMSTOWN
BAVIAANS
Cape Town
TSITSIKAMMA
ADDO
JEFFREYS
Port Elizabeth
INDIAN OCEAN
3
SUNSHINE
COAST
Durban
4
To Cape Town
To Cape Town
To Oudtshoorn
R62
To Prince Albert
N2
To Beaufort West
R332
R329
Steytlerville
To Aberdeen
BAVIAANS
TSITSIKAMMA
R62
Baviaanskloof
Willowmore
To Graaff-Reinet
N9
KAROO
R331
Patensie
Hankey
N2
To Port Elizabeth
Elands
River Valley
To Uitenhage
To Addo Elephant
National Park
Loerie
R75
Wolwefontein
To Humansdorp
To Jeffreys Bay
R330
R75
Jansenville
Graaff-Reinet
ADDO
T H E B AV I A A N S &
G A M T O O S VA L L E Y A R E A
THINGS TO DO
The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is a World Heritage Site rich in
biodiversity with breathtaking mountain passes winding through the
magnificent wilderness area. It offers deep valleys offset against towering
peaks, lush riverine forestry against dry Karoo tumble-weeds and even
snow-white beaches alongside clear, bronze waters. Activities for the
adventurous include, mountain biking, hiking, camping, 4x4 trails,
hunting safaris, rock and mountain climbing, bird watching and
scenic drives.
T H E B AV I A A N S B A C K T O
FRONT CIRCLE ROUTE
With a multitude of routes from which to choose, the Baviaanskloof
can offer both short and longer breaks away from the hustle and
bustle of the city. The Baviaans Back to Front Circle Route will take
you by car (4x4 or 4x2 with diff-lock) through the culturally rich
Karoo towns of Steytlerville and Willowmore to the lush crags of the
Baviaanskloof and the ever-changing scenery of the Groot Rivier valley.
Baviaans Tourism, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1702
M O U N TA I N B I K I N G
The Baviaanskloof offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to discover
the wilderness, ‘Karoovlaktes’ and Winterhoek Mountains, from the
seat of a mountain bike. The valley is also home to the annual Trans
Baviaans Mountain Bike Marathon which is considered to be the
longest one-day mountain bike race in the world. The race starts in
Willowmore, continues through the spectacular Baviaanskloof and
ends 230 kilometers later.
Baviaanskloof Mountain Passes Tours, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1122
5
4X4 TRAILS
The spectacular Baviaanskloof offers no shortage of excitement for
4x4 enthusiasts. Winding trails will take you from the Baviaanskloof
valley right up the Kouga mountain range, past Graskop to the
summit and then down to Kareedouw in the Langkloof. En route, be
sure to look out for a rich variety of wildlife and vegetation, including
cycads which are centuries old. Much of the scenery is simply
breathtaking and although not a particularly difficult 4x4 trail, some
parts are sufficiently demanding to make it exciting.
Chris & Tanya Lamprecht, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1160
GOLF
Hankey boasts one of the finest 9-hole golf courses in the area.
The fairways stretch along avenues of large old trees which adds to the
charm renowned in the heart of Gamtoos Valley. To book a game of
golf while visiting Hankey, make use of the following contact details:
Hankey Golf Club, Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0335
6
PLACES TO SEE
B AV I A A N S K L O O F VA L L E Y O F B A B O O N S
The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, nestled between the Baviaans Mountain
range in the north and the Kouga Mountain Range in the south. The
Reserve is the biggest wilderness area in South Africa with a 192 000
hectares conservation area. It is home to an amazing diversity of habitat
types and species including seven of South Africa’s 8 Biomes.
LOERIE
THE LOERIE STATION
Unlike other similar establishments, the Loerie Station features a
turntable which enables two men to turn a locomotive weighing 60
tons in the other direction in order to travel to different destinations.
THE LOERIE DAM
The Loerie Dam situated on the Kouga River was completed in 1976
with the wall being 365 meters long and 94 meters high. It is the first
double-arched dam engineered in South Africa. It is a scenic spot ideal or
bird watching and fishing.
PAT E N S I E
K O U G A D A M The Kouga Dam provides a reliable source of water for the metropolitan
area of Port Elizabeth and the Gamtoos irrigation scheme. Picnic facilities
are provided.
7
HANKEY
ASSEMBLY HILL OR VERGADERINGSKOP
Assembly Hill or Vergarderingskop, as the spot is fondly referred to,
offers the perfect vantage point from which to observe the raging waters
of the Gamtoos River sweep by during one of its numerous floods.
SARAH BARTMAN’S GRAVE
Sarah Bartman’s grave, a National Heritage Site, houses the remains
of the Khoi-san woman who was laid to rest upon a hill outside the
town after spending a tragic and lonely life as an object of display
in Europe during the early years of 1800. She was exhibited as the
Hottentot Venus in both London and Paris. After she died at the
age of 25, her remains became property of Musèe de I’Homme in
Paris and in February 2002, precisely 213 years after her birth, Sarah
Bartman finally returned home to the country of her birth.
THE SUNDIAL
The Sundial, said to be the largest (diameter is 36.4 meter) of its
kind in Southern Africa, was erected by the late Dirk Shleringhout
in 1989 after his arrival in the Gamtoos valley from Holland after the
Second World War.
THE VICTORIA TREE
Stepping back in time, Hankey is home to a number of natural
wonders of which the Victoria Tree is one. The tree, situated
beside the railway crossing and only meters from the missionary
graves, was planted on 22 July 1897 to commemorate the Jubilee of
Queen Victoria’s reign. Another remarkable gift from nature is the
indigenous Kei-apple tree – Dovyalis affra – which is located on a
corner in the main street of the tiny town. Once upon a time the tree
was known as the ‘slave tree’, due to it possibly dating back to a time
when slavery was still acceptable.
B AV I A A N S K L O O F M E G A R E S E RV E
DOODSKLIP & ROOIHOEK
The campsites of Doodsklip and Rooihoek are both located on the
upper reaches of the Kouga Dam, in close proximity to pure white
sandy beaches that fringe the deep river pools which are ideal for
swimming.
NUWE KLOOF PASS
The scenic Nuwe Kloof Pass provides unique views of the
Willowmore cedar, Widdringtoniaschwarzii, which is widespread in
the Baviaanskloof.
8
PLACES TO STAY
G A M T O O S VA L L E Y: P A T E N S I E
Avianne Guesthouse, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0303
De Mist Cottage S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0724
Gamtoos B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0907, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0907
Gonjah Chalet S/C & Camping, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0596
Highlands Chalets, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0658
Log View B&B And Self Catering, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0314
Natural Habitant Adventure Acc, Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0543
Ripple Hill Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 83 233 7713
Shumba Manor, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0409
Tia Ghee Tented Camp, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0739
Tropical Eden Villas, Tel:+27 (0) 82 933 1400
HANKEY AND LOERIE
African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary, Tel: +27 (0) 42 286 0710
Bergsrivier, Tel: +27 (0) 42 286 0694
Ekuphumleni Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 73 000 0533
Hankey Tourism, Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0543
9
Hankey Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0325
Gamtoos Ferry Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) 42 287 0758
Natural Habitat Accomdation, Tel: +27 (0) 83 320 1725
Loerie Rest Camp, Tel: +27 (0) 42 287 0611
Pure African Tours, Tel: +27 (0) 76 051 4176
Putters in B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 82 270 9918
Shumba Manor, Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0543
S T E Y T L E RV I L L E
Damsedrif Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1026
Elandsheuwel Guest House & Camping, Tel: +27 (0) 49 833 0018
Haaspoort Bush Camp & Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 49 838 0042
Haaspoort Bushcamp Private Nature Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 49 838 0042
Hlomo Courier Service cc, Tel: +27 (0) 41 922 0226
Karoo Theatrical Hotel, Tel: +27 (0) 49 835 0010
Marlu Guest Farm & Camping, Tel: +27 (0) 49 833 0026
Mount Ingwe Eco Tourism, Tel: +27 (0) 79 898 9504
Noorspoort Guest Farm, Tel: + 27 (0) 49 835 0001
Royal Hotel & Restaurant, Tel: +27 (0) 49 835 0385
Royal Hotel Steytlerville, Tel: +27 (0) 72 157 0832
Steytlerville Villa Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 49 835 0454
Weavers Restaurant, B&B & Camping, Tel:+27 (0) 49 835 0153
WILLOWMORE
Angora Mohair Cottage S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1856
Bhejane Game Reserve, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1816
Blydefontein Tented Camp S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 44 934 1139
10
De Vlugt Guest Houses, Tel: +27 (0) 44 752 3140
Finchley Farm Cottage & Camping, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1801
Glenmore Farm Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1177/1863 (a/h)
Goeie Hoop Guest House S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 44 771 1077
Hartebeest Post Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 44 752 1214
Kom Rus ‘N Bietjie S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1080
Kumnandi Lodge S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1354
Rika’s B&B, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 2384
Sederkloof Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1122
The Royal Hotel & Restaurant, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1544
The Willow Historical Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1574
Van Rooyenskraal Guest Farm S/C, Tel: +27 (0) 44 956 1009
Verlorenrivier, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1906
Villa D’ Lockyer Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1998
Willowmore Caravan Park, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1116
B AV I A A N S K L O O F W E S T
Albertspark Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1116
Bakkrans Cave, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1012
Baviaanskloof Guest Cottages, Tel: +27 (0) 44 874 3450
Bo-Kloof B&B And Camping, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 2192
Cedar Guest House & Retreat, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1751
Cob Cottage For Two, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1751
Damsedrif Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1026
Die Waenhuis, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1174
Doodsklip, EC Nature conservation, Tel: +27 (0) 43 742 4450
Doringbosch Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1954
Doringkloof 4x4 Bush Camp, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1160
Duiwekloof Lodge & Campsite, Tel: +27 (0) 44 384 1448
Ec Parks Accommodaton, Tel: +27 (0) 43 742 4450
Just For Two Cottage, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1751
Komdomo, EC Nature conservation, Tel: +27 (0) 43 742 4450
Krugerspoort Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1808
Kudu Kaya Chalets S/C & Camping, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0793
Makkedaat Caves & Camping at Rietrivier Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1921
11
Nooitgedacht Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1027/1990 (a/h)
Rooihoek, EC Nature conservation, Tel: +27 (0) 43 742 4450
Sederkloof Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1122
Speekhout Treehouse,Tea Garden & Campsite, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1056
UitspanGuestFarm,Camping,Restaurant&Bar, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1511
Vaalwater Lodge & Campsite, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1941
Verlorenrivier Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1906
Zandvlakte Guest Farm, Tel: +27 (0) 49 839 1002
B AV I A A N S K L O O F E A S T
Baviaanskloof Lodge, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 7900
Bruintjieskraal Campsite, Tel: +27 (0) 84 515 0993
Die Skoolhuis Guest House, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0797
Glencoe Chalet, Tel: +27 (0) 84 515 0993
Kudu Kaya, Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0793
E L A N D S R I V E R VA L L E Y
Burrows Bush Camp, Tel: +27 (0)82 659 8904
12
13
USEFUL INFORMATION
For contact details for food and groceries, vehicles, home services,
liquor, medical practitioners, nurseries & garden services, pharmacy,
professional, cleaning, legal services, photography, security, timber
decks, housing, health and beauty call the local or international
telephone directory.
Local telephone directory: 1023
International telephone directory: 10903
H A N D Y T R AV E L T I P S
• At the closest airport, get directions and information from marked
information counters
• Stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables and luggage at
all times
• Store your valuables and passport in the hotel safety deposit box
• When you go sight-seeing, plan your route beforehand
• Use registered and qualified tour guides. Contact tourism offices for
a list of qualified tour guides
• Look out for stray animals on the road
• In the event of an accident, contact the police and emergency services
immediately
I M P O RTA N T N U M B E R S
Ambulance: 10177 or +27 (0) 46 624 4240
Police: 10111 or +27 (0) 46 622 222
Fire Station: + 27 (0) 46 624 1111 or +27 (0) 46 624 1140
D I S TA N C E TA B L E
14
COME & EXPLORE THE
OF OUR WORLD
ADDO, BAVIAANS & THE GAMTOOS VALLEY,
GRAHAMSTOWN, JEFFREYS BAY & ST FRANCIS, KAROO,
SUNSHINE COAST, TSITSIKAMMA & THE LANGKLOOF
Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve Bookings
Tel: +27 (0) 43 742 4450
Baviaanskloof Tourism - Willomore
Tel: +27 (0) 44 923 1702 | E-mail: info@baviaans.co.za
Web: www.baviaans.co.za
Baviaanskloof Tourism - Steytlerville
Tel: +27 (0) 49 835 0484 | E-mail: s.info@baviaans.co.za.
Gamtoos Tourism Information Office
Tel: +27 (0) 83 556 3206 | E-mail: info@baviaans.net
Tolbos
Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 0437 | E-mail: tolbos@baviaans.net
Komdomo Office
Tel: +27 (0) 42 283 7912/3
Hankey Tourism
Tel: +27 (0) 42 284 0543
www.travelbaviaans.co.za