The Best Off-Road Adventure: Exploring Baviaanskloof in South Africa

If you enjoy off-road activities like driving, biking, or cycling, then Baviaanskloof is a must-visit destination for you.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to experience this incredible off-road route myself. After a relaxing night in Grahamstown, my friend Frans and I met up with Jan and Faan in the morning. They had just finished a fascinating heritage session in Jeffrey’s Bay. As we gathered in Patensie around 11am, Frans and I were the first to arrive in town.

When Jan called me, he seemed a bit upset after his morning surf and told us to drop everything and head to the shops for supplies. I could sense that Mr. Braai wasn’t in the best mood.

So, in the end, both cars made it to the shopping center in Patensie at around the same time. I quickly realized that Jan didn’t have a great time on his new board. It seems he didn’t impress the locals at our famous point-break and there may have been some swearing involved. And it wasn’t just Jan who was swearing.

As if that wasn’t enough, Jan’s mood took another hit when he noticed the ding in the side of the bakkie that Frans had accidentally made the night before while trying to park in the narrow space at the guest house. So, it wasn’t the most peaceful drive out of Patensie that morning.

But, as you can probably guess, the peace didn’t last.

So, here’s the thing, I’m a pretty laid-back person. I don’t usually sweat the small stuff, like wiping out while surfing. But let me tell you, even the grumpiest of grumps would struggle to stay mad after driving through Baviaanskloof that afternoon. There’s just something magical about cruising down a dirt road surrounded by breathtaking views that can make any problem seem insignificant.

When I embarked on the journey from Patensie to the N9, our trusty Mapstudio “Book of the Road” indicated a distance of approximately 190 kilometers. However, due to our zigzagging and occasional backtracking (all in the spirit of experiencing the thrill of splashing through enormous puddles and drifting at maximum speed, much to the delight of the cameras), our odometers recorded a slightly higher distance of around 200 kilometers by the time we reached the tar road again the following day.

Believe me, if you truly want to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this incredible 4×4 trail, it’s best to embark on your adventure after a good downpour of rain. The trail truly comes alive in the muddy aftermath, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. If you’re in the mood for some awe-inspiring visuals of the drive through the kloof, be sure to catch the 10th episode of the Braai Tour show on KykNet. The camera crew was in their element, capturing breathtaking footage as we tackled the trail.

Have you heard of Baviaanskloof? It’s one of the incredible places that are part of a special group called the World Heritage Site of the Cape Floral Region. There are eight locations in total, and each one is a beautiful haven for plants. Of course, Baviaanskloof isn’t the only one. There are seven other places that also have this special status.

One of these places is the Cape Peninsular. We had our first braai there, and it was amazing! It’s a fantastic spot that’s full of nature and history. The other six places are Groot Winterhoek, the Cederberg, Boland Mountains, De Hoop, Boosmansbos, and the Swartberg. They each have their own unique charm and are worth exploring.

Now, if you want to drive on the Baviaanskloof road that passes through the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area between Cambria and Coleskeplaas, you’ll need a permit. It costs R20 per person, and you can easily get one at either of the gates when you enter the area. So, don’t forget to grab your permit before you hit the road!

Last Friday night, my group and I had the most extraordinary experience at Makkedaat Caves. It was a refreshing change as it was the first time in 34 days that it was just the six of us enjoying a barbecue together. We had delicious rump steak, a variety of greens, and an abundance of wood to create a roaring fire. To top it off, we had plenty of ice for our drinks.

Makkedaat is truly a remarkable place. Tannie Henriette and her husband, who are incredibly friendly, manage the rustic yet well-designed accommodation. They offer a converted farm house cottage, known as the “potato room,” as well as a few camping sites. However, the real highlight is the five converted caves. Each cave is furnished, comfortable, and discreetly spread out along the narrow gorge that leads away from their farm, just off the Baviaanskloof road near Willowmore.

I must say, it was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. By 10:30 PM, we were all fast asleep. After a refreshing eight hours of rest (although the 6 AM wake-up call was not as pleasant), we headed to Graaf-Reniet. We managed to arrive just in time to freshen up and make it to our 11 AM appointment for tea with the town’s mayor.