Baviaansklooftours - General Information

Tours are customised to the client's requirements and interests since we only take one party at a time.

We cover only the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area on one and two day trips. This includes scenic valleys, mountain passes, a hike to a waterfall in a spectacular valley or maybe along a gorge, viewing rock paintings and game watching.

The three day trips also include excursions to the western part of the Baviaanskloof where we visit some people of interest such as Lois Stahl (Country Life of November) and Michelle van Niekerk of Speekhout with her permaculture garden, tea garden and Peter’s bonsai tree collection.

Other possibilities or options are - a short hike to rock paintings, hikes into gorges in the Baviaanskloof Mountain, a botanical guided tour of indigenous plants, an aromatherapy massage session etc.

Accommodation

We also offer different accommodation options ranging from two star to four star, and from farm guest cottages to caves. Obviously the accommodation type selected will influence the price quoted elsewhere which is based on an average trip.

Payment

Payment by bank transfer into our account is preferred. A deposit may be required with the balance payable on or before departure.

Meals and Refreshments

The tours are fully catered for; you just bring your own clothing and the rest we supply.  All meals and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. You will be contacted before the tour to get details on your food and drink preferences since there are no shops in the Kloof. What we don’t take in we won’t have!  At the overnight stops wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages may be available. This will be for the client's own account.

Clothing etc

• On our trip there are some areas where we can walk, if you wish, to a waterfall, rock paintings and some other scenic spots. These are short walks but over rough and some places wet and slippery terrain so you should wear sturdy shoes that can get wet will not slip.

• Wear comfortable clothes in layers. The early morning will be chilly but it will be getting progressively warmer during the day. Don't forget a hat!

Some other useful items to take along:

• Sun block and lip salve for vital protection from the sun

• Sunglasses - ideally dark with a high U-V absorption

• Insect repellent

• Any medication you might require

Cautionary notice

• The road is very bad and we will drive very slowly over this terrain. Nevertheless you will be shaken and bumped around in the vehicle. All our tours aim to show you as many highlights as possible within a relatively short time. Some tours cover greater distances than others do, so be prepared for some long travelling days.

• The area has a lot of snakes - it is their environment and home - so we all need to be on the lookout for them.

• Itineraries are flexible and will depend on local conditions.

• By the very nature of travelling in remote areas, unforeseen circumstances such as deterioration in road conditions, bad weather, mechanical breakdowns or accidents can cause delay and change the smooth running of a tour. Please come prepared.

• Although we are extremely careful to ensure your safety at all times you should be aware that it is your responsibility to take out personal insurance. Clients should be satisfied that their insurance fully covers their personal requirements including cancellation fees where applicable.

Photos

 You will be provided with a slideshow CD of photos taken in the Kloof that you can keep with my compliments.

Feedback from a client

“I just want to say a big thank you to you again for the most wonderful time we had in Baviaanskloof. It was a trip I will never forget and I have wonderful memories and the fantastic discs you made us. It is so nice to know that there are still places left in South Africa that are unspoilt, clean and pristine nature. Your kindness towards Corinna and myself was so very much appreciated and I learnt so much about the area and the people that live there through you. I feel relaxed and able to face the rest of the year with enthusiasm. It was wonderful that we all got on so well which made the trip extra special.

I do hope that in the not too distant future I will be able to return one day and I will most certainly be telling all my friends about this incredible place and your excellent tour.

Thank you so much, Very best regards, Lydia”