The Baviaans Camino - a new route in the Baviaans
No matter where in Kouga region you are you will be
aware of the majestic Baviaanskloof Mountains to the north. The Baviaans is a
favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and they will be happy to know
that a new route open to hikers and horse riders has just been launched.
Owners of the Chokka Trail and Baviaans Horse Rides
have joined forces in establishing the Baviaans Camino, which traverses the
Baviaanskloof Mountains as well as the Kouga Mountains.
The route is for both hikers and horse riders.
Horse riders need not be experienced riders but hikers on the other had need to
be fit as the route includes many ascents and descents over the mountains.
The popular Baviaanskloof is formed by two mountain
ranges, the Baviaanskloof Mountains to the north, and the Kouga Mountains on
the southern side. Traversing the two mountain ranges brings you as close to
mother nature as possible, as for days there are hardly any signs of human
life. No alien vegetation, no litter, no electrical lines. The area is home to
7 of the 9 biomes, and as you walk you move from spekboom to aloes, to century
old cycads, mountian fynbos and proteas. Birdlife is prolific, particularly in
the lower lying kloofs.
The route starts in the Karoo, on the outer edge of
the Baviaanskloof Reserve, in an area known as Nakop. Hikers immediately tackle
a climb of almost 4km, with an elevation of 1 208m at the highest point, with
an unimpeded view over the Karoo to the north, and the Baviaanskloof to the
south. A 7km rocky road leads down to the main road of the kloof, and
eventually to the overnight point at Doringkloof Bush Camp.
On the second day you tackle the opposite side of
the Baviaanskloof, again with high climbs and long descents. The chance of
seeing another human is almost impossible, which gives hikers the chance to
become one with nature. The third day follows an old road in many kloofs,
giving birders ample joy, before another long climb takes you to the top of one
of the highest hills on the Kouga mountain range. There is then a soft
introduction back into civilization as you stay on a working farm, also home to
a beneficiary of this hike, the Nooitgedacht Primary School.
Nooitgedacht Primary is a tiny farm school with 34
learners from Grade R to Grade 7 and 3 teachers tend to educating the learners.
The school operates a feeding scheme and provides the children with a hot meal
daily even though there is no electricity for cooking, lighting or heating. The
school’s aim is to install solar panels and for this reason all their fund
raising efforts contribute to this goal. It is this school that provide the
including catering for hikers and riders on this trail.
The final day of the hike brings another ascent via
the Moordenaarskloof Pass before you reach the last night’s destination being
the Kouga River..
“We have done our final scouting for the new route
with Hercules van Huyssteen from the popular Baviaans Horse Rides on his horse
Bismark, and the presence of the horse made the hike very special for the
group,” says Eric Stewart, co-organiser of the Baviaans Camino. “We then
realised that the route is ideal for those who love horses, but might not have
the necessary experience.”
For more stunning shots of the hike see https://www.flickr.com/photos/representationplus/albums/72157674078570721
For more information on the next available date for
the Baviaans Camino, contact Esti Stewart on 073 825 0835 or via email on esti.stewart@vodamail.co.za.
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