Eastern Cape | Addo to Baviaanskloof

In the late afternoon of the first day you meet the Bhejane crew and your fellow travellers in camp. We enjoy our first dinner together around a cosy campfire, getting to know one another and discussing the journey ahead.

Before arrival in camp, each vehicle must ensure that all final logistical details such as the filling of fuel tanks and personal shopping (snacks, drinks, medication, etc.) are completed. At dinner time we'll discuss the route itinerary and what to expect for the journey ahead.

After an early morning breakfast and a radio check, we start our adventure. We travel west through a picturesque dairy farming region, driving at a leisurely pace to appreciate the beauty of the rolling green grasslands meeting the ocean. We pass through Addo’s southern section, Woody Cape, on our way to Alexandria.

By mid-morning we reach the town of Alexandria, a small farming village established in the mid 18th Century. From here we continue westward, visiting an interesting Voortrekker monument on our way to Colchester.  Our campsite this evening is on the banks of the Sundays River and overlooks the magnificent Alexandria dune fields.

Today our journey leads us north and into the realm of the largest land animals on the planet. We enter the Addo Elephant National Park via its southern gate and spend the day traveling towards the main camp in the north, taking our time to view wildlife along the way.

We spend two nights in Addo to fully appreciate what the park has to offer. Whether you are a keen birder, wildlife photographer or simply enjoy taking time out in nature, Addo’s many waterholes, hides and game viewing loop roads are all excellent ways to observe the park’s 417 species of birds and 95 mammals, including the Big 5 and over 600 elephants.

After two nights in Addo we leave the main camp and head for the Zuurberg Pass. This winding gravel road across the mountains dates back to the 1850’s and served as the main route connecting Port Elizabeth with the interior before the N10 was constructed. On the northern end of the pass we stop at Ann’s Villa where an inn, trading post, shop, bakery and blacksmith served the ox wagon travellers of old.

From Ann’s Villa we turn west and travel along the northern borders of Addo and past the Darlington dam. After passing the railway station at Wolwekraal we head for the neat Karoo town of Steytlerville where we spend the night.

After a scrumptious breakfast the next morning our convoy continues in a westerly direction. We visit the town of Willowmore, known for being the gateway to the Baviaanskloof. After perusing the town’s attractions we make our way to the Baviaanskloof.

Our first night is spent in the western half of the Baviaanskloof. The next morning we continue traveling west along the valley, stopping along the way to explore some of its hidden beauty and meet a few of its people. Our next camp is near the entrance to the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, our destination for the following day.

Today’s driving distance is not that far yet travelling through the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve will keep us busy for most of the day. We take on a few river crossings, narrow gravel roads and three incredible mountain passes on our way through the reserve. Today’s drive is one for the bucket list!

In the afternoon we arrive at our next campsite in the Cambria Valley, a beautiful citrus farming region only a short distance from the town of Patensie. 

The next morning after breakfast we start the day with a visit to the Kouga Dam. From here we make our way down the Gamtoos Valley. We pass more citrus farms surrounding the towns of Patensie and Hankey before turning south to follow the flow of the Gamtoos River.

A scenic drive takes us over rolling mountains and down the Gamtoos River Valley towards the Indian Ocean. After a couple of interesting stops along the way we finally reach the river mouth from where we turn to our campsite, a lovely location on the riverbank. Here we spend our last dinner together and reminisce about our incredible adventure around a warm campfire.

After a final hearty breakfast together, the Bhejane crew bid you farewell. From camp the N2 highway is within a stone’s throw to lead you on your onward journey. Safe travels!