'Valley of Baboons' Running Trail
Hemmed in by the Kouga and Baviaanskloof mountain ranges, this unspoiled ‘Valley of Baboons’ is perfect for running and cycling.
If you plan on facing up to the full brunt of the Baviaanskloof route, the best way to do so is with a back-up vehicle in tow. You’ll be in for 170 km of brutal running along rough gravel roads within one of South Africa’s remotest wilderness areas.
Start off from the Willowmore side, running away from the N9. After 37 km you’ll reach your first major climb along the gritty Nuwekloof Pass. One thing you can bargain on is this: if you go down, you will definitely have to come back up again. The gravel road winds along steep slopes for a further 40 km to Studtis, before heading into a rough 25 km stretch with several river crossings en route to Sandvlakte past the adjacent Coleske Farm.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in the Baviaanskloof area is a popular pastime for MTB enthusiasts. The scenic ‘Valley of Baboons’ route is strenuous and challenging, but worth the view of unspoilt landscapes and quiet beauty of the valley. You can start biking from Willowmore, pedalling away from the N9. After 37 km you’ll reach your first major climb along the gritty Nuwekloof Pass. The gravel road winds along steep slopes for a further 40 km to Studtis, before heading into a rough 25 km stretch with a number of river crossings en route to Sandvlakte and the adjacent Coleske Farm.
It doesn’t get any easier as you crank towards Smitskraal and the Kouga Dam, ascending along a seemingly endless mountain pass which dips and climbs amidst amber cliffs and wooded valleys. The road clings precariously to the steep and densely wooded slopes, carving a swathe through indigenous vegetation spanning five divergent biomes. The final stretch will take you down a gravel switchback, across more low-water bridges and through dense woods before you blast through the gate and onto the R331 to Patensie. The attraction of the Baviaanskloof is best experienced on a multi-day cycle ride, with overnight stops at self-catering farm cottages or camp sites along the way.
One of the most challenging mountain biking routes is the Trans Baviaans, a 24hr mountain bike marathon single stage race of 230 km from Willowmore in the heart of the Eastern Cape Karoo through the world heritage site and remote Baviaanskloof. It finishes in Jeffreys Bay, the surfing capital of South Africa. Simply put, it is the original and toughest single stage race in the world!
4x4 Trails
The Glenmore 4x4 Trail is located on a farm in the Baviaanskloof, and consists of 5 trails.
The five trails, called Springbok, Kudu, Dassie, River and Duiker, range from easy to moderate difficulty, depending on the time of year it is used. The trail crosses over various terrains, including mud, water and rocks, therefore a high-clearance vehicle is needed for self-drive tracks.
Deeper into the Baviaanskloof mountain range you’ll find the Doringkloof 4x4 Trail. The area’s rugged landscape makes it popular amongst 4x4 enthusiasts. There are 5 routes to choose from, the longest being 78 km. The routes vary in difficulty, but all of them offer exquisite views of untouched landscapes and an abundance of fauna and flora.
The Timbila Nature Reserve near Willowmore also offers 3 different 4x4 routes. They are focused on game viewing and appreciating the natural surrounds. The routes are about 40 km and can take anywhere between two and six hours to complete.