Baviaanskloof Uitspan Campsite – Get in Touch with Nature
A really great place to go camping in the Eastern Cape is the Baviaanskloof Uitspan Campsite, which is settled amongst the beautiful natural vegetation and tranquility of the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. South Africa’s Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area is situated roughly 120 km west of Port Elizabeth. It features about 270 000 hectares of absolutely breathtaking mountain terrain and the Baviaanskloof Uitspan Campsite makes all this accessible and affordable to the public. What’s more, the Baviaanskloof Wilderness features an amazing diversity of terrain, fauna and flora and there are a wide range of recreational eco-activities to enjoy in this unique wilderness.
The basic Baviaanskloof Uitspan Campsite facilities include three shady campsites. Two of these enjoy 220v of electricity, water and lights as well as a large outside braai. The third campsite is somewhat more primitive and is better enjoyed by those who prefer ‘roughing-it’. Larger groups can make use of the old kraal campsite. If the idea of sleeping in a tent doesn’t appeal to you, you can always book one of the bedrooms which are available. With all the basic facilities necessary to enjoy your stay as well as a comfortable double bed and brick walls around you, you can sleep soundly knowing that nature is being kept at bay. Not far away you will find the thatched lapa which is available to guests as a gathering and recreational area. It features a bar, an indoor braai, a pool table and even a big screen television. Most people prefer to make use of the lapa during the evenings and at night when the sun has gone down and there is little else to do.
There are a variety of activities which you can enjoy whilst camping at the Baviaanskloof Uitspan Campsite. For starters the surrounding kloofs are best explored on one of the many walks that lead off from the campsite and take about an hour to complete. They will help you get better acquainted with the various indigenous tree and plant life in the area and offer great bird watching opportunities. If you enjoy mountain climbing, you will find that Baviaanskloof offers an endless variety of cliffs which can be climbed. Of course, you can hop in the dam or river during the heat of the day and enjoy a spot of swimming or you can try the rope slide for fun. There is also some San Rock Art in the area which is worth looking at. And just in case you get a puncture whilst exploring some of the more rugged terrain, there is a tyre repair centre at the campsite. If you plan to stay at the Baviaanskloof Uitspan Campsite, you should note that it is wise to book in advance. You should also be aware that there are no refuel points or shopping facilities in the reserve. All such activities should be completed before entering the reserve.