This was my favorite photo from our visit to the Kouga Dam in the Gamtoos Valley to see it overflowing. I just slapped I with a bit of HDR to give it a bit of a more striking look. A dam like this overflowing is always a sight to behold.
A week or two three ago we spent the weekend at Tia Ghee Tented Camp in the Gamtoos Valley and heard that the Kouga Dam was still overflowing after good late winter and spring rains. We immediately decided to take a drive up to the dam for a look and we definitely weren't disappointed. From the tar road, very close to where it becomes dirt going into the Baviaanskloof, there is a dirt road turnoff to the left and about 7…
The Baviaanskloof is an UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the Cape Floral Kingdom but it could just as easily also have been one because of the KhoiSan history and heritage that is found here. Spending a relaxing weekend at Baviaans Lodge I learned that there is quite an important rock painting site on the property. The extra bonus was that Alan Fogarty of Alan Tours, probably one of the top nature guides in the Eastern Cape, was spending the weekend at the…
If I had to show this photo to anybody and ask them where the picture was taken, they would probably guess places like the Tsitsikamma, Knysna forest or Hogsback. Although all of these are likely candidates, in all cases they would be wrong. This specific scene is hidden away in a valley near Baviaans Lodge in the Baviaanskloof.
South Africa has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. These are places such as a forest, mountain, lake, island, desert, monument, building, complex, or city that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural, natural or physical significance. One of the South African World Heritage Sites is the Cape Floral Kingdom. The Cape Floristic Region, the smallest of the six recognised floral kingdoms of the world, is home to more than 9 000 plant species of…
One of the best parts of exploring while traveling is discovering hidden gems. Some of these hides are figuratively, as in somewhere (either a place or establishment) off the beaten track that the hordes haven't discovered yet. Sometimes you find places that are literally hidden though. One of these I found on our weekend at Baviaans Lodge recently. A walk along a stream up one of the valleys near the lodge brought us to a breathtaking spot with a river pool, sheer…
The Baviaanskloof must be on the bucket list of a lot of South African travellers. Stunning scenic beauty which, if she was a person, would put her in the top three of a Miss Universe competition. Isolation, but not like just around the corner where you can't hear the traffic. A true wilderness area. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnighting in caves or on a river beach next to sheer cliffs. Challenging roads. Unfortunately for us mere sedan drivers a big part…
The Baviaanskloof. A place where nature, scenic beauty, fresh air, great hospitality and, where I was at Baviaans Lodge in the south, no electricity and no cell phone reception, reigns supreme. Keep an eye on the blog in the next few days to read all about our Baviaans Lodge experience.