Garden Route, part 4, Baviaanskloof, 24 - 26 December

We traveled via the R62 in the direction of Joubertina along the scenic Langkloof and then on to Kareedouw. At the Assegaaibosh Station we bought ice cream (our last for the couple of coming days but we didn't know that at that moment) and followed the directions as set out from this junction.

The journey to Baviaans Lodge was already part of the adventure and we wished we hired an off road or 4x4 vehicle! The lodge is very isolated far from the nearest town.

The road crosses the mountains and the valley of the Kouga river.

It's literally at the end of a very long dirt road. The drive is beautiful and exciting as you're never sure if you are driving in the right directions.

 Maarten became immediate friend with the youngest of the owner's children. So we practically didn't see him during our stay. I can't say I liked all the "kids'" activities particularly pulling the ticks out of the turtle and dogs disgusted me. But anyway, Maarten had a blast and we could go exploring the surroundings.

There was a "boomslang", a poisonous snake, that lived in the tree by the entrance to the dining room. We could only see a part of his greenish body as the branches were very dense but he was so low we could touch him. I wasn't the only one who was not comfortable walking under the low hanging branches. Also the dogs barked nervously.  

Our stone cottage had a big potential but was "a little" run down. The shower hose and head was laying outside at the picnic table and Rob, the owner, didn't seem to be worried about that. Therefore in the evening "my Rob" had to screw it into the bath faucet.


And what about the gas water heater?!

But the nice and friendly owner made up for it and the location was absolutely stunning, tranquil and peaceful.. There was no electricity, no cell phone coverage. A quiet and secluded destination definitely only for nature lovers, those who are prepared to take the less travelled road.

Ferns from the dinosaurs time are found here.

The first evening Rob and one of his sons drove us up the mountains to have a sundowner with a magnificent views all around the mountains.



Admiring one of the many majestic and ancient Outeniqua yellowwoods along the trail.

  The day after we had a nice walk along a riverside up a lost "kloof" with swimming holes.  


We had to climb up a very steep rock to get into an ancient cave to view some of the San paintings.

 

  

Descending was even more challenging.



Closeby the lodge we came across those two parents...



...and their baby.

Ready for the Christimas dinner together with Rob's kids and Rein and Andre, our fellow travelers for several days.

On our last day we took a walk up to a San people shelter to admire their rock paintings and also to enjoy the stunning views.

Too bad we had to leave this place. Maarten was extremely sad leaving his new friends behind but Rob told him he is welcome to come and stay whenever he wants.  

But the adventure wasn't over yet! Surely not for Rein and Andre.

 "Helping" the turtle to move off the road to allow our car to pass.