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Date: 2025/04/18
Departure From: Karoo National Park (Beaufort West)
Departure Time: 07h20
Destination Name: Duiwekloof Lodge Campsite (Baviaanskloof)
Arrival Time: 12h39
Total Travel time: 5:19 hours
Weather:
Misty and cold. Mist lifted by 08h30 and it warmed up
Departure Temperature: 9C
Peak Temperature: 24C
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 242 051
End: 242 289
Total Distance: 238
Passes:
Passes:
Perdepoort Pass [Tar]
Nuwekloof Pass (Raaskrans) [Gravel]
Nuwekloof Pass - The Key - Threatens to block the pass if it falls
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
I did not see any wildlife while driving from the campsite to the main entrance gate of the Karoo National Park (KNP). I joined the N1 and headed West and turned South onto the N12. I then took the gravel road to Rietbron where I turned off onto the R306 gravel road to Willowmore. While driving along the R306, about 34km from Willowmore, a farm worker, Benjamin, was hitching a lift to Willowmore. I stopped and picked him up and dropped him off in Willowmore. He was visiting his grandmother for the weekend.
I stopped at Kapoet Farmstall for breakfast. I was not the only traveller having breakfast and the Farmstall was busy. After breakfast I headed off for the last stretch to Duiwekloof.
Kapoet Farmstall in Willowmore
For a great perspective of Baviaanskloof, view the YouTube Video Cape2Kruger on Tracks4Africa.
The gravel road through the Nuwekloof pass and through Baviaanskloof to Duiwekloof Campsite was in a relatively good condition so progress was good. At the top of the Nuwekloof Pass I stopped to call my wife to let her know I was descending into Baviaanskloof and would probably have none or intermittent cell phone reception for the next 4 or 5 days. The last section from the Duiwekloof entrance gate to the campsite was rocky and had to be taken slowly. The campsite is situated about 1.7km up the valley and after the first 500m, it felt that you were entering paradise and were isolated from the rest of the world.
The place is completely off-grid, but it did have solar panels for electricity, gas for heating and lovely crystal clear water from the stream that flowed through the narrow kloof. If I was a "prepper" I think this would be the best place in the world to choose.
Kwirky Giraffe Statues at the Entrance to Duiwekloof
I occupied Campsite #1
Orrelgrot
Duiwekloof has chalets and campsites. The campsites are spread out so one does not feel surrounded by other campers. The reception lady pointed out the campsites and handed me literature that included 5 hiking trails of varying distances and difficulty. As I was the first person to arrive for the day, I could select any campsite. The electricity points in the camp site are meant for lighting only.
I setup camp at site 1 near the ablutions and then headed off for my first hike of my adventure trip, along the Orrelgrot Trail. The trail is 2.41 km and is classified as difficult and estimated to take 1 to 2 hours as it takes you up the steep mountain to caves. The area has lots of Vynbos and bees were buzzing around collecting nectar. It took me 1:20 hrs to complete the trail.
I arrived back at camp and other campers and chalet guests started arriving. Derrick, his wife and friend arrived and setup camp next to me. I setup my office to work on my photos and videos and Derrick popped over and we chatted for a while, which was very nice of him.
Duiwekloof Chalet
Duiwekloof has a nice farm feeling with goats, sheet, geese and chickens and green-houses for growing herbs and vegetables. The campsites have lovely green grass and the setting is very rustic. While each campsite includes an electrical point, they are meant for lighting only. The campsite includes a kitchen, ablutions and communual lounge and braai area that are very funtional.
Ablutions & Kitchen
Communual Lounge and Braai
Swimming Pool and Bar
Duiwekloof Chalets and Campsite
The Route:
The Route:
Places Travelled:
Rietbron
Willowmore
Orrelgrot Hiking Trail (2,41km)
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