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Date: 2025/04/21
Departure From: Doringkloof Campsite (Baviaanskloof)
Departure Time: 09h00
Destination Name: Kudu Kaya Campsite (Baviaanskloof)
Arrival Time: 13h30
Total Travel time: 4:30 hours
Weather:
Light rain from early morning into the evening
Departure Temperature: 16C
Peak Temperature: 18C
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 242 403
End: 242 529
Total Distance: 126
Includes 50km detour to get cell reception
Passes:
Passes:
Grasnek Pass [Gravel]
Langkop Pass [Gravel]
Holgat Pass [Gravel]
Combrink's Mountain Pass [Gravel]
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
It rained from 01h00 onwards which meant wet and slippery roads through the nature reserve passes. Mike decided to backtrack and continue along the N9 to Uniondale, on to the R62 to Graaff-Reinet and spend two nights camping to allow me to catchup again later on Tuesday.
The gravel road from Doringkloof to the Nature Reserve entrance was easy going. There was very little oncoming traffic as most people would be exiting the Nature Reserve in an eastward direction to return home after the long weekend.
The section through Grasnek Pass was reasonable but had to be taken slowly. The river crossings were not a problem. Through the deepest crossing, the water level was just above the running boards of my Defender. Two river crossings were over 50m long with thick river reeds on either side.
The road become more challenging from the Langkop Pass, past Doodsklip Campsite and through the Holgat and Combrink passes due to wash-aways and erosion. I stopped at the Doodsklip Campsite to take a coffee break. The further East one travelled, the worse the road became. I only encountered 4 oncoming vehicles during the route and it was not a problem finding a section to pull over to let them pass.
As there was no cell reception, I continued along the gravel road towards Patensie until I picked up a signal - a 50km detour. I called Mike to make sure he had arrived safely - They were driving along the R62 and not too far from Jeffrey's Bay.
I arrived at Kudu Kaya reception and was guided to the campsite further up the ravine. What a beautiful citrus farm and what fabulous campsites under the cover of indigenous forest. The camp sites are spread along the crystal clear bubbling stream and up against the mountain side. I chose to camp next to the stream because the sound of it will sooth me to sleep. The place reminded me of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape. It drizzled on and off for the rest of the day and into the evening. I erected a tarpaulin to shelter me from the rain and setup my office to download and index all the information.
As I packed my gear into the vehicle before going to bed, I realized I forgot my steel grill plate somewhere. I think it may be at Duiwekloof Camp. What a bummer, my loss, someone's gain.
Baviaanskloof - Combrink Pass Road Wash-away
Baviaanskloof - Top of the Holgat Pass
Baviaanskloof - Coffee Break at Doodsklip Campsite
Baviaanskloof - Long River Crossing
Baviaanskloof - Holgat Pass
Baviaanskloof - Combrink Pass
Kudu Kaya is a lovely campsite with ablutions scattered throughout the camping area. The camp site I used had a braai however I did not have an electrical connection point or water tap. Luckily I was close to the ablutions so water was not a problem. Due to the constant drizzle, I did not feel like checking other camp sites.
The ablutions were clean and functional. This is a great starting point for an East to West trip through Baviaanskloof or an end point for a West to East trip.
Kudu Kaya Campsite next to Stream
Kudu Kaya - Ablution
The Route:
The Route:
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