The Kouga Baviaans Hike is a slackpacking trail in the Baviaanskloof of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The Kouga Baviaans Hike is a circular 54km hike in the heart of the Kouga Mountain range and the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Reserve, with a view over the Baviaanskloof Mountains. Access to the start/finish of the hike is via the southern access road to the Baviaanskloof from Kareedouw, only 30km on a good dirt road.
You meet the crew at Mooigedacht, and can enjoy an unguided out-and-back 3km hike to the waterfall before farmer Pierre Strydom shows us how the 2022 Top SA Border Collie, Kyla, handles some sheep.
On day 2 the 18km hike has one steep uphill, shortly after breakfast, before you enjoy the vistas of the area and descending to Bokmakierie Camp Site, where lunch is served. The last 6km of the hike meanders along the Ragels River, before a honeybush tea tasting is served at the Melmont Factory over a short talk.
Day 3 takes hikers to Entkraal, a remote outpost on a cattle and honeybushtea farm, but not without a stop at the Joubertskraal Farm, where we will meet farmers Anton and Saskia Boonzaaier.
The last day takes you back on a different road to Mooigedacht, where we will enjoy a last lunch. It is recommended to book another night at Mooigedacht and only depart the next morning.
The hike is available to groups between 4 and 14, however not recommended in the very hot summer months.