Kouga Wildernis, Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape on Budget-Getaways

Budget Getaways Review

Now here’s a getaway where you can really escape in the true sense of the word - over 3000ha of historic Langkloof farm bordering the majestic Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, 28 kays from Joubertina.

Kouga Wildernis has been farmed by the Ferreira family for over two centuries. Not only do they know a thing or two about farming, but they're also experts at keeping guests happy.

A recent visitor from neighbouring Namibia writes, “This is only place where I have ever really come to rest without the crowds; the houses are set in spectacular surroundings and there are so many things that you can discover and explore.” Another from nearby Port Elizabeth exclaims, “The Ferreira's are fantastic hosts, the tranquility of this place is awesome and the facilities excellent.”

Moving directly onto the accommodation, the three self-catering abodes are spaced minimum 300m apart, and come with mountain views and their own nearby swimming holes along the course of the Klein River.

Kicking off with Oom Carl se Huis, this is a large renovated farmhouse sleeping a group of 12 - whether two families or group of chilled friends. The house has three bedrooms, each with double or twin beds (and extra bunk beds), two bathrooms, a large living room with fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a voorstoep kitted out with comfy couches.

Down the gravel track is Heuningkrans Chalet, a nice timber number with a large stoep and a backdrop of Kouga mountain. Heuningkrans features two double bedrooms (one with an extra single bed), with shared bathroom (shower and bath). The kitchen is open-plan to the living room. Stepping outside in your Stokies you'll find a built-in braai area to the side of stoep.

Further down the track is River Chalet, fronted by its own dedicated natural swimming pool. This timber cottage also sports two bedrooms (double and a three-quarter, with extra bunk beds), open-plan kitchen and living room that opens to covered stoep and outside braai area.

For all ye rough and ready campers out there, there's a full Bully Beef can of options at Kouga Wildernis: ranging from a four-sleeper Caravan equipped with bedding, stove, kettle and all cutlery and crockery, to a shaded Campsite with ten sites equipped with power points, hot showers, a swimming pool and large lapa with fridge, picnic tables, braai spots and a gesellig fire area.

Still too tame? In that case opt for an exclusive Bush Camp experience - tucked at the end of a track near a swimming hole and offering the ultimate in wild camping. Here you've got three campsites (which can accommodate up to 15 campers), flush toilet, a gas geyser shower as well as a tap with clean drinking water.

Now be warned: the emphasis at Kouga Wildernis is on all things outdoors, so you better pace yourself. The activity list is a long one... 1. Put that Avis Chico to the test on one of four 4x4 trails on the farm. 2. Sign up for a spot of abseiling; 3. Head off on a mountain bike trail; 4. Fish for bass in the Kouga River; 5. Trek up the mountain, with a choice of four hiking trails on offer; 5. Swim; 6. Birdwatch; 7. Braai; 8. Braai some more.

So if you're heading Eastern Cape way and seeking comfortable (or rustic) lodgings, raw nature and a platter of potential action, Kouga Wildernis ticks just about every box.

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Guest Reviews

Overall Rating (based on 2 reviews)

Standard of facilities

Appeal of setting

Professionalism

Value for money

"The family really enjoyed our time at Kouga Wildernis. Our hosts were extremely helpful and accommodating. We arrived during a chilly winter spell, so the indoor fire place worked wanders. It's a great place to get away from technology with no cell phone reception (limited wifi back at the office)."

(visited Jul 2022)

"A lovely laid back farm stay. Lovely views. Lovely walks and hikes."

(visited Jan 2021)

"Definitely one of the nicest campsites I have stayed out (for the 2nd time). Camped in the Bush Camp... exclusive to one party, perfectly private. Well appointed campsite, acceptable rustic ablution facilities. Lovely walks around. Will definitely go back for a third visit!"

(visited Apr 2019)

"Our first visit to the Eastern Cape mountains / Southern Baviaanskloof / Kouga Wildernis - and we were not disappointed. From the road leading to the farm (off the Route 62 and into the mountains), the sense of peace and remoteness, mountains and valleys all around, to the well-run and professional farm and its owners. For us, the highlights were the setting, the peace, the indoor lapa (which, even on a hot day, is cool inside - and includes a wonderful fridge and freezer, tables, chairs, 2 indoor braai areas, and views all around), the pool at main camp, the walks, the pleasant stroll from main camp to our bush camp, the actual bush camp - privacy and its amazing cliff (and creatures), the impressive hot shower and flushing loo at the bush camp, and our own little piece of river at bush camp. The guys loved doing the 4x4 trails (and yes, to do them, you must have a 4x4) - but to get to the farm, a sedan is not a problem. There were plenty of snakes around (we felt like we were in a National Geographic documentary most of the time, watching the boomslange on the cliffs, trying their luck with the baby chicks in the nests). We certainly hope to be back, thank you to the Ferreira family for sharing your farm with us city people!"

(visited Dec 2017)

"Awesome!"

(visited Oct 2017)

"Absolutely stunning. Nico and Melodie were very friendly and a lovely couple."

"We planned a very last-minute visit to Kouga Wildernis with our 4 kids, as we were in serious need of a break from our daily drudgery. I went first with the 4 girls and my boyfriend came later. I ended up with a flat tyre abut 3km from the main house (very good gravel road), with no cellphone reception. We walked until we got reception and then called Nico to come help us. He was there super-fast, even though he had juat come home from P.E with his wife who had been in hospital. He rescued us girls and then sent us in the direction of our beautiful riverside cabin. We drove up to warm lights welcoming us (it was dark by now) and, after unpacking, sat on the edge of the boardwalk imagining the scenery we'd wake up to in the morning. We were not disappointed - it was more beautiful than we had imagined! And the total sense of isolation was exactly what we had wished for. We spent the 2 days we were there exploring, braaing and cycling. The kids (from age 3 - 8) went off by themselves with not a worry and entertained themselves collecting cool bush stuff and swinging on the swings in the campsite. We even dared to swim in the river - icy cold but clear and fresh. We'd forgotten our potjie and Nico kindly lent us theirs. We left on Sunday with my fixed tyre, some amazing homemade apricot jam, and the feeling that we will be back!"

(visited Mar 2017)

"This is definitely one of the best camp sites we've ever visited. If you appreciate private camping, beautiful surroundings, good facilities, off the grid, off the beaten track - then the Bush Camp is the place for you."

(visited Dec 2016)

"If you're looking for a place to recharge your spiritual batteries (or just getting away from it all), this is it. The seclusion, the wonderful night sounds, the beautiful bird-life , the natural pools (and many more) make this an awesome destination. We had a great time and would most certainly return."

(visited January 2016)

"A nice farm location, several (mountainous) walks for us and our dogs. We staid in Oom Carl se Huis, the three bedrooms are a bit overcrowded with each three beds. We only stayed with two people, with three in each bedroom it might be challenging. Besides a few hairs in the shower and on the soap (yak!) it was clean, in fact the towels were as clean and as white as mint. The interior is, as usual with Budget Getaway accommodation, assembled from whatever was left over or could be obtained, so not really charming, but everything you need is there. I would come back anytime."

(visited April 2015)

"What a wonderful mountain getaway! Facilities excellent, and Nico and Melodie were wonderful hosts. Will be returning very soon. A very big thank-you to Nico and Melodie for sharing their little piece of "Heaven on Earth" with us."

(visited March 2015)

"There are a few basic essentials to the ultimate camping trip: 1) a dramatic setting; 2) plenty of space; 3) lots to do and finally, happy campers. The whole lot go hand in hand at Kouga Wilderness' awesome bush camp. What a place! With a towering cliff behind you, a gorgeous stream and swimming hole in front of you and it's all yours to enjoy, no one else for miles around. For a camping adventure for the whole family, this one must rank as one of the best out there. Thanks Nico for sharing this gem with us."

(visited February 2015)

"We spent two weeks camping at Kouga over Christmas 2014 and loved it so much that we came back for another two weeks this year! The well equipped communal area takes away the 'bad parts' of camping with shelter and awesome indoor braai's, for when it rains, shade and cool when it is stinking hot, and fridges and freezers to store those cases of frosties. Melody and Nico are wonderful hosts in a zero connectivity spot totally removed from the demands and distractions of technology."

(visited January 2015)

"Kouga Wildernis's Bush Camp never fails to impress! As an escape from the crowds on the Garden Route coast during a chaotic December, this is one very appealing and tranquil bolt-hole to head for. Towering mountains, a crystal clear river and plenty of shade, summer holidays don't get better than this."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our four days at the Kouga Wildernis. Nico and Melodie were very hospitable and we enjoyed chatting to them. The farm is beautiful and we enjoyed the hikes on the mountains and in the kloofs. The swimming pool was lovely to swim in in the beautiful surroundings. A very peaceful setting."

(visited December 2014)

"This is a real hidden gem of a mountain getaway. Nico was a wonderful host and even came out to help us when our 4x4 broke down about 6km from Kouga Wilderness after we had left. They have so much to offer from camping to a beautiful old farm house. Beautifully maintained and such special attention from the Ferreira's. My husband spent the one day hiking from dawn till dusk! We will definitely go back and take friends and family along next time round. Can't wait to return."

(visited October 2014)

"It was my first time going to the Lankloof area, We arrived at night so needless to say we did not see the route that we traveled. First of all Oom Nico took us too our own seclusive chalet which was so cosy and neat, and we stood and talked for quite some time before he left. Everything was there that you need, we only had to take our food and drinks. Next morning when we awoke, wow, what an awesome sight, the most beautiful scenery ever and it is so quiet! We made fire in the inside "kaggel" and just enjoyed the most beautiful sight in front of us. Oom Nico brought us a map on where the walking trails are and off we went. We decided to go and see where Oom Karelse huis was and the Lapa area, beautiful, just walking, taking photos and was amazed by everything we saw. Oom Nico invited us to his place to watch the big Rugby game and when we arrived there we were greeted by aunt Melodie. They made us feel so at home as if we were family. Next day we went strolling to the other side of the camp to the Bushcamp and the waterfall. I could not stop taking photos. The bird life and just the scenic route was so beautiful. The road back (which by the way is 28km gravel road) took us 1 and a half hours to get to the tar road ... why? you say? The landscaping was amazing. I stopped 37 times to take photos. I can't wait for the next months visit. Thank you Oom Nico and Antie Melody. Julle het pelle vir life nou."

(visited June 2014)

Kouga Wildernis

Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape

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