Baviaans Lodge
Quick Facts
E 24°05'56''
Budget Getaways Review
Tucked away in a lovely valley in the depths of the Kouga Mountains, this laid-back rustic getaway isn’t actually in the Baviaanskloof proper (as the name might suggest). That said, the farm does offer a gateway to the Baviaans via a 4x4 route crossing over the Kouga range, making it a neat stop-over for your 4x4, MTB or motorbike adventure into the Baviaanskloof.
Geography aside, the lodge is far removed from day to day reality as you know it. After a spectacular 45 kay gravel road drive from Kareedouw, this oasis and its six stone cottages is a happy sight to behold.
The accommodation itself centres around the 'lodge', a large stone building where hearty breakfasts, dinners and lunches are served by your hosts. There’s a bar and outdoor seating in the garden, with a spacious braai area and a cosy fireplace inside for the winter months.
Accommodation-wise, the six comfortable stone cottages are privately positioned near the lodge and have Queen beds and additional single beds for the kids. Each unit has an ensuite bathroom with shower and a covered voorstoep with views over the valley. With no Eskom power, the ambiance is set by the glow of paraffin lamps.
The outdoors reigns king here; there are great hikes up the nearby kloofs and the surrounding hills. For mountain bikers, the terrain is hilly but rewarding. If you’ve come by 4X4, the mountain trail which heads over into the Baviaanskloof is a must. Part of this this trail can be tackled on foot.
A true escape into the wilds of the Cape. As one ex-guest suggests, “One night is not enough.”
"One night is not enough! Rob and his family are the most hospitable and accommodating hosts. Charming, rural, stone cottages (our favourite "The Bush Cottage". Comfortably furnished, cool in summer and with fireplaces in the rooms for cool winter evenings (lit and burning on arrival with plenty of wood supplied). A beautiful drive with the spring flowers in full bloom. Hikes and walks to suit all ages and abilities through beautiful, natural indigenous bush. Delicious and plentiful three courses meals in the dining room and... oh, those freshly baked rolls! A very peaceful, relaxing and refreshing break in the middle of the bush. We WILL return for our fourth visit.
(visited Nov 2016)
"What an amazing getaway! It is a real treat for someone like me who is trapped in a big city all year to be able to get out into the wilderness and explore untouched nature, visit bushman caves, walk in pristine valleys, swim in natural pools and then return to the lodge for wonderful food, great company, entertaining accounts of the adventures then retire to the very comfortable accommodation. It was 1 hour door to door from St Francis Bay and the drive out was very scenic. The dirt roads are in good condition. Take a camera to get some shots of the horizon to horizon views of mountains. The highlight of the trip was exploring several amazing bushman caves full of ancient artwork. Talk about time travel... When you go to Baviaans Lodge, be sure to arrange excursions and go explore the amazing caves, swimming pools and river kloofs. Thanks Rob and team, I'll be back and it will be soon!"
(visited Nov 2016)
"A 4x4 paradise. Good food, comfortable accommodation, a well informed and helpful host. We thoroughly enjoyed the isolation surrounded by beautiful scenery. No electricity may inconvenience some but that is some of the charm."
(visited Oct 2016)
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Uniondale • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland