Elands River Valley, Baviaanskloof
The untouched beauty of the Elands River Valley is part of the wonder of the Eastern Cape. This area, just 60 kilometres from Port Elizabeth, is considered to be the gateway to the Baviaanskloof, where rugged mountains meet lush valleys and showcase this part of South Africa to perfection.
The Elands River Valley is flanked by the Winterhoek Mountains and the Elandsberge Mountains, and is perched right between Uitenhage (part of the greater Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality) and the little agricultural town of Patensie. From this valley, the breath-taking views of the mountain ranges, gorges and rivers are not to be missed, gracing each vista and making for exquisite backdrops to your photographs.
This is 4 x 4 heaven, and those who want to test their vehicles, or simply have some really fun drives, are sure to have a fantastic time in the Elands River Valley. The Meadows has several 4 x 4 trails available, each with a differing intensity and level of difficulty. In fact, these tracks are often used by Land Rover to demonstrate their vehicles' abilities to new owners.
There are also several hiking trails around the area, on which visitors can smell the crisp, clean air and feel the warm sunshine as they traverse the countryside and breathe in its beauty. Remember to pack plenty of water and to wear sunscreen at all times.
Interestingly, this area is also peppered with battlefields and the Boer War Museum, which lends it a historical charm and plenty of character.
The Elands River Valley is also renowned for the cheeses that it produces, as well as the delicious honey and muesli. For those with culinary inclinations, this is a very special destination that promises deliciousness at every turn.
Port Elizabeth is less than an hour's drive from the Elands River Valley. So, it is a fun, scenic destination that is close to all of the amenities and facilities of the big city.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Ripple Hill Hotel
On the brim of the magnificent Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve in the heart of the citrus farming community of Patensie, lies the Ripple Hill Hotel. ...
Marlu Farm Stays
Marlu Farm Stays is a Baviaanskloof Guest House conveniently located halfway between Steytlerville and Willowmore, only 12 km off the R329 (with ...
Baviaans Lodge
Baviaans Lodge is the gateway to this natural wilderness offering superb lodge accommodation, directly adjoining the Baviaanskloof World Heritage...
Royal Hotel Steytlerville
Royal Hotel Steytlerville offers bed only and self catering accommodation in Steytlerville. All rooms are offered on a bed only basis and there a...
Willow Historical Guest House
Ideally situated for stopovers when travelling from Gauteng to George, the Willow Historic Guest House offers accommodation, fine food in it's a ...
The Gamtoos Ferry Hotel
The Gamtoos Ferry Hotel can accommodate a total of twelve guests and is located 15km from Jeffreys Bay on the Sunshine coast, Eastern Cape. The h...
Noorspoort Guest Farm
Noorspoort offers affordable luxury accommodation, self catering units, a caravan park, bush camping, wedding venues. Situated in the tranquility...
Steytlerville Villa Guest House
Steytlerville Villa Guest House offers a warm welcome in one of the towns historical buildings. We offer upmarket and comfortable accommodation i...
Noteworthy attractions
Gamtoos Valley
Lying adjacent to the Garden Route, just over an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, the Gamtoos Valley is home to the three little villages of Han...
Baviaanskloof Wilderness Reserve
The Valley of the Baboons in the Eastern Cape (in the sandy soil of this valley one can easily spot their footprints), also known as the Baviaans...
Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve
The Baviaanskloof Wilderness is an incredibly scenic gorge that lies between two sets of mountain ranges - the Baviaanskloof and the Kouga mounta...
Antoniesberg Pass
Antoniesberg Pass is a remote, sheer gravel pass that links the Groot River with the northern side of the Baviaanskloof Mountains.The pass itself...
Grasnek Pass
The ‘home of the baboons' (Baviaanskloof) is a deep ravine through which sweep a number of mountain passes that are nothing short of spectacular....
Combrinks Pass
The Baviaanskloof is a valley that runs east to west between the Baviaanskloof Mountains and the Kouga Mountains. The wilderness area is also a W...
Nuwekloof Pass Baviaanskloof
The Nuwekloof Pass functions as an entrance to the Baviaanskloof, its red rock faces linking the western section of the kloof with the Karoo town...
Holgat Pass
Only one road takes you through the kloof, which is probably why so much of its landscape is untouched, pristine and remote. To the north of Bavi...
The Kouga Dam
Built in the 1960s, the Kouga Dam was the first double-arched dam in South Africa. It's worth a stop for the beauty of its setting in amongst the...
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