September 2023

Waterfkloof Hiking Trail in the Baviaanskloof

Last week, in our previous post, we told you all about our trip into the Baviaanskloof. After arriving at our accommodation at the Makkedaat Caves, we dropped off our luggage, put on our hiking boots and drove about 20km (12.5 miles) to do our first hike in the lovely Baviaanskloof.

Bo-Kloof Guest Farm:

Bo-Kloof Guest Farm is located in the heart of the Baviaanskloof and is also a working farm. There is a campsite, self-catering accommodation, as well as a guest house.

Views at Bo-Kloof Guest Farm

Apparently, Waterkloof is one of the most beautiful of all the Baviaanskloof’s slot canyons. It is a 3km walk and takes about an hour and a half to do. The farm is open to day visitors and there is a fee of R25 (€1.20) per person for the hiking trail, which can be paid at the “honesty box” (no charge for children or students).

Start of the Waterkloof Hiking Trail

Close to start of the canyon

We saw a small gecko at the entrance of the canyon – which sat still for a second or so for a photo before quickly moving into the rocks.

Small gecko

Because it is so dark and humid among the high rocks, there are many ferns, streams and also slippery rocks. It is therefore advisable to take it slow and while enjoying the surroundings, also make sure you know where to step.

Green ferns

We were quickly surrounded by high rocks and a very narrow passage. We could see why this gorge is known as an excellent rock-climbing destination.

High rocks

Narrow passage

We had to negotiate our way over rocks and over streams

Inside the canyon it was an absolute wonderland of towering rocks, fallen trees and the calm babbling of a water stream.

Fallen tree that almost looks like a gate in the canyon

More ferns and the flowing stream

We were so overwhelmed by the beauty of this canyon that we almost forgot to take photos. The wonder of nature was just amazing. However, we all stopped in our tracks when we saw a solitary arum lily.

Arum lily

As we continued to move deeper into the canyon, it felt like the rocks were going to close in on us – it was such an eerie feeling. Even the roots of some of the trees were unreal, yet beautiful.

Deeper into the canyon

Strange tree roots

We then stopped at one of the pools where we made the decision to turn around because the sun was setting fast and we didn’t want to walk back over the big rocks in the dark.

A pool where we turned around

It was just as well that we turned around, because it was here that the sole of one of Anita’s hiking boots came loose. Fortunately, Eugene had some cable ties with him and was able to fix Anita’s shoe quickly. We had a good laugh and joked that their shoes had now also reached retirement age just like them!

Quick hiking boot fix

When we got to the exit of the canyon, we could see the sun was disappearing and we were a little relieved to walk into brighter light.

Almost out of the canyon

Back in an open area after leaving the canyon

Our first introduction to a hiking trail in the Baviaanskloof was really beautiful. We were sure our necks would be sore the next day after admiring all those tall rocks.

The last thing on our list for the day was to make a fire when we got back to our cave. We enjoyed a lovely evening by the fire while the men prepared chicken over the coals.

‘Braai’ time

Enjoying a drink in the light of the fire

After dinner we made a fresh fire and just enjoyed the sounds of nature. It started to drizzle lightly and we all looked at each other … was this the start of the storm we were warned about?

Berto making a big fire

In our next post we will tell you about our second day in the Baviaanskloof (read here).