21/05/2026
Yes, the Baviaans Camino is expensive. Caminoes aren't supposed to be expensive, isn't it after all a pilgrimage? No, a Camino is a journey, your own journey, a path you follow in life. Does that make you a pilgrim?
Why do we have to charge more? Because we take you to a mountain range where a normal car can't get to, only 4x4. With a 4x4 trailer, as everything we need has to be taken in. A rugged, unforgiving, beautiful, remote area where only a handful farmers dare to make a living.
In between the farm houses is nothing, not even cell reception. We can't leave you there, so we follow in a support vehicle with ice water, freshly brewed coffee, and home made biscuits and rusks.
The farmers provide the meals, with supplies bought in towns 2 or 3 hours away. They bring in ice in huge cooler boxes to make sure your beer is cold.
We supply three proper meals a day. Why? As these paths over the mountain ranges aren't easy. It's difficult, but doable.
We bring in a second vehicle to get you through an area with buffaloes, as we don't want to take any chances.
So yes, this all costs money, but it is a journey you will never forget.
After the floods and devastation of May 2026, the journey will be even more touching as we will see what the forces of nature had done. We are seriously considering changing the route of day 1, as we can only imagine the erosion after the storm and the damage to the road over the Baviaanskloof Mountain, making it almost impassable, even by foot.
We will rather drive into the Baviaanskloof, and start our journey at the Bavijaans Farm Stall. This part of the road, towards Zaaymanshoek, is where the 1916 flood had the biggest impact, as it is where the Kouga and Baviaanskloof Mountains almost meet. From there we will go over farm land to Doringkloof Boskamp and Joachimskraal, relatively flat.
Day 2 is the biggie with three sets of uphills, but your legs will still be "climb fresh." Day 3 is the easy one, as the only climb of the day is through the buffalo camp where we transport all hikers. Day 4 is the long one, which can be made shorter if you opt for the 75km Baviaans Camino and not the 95km.
In between all of this you meet the farmers, stay in their homes, walk with your friends or find time to walk by yourself, while drowning yourself in God's Creation. You won't be the same ever again.
If you want to join us, whatsapp Esti Nieuwoudt Stewart for details on 073 825 0835.
Baviaans 2 Bay Adventures
