Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve

The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve is a large protected area nestled between the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountain ranges. It combines diverse landscape types and wildlife across its expanse, creating varied environments for different species to thrive.

The reserve began as a protected forest zone in 1920, marking the start of organized conservation efforts in Eastern Cape. Over the following decades, it was expanded several times to protect more of the region's ecosystems.

Rock walls throughout the reserve display ancient paintings created by early inhabitants, offering insight into people who lived in this region long ago. Walking designated trails lets you see these artworks and understand how communities used this landscape.

You can reach the reserve through Willowmore, where lodging ranges from campsites to comfortable guest facilities scattered throughout the area. Planning ahead and gathering information about trail conditions helps you make the most of your visit.

This reserve protects seven of South Africa's eight biomes and sits where three major biodiversity hotspots meet. This concentration of different natural zones in one place makes it a rare spot to experience multiple ecosystems side by side.