Kouga Wilderness

About Kouga Wilderness

The Kouga Wilderness lies in the heart of the Kouga Mountains on the edge of the Baviaanskloof, north of Joubertina and part way between Port Elizabeth and George.

Did you know? The Baviaanskloof Wilderness is extraordinarily biodiverse, representing all seven biomes. It forms part of the Cape Floral Region, one of the richest areas for plants than for any similar sized area in the world.

As its name suggests it is wild country, perfect for those who love a real outdoor experience, complete with tangled ravine forests, sheer rock faces and plenty of hiking trails.

The Kouga Wilderness, just beyond the Langkloof Mountains, is where you head when 'adventure' is sought. Right on the edge of Baviaanskloof Wilderness, its borders smudge a little with this greater wilderness and hikes and trails can take one into the Baviaanskloof.

However, one of the best ways to experience the Kouga Wilderness is a kayak trip along the Kouga River, which flows through the rather inhospitable Kouga Wilderness (if you do the trip with a company in the 'know' you might even get to experience camping on the banks of the river. A number of adventure companies combine the Kouga River with Gamtoos and the Baviaanskloof and Tsitsikamma areas, making the adventure even more worthwhile.

But there are others who will spend at least three days appreciating the Kouga River on its own.

Seen from the river, the wilderness is that much easier to appreciate – the steep gorges, sun-kissed sandstone cliffs, tangled forest vines, the odd cabbage tree bursting from a cliff side, Knysna louries and a black eagle or two all add up to an incredible landscape that cannot help but feed the soul.

Time out here is virtually isolated, and you're guaranteed to leave the Kouga Wilderness if not restored and least reimbued with an appreciation of nature at its best.