After a night in Willowmore, a town with a Wild West character, we drove further east on September 27th, 2024. We were both freshly showered and looking forward to the trip. A few kilometres after Willowmore we turned onto the R332 which would take us through the reserve. Once again, the sun was shining from a bright blue sky and our mood was as great as the weather.

The gravel road led in a constant up and down through the valley, which became more and more narrow. We crossed a river several times and Mahangu received a free underbody wash. Every now and then we came across a farm where mohair sheep and cattle were grazing. There is enough water here to irrigate pastures and farmland, which is done by huge irrigation systems that rotate in circles on wheels.

And then we came to the turnoff to Rus en Vrede Farm. Brigitta had read in the iOverlander that there was a remote camp in the gorge six kilometres from the farm. The two entries were so positive that we decided to take a look. Luckily, we did! We came across a place that we have rarely seen before. Heavenly! There is water, a braai, a shower and even a flush toilet! Wow! We stand here all alone and hear nothing except the rustling of the wind and the singing of the birds. If it had recently rained heavily here, we would also hear the rushing stream, whose bed is now dry.

The decision to stay for two nights was quickly made. This evening, we put our two entrecotes on the barbecue, which have been waiting to be savoured by us for a few days. There is also a bottle of Merlot and a Vega Fina for dessert. (Thank you, dear brother!)

PS: If you want more from Baviaanskloof NR, you can read here.