Treat wilderness with care

IN recent months the magnificent Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area has been receiving editorial space both locally and nationally. None of the editorials I have read makes mention of some critical “must knows” for anyone visiting the Baviaanskloof.

I would like to highlight the factors that must be borne in mind before visiting the area:

� Minimum vehicle capability of a 4x2, preferably use a 4x4. The road down Holgat Pass has badly deteriorated and will break anything less.

Holed sumps, broken axles and punctures have been occurring. There is no towing service for vehicles out of the Baviaanskloof.

� Doodsklip, Rooihoek or Smitskraal (about 50km from Patensie) will take between three and four hours from Port Elizabeth, each way.

� Camping overnight is not allowed, unless the campers have a permit which they can get only from Bisho (fax: 040-639 2171). Anyone found camping without a permit will be asked to leave by the conservator on duty at the site.

� Visitors coming into the area from Willowmore should note that day trippers must obtain a permit from the office at Komdomo, about 3km from where the tarred road from Patensie ends. All visitors are urged to stop at Komdomo (or phone the office on 042-283 0227) to get a report on the current road conditions, a map of the area and whether visiting sites are full.

� Take your own firewood if camping. No fauna or plants may be removed, picked or collected.

� Pets are not permitted into the area. Baboons regard dogs as a threat and can attack them. Domestic pets are also exposed to bush ticks.

� There are no ablution facilities in the BWA other than bush long drops at the permit sites. Komdomo camping area has good facilities, but is currently closed for renovations.

� Off-roading by car, quad or two-wheel bike is not permitted. Entering the kloof from the Willowmore end, however, there are private land owners who do allow this type of recreation and there is a private 4x4 trail in the Cumbria area.

The road is a public road and accordingly all vehicles using it must be properly licensed and roadworthy.

The BWA is a beautiful, largely pristine and sensitive part of the Eastern Cape. It’s not a playground for quads and offroad bikers. Be mindful that it is a proclaimed wilderness area, and it needs to be respected as such.

Enjoy your visit and be prepared.

Richard Jesson, honorary conservators committee member, Friends of Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area