Baviaanskloof Special Notice for Cyclists and Hikers
Thursday, 17th May 2012
Reserve management has implemented specific regulations regarding mountain biking in the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve. Only groups of 6 or more with a support vehicle will be permitted to ride through the reserve and all walking to be done on designated trails at Bergplaas. No individual mountain bikers will be allowed to enter the reserve without support vehicles, visitors on motorcycles need to also take precautions.
Following the recent incident at Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site involving a buffalo and visitor, the following is brought to the attention on all visitors to the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site:
- The recent census for Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site has shown an increase in buffalo numbers and in particular an increase in the numbers of single bull groups
- Buffalo are dangerous and extreme caution is to be exercised at all times when entering the reserve
- Walking in the reserve outside of designated camp sites and day visitor areas can result in encounters with buffalo that may result in injury.
- All visitors should be aware that the camp sites of Doodsklip and Rooihoek are wilderness camp sites and are not enclosed by any fences and game species may therefore be encountered within the camp sites.
- Visitors are encouraged to remain within the confines of the camp sites and not to walk in close proximity to river beds and thick bush in the early morning or late afternoon / evening to avoid encounters with buffalo.
- Single and groups of buffalo bulls have been sighted in the Bergplaas areas; visitors walking to Pete’s Pools and the cable lookout must exercise caution at all times.
- Day visitors to Smitskraal should exercise caution as this area is an important zone for buffalo movements.
- Buffalo are most active in the early morning and late afternoon and evening usually taking water at these times.
- Visitors are advised to exercise caution at all times towards all game species within Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site.