The Baviaanskloof is a really beautiful place in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is a popular trip for South Africans, 4x4 enthusiasts, cycle tours, international tourists etc. At least 2 days are needed to enjoy the true scenic beauty of this drive through a beautiful kloof (valley through mountains)and nature reserve. The middle section requires a 4x4 to get through, but there is plenty of the valley to experience with an ordinary car. I like starting the journey on the Willowmore side of the kloof. There are 73 rivers to cross apparently so be prepared for survival in a harsh environment if the rain comes down in floods. The Karoo is an arid, semi-desert region so heavy rainfalls are welcome but quite rare. There are many B&B's and guest houses to choose from along the way. I went there for the third Mosaic and Bottle cutting workshop with Solly Levy, product developer, who is contracted to the Municipality to help the locals in 3 Karoo towns, with some sustainable product development for the Baviaans craft shop. He really is excellent at his job, and knows how to get the best out of everyone involved in the project including me. I really enjoyed making samples and teaching these warm lovely Karoo people. It was an enriching experience, and I hope to do more work like this in future..
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our comfortable accommodation at Damsedrif, Baviaanskloof |
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the school bell at a isolated kloof community where we did the workshops
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Some happy DA voters. The local elections have just been held. Their party, the main opposition has just won this Baviaans municipality area, again, but by an even bigger majority. |
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Here is Solly Levy teaching people how to finish off cut bottles into lovely drinking glasses etc |
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Lots of fun and laughter too |
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It worked! |
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Veros "restaurant and take away" quirky and fascinating spot, alongside the road through the kloof. The craft shop is opposite, so plan a stop here! |
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the beautiful craft shop- cob built |
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inside the shop |
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our prickly passengers |
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thorn craft- unique to the baviaans area |
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a thorny baboon |
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