This route incorporates a number of different habitats with a variety of different species. The farmland Gamtoos Valley supports large flocks of Cape and Village Weavers, Red Bishops and a variety of Canaries and Waxbills. This farmland gives way to valley bushveld where one can see Cape Glossy Starling, Black Collared Barbet and Bokmakierie.
Bokmakierie – Godfrey Lodge
Next to the river in the Grootrivier Gorge, Goliath Heron as well as African Black Duck occur and, where the bushveld reaches forest proportions, Knysna Turaco, Olive Woodpecker and Tambourine Dove.
Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird occur in the fynbos at the top of Combrink’s Pass as well as Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard on the grassy plateau.
Plunging down Holgat’s Pass the valley bottom savannah supports Pintailed Whydah, Purple Indigo Bird, Emerald Spotted Dove and Golden Breasted Bunting.
Over Grassneck Pass and further west we enter drier country where Larks, Pipits, Rufous-eared Warbler, Karoo Chat and Mountain Wheatear occur.
Raptors along the way include Jackal and Common Buzzard, Black-winged and Yellow-billed Kite, African Fish Eagle, Crowned and Verreaux’s Eagles and Pale Chanting Goshawks.
NB: The drive from Willowmore to Patensie via Baviaanskloof is a spectacular but challenging 197 - 200 km journey on a rough, gravel road that takes at least six hours. This route is not recommended for standard vehicles and is best suited for 4x4s or bakkies, as it includes steep passes and low-water bridges that can become impassable during the rainy season (November to February). There is very limited to no cellphone reception. Fuel is only available at Patensie & Willowmore. You will need to purchase a Day Visitors Permit if you are just passing through the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve.