CapeNature call Kogelberg the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and many people call it the most beautiful reserve they manage, largely because so little has been done to it. Eighteen thousand hectares of the interior are kept as a pristine core where only activities that do not disturb natural processes are allowed, so visitor numbers are deliberately low and the parking reflects that. The walking is the point. The shortest listed route runs six kilometres over to Harold Porter, the Palmiet River Walk covers ten kilometres in about three hours with marked places to swim along the way, and the Kogelberg Trail runs twenty four. In winter the waterfalls come down the rock faces that were dry a few weeks earlier, and competent kayakers paddle the Palmiet. There is no shop and no reception.
Highlights
- The first registered biosphere reserve in South Africa, and a World Heritage Site
- Eighteen thousand hectares kept as a pristine core
- The Palmiet River Walk, ten kilometres in about three hours, with marked swimming spots
- A six kilometre trail through to Harold Porter, and the twenty four kilometre Kogelberg Trail
- White water kayaking on the Palmiet in winter, for experienced paddlers
- Self-catering eco cabins and eco pods at Oudebosch
- Waterfalls down the rock faces after winter rain
Tips
Day visitor parking is limited and strictly first come first served, so arrive early. There is no shop on the reserve, so bring food and water with you. Cell reception stops at the turn from the tar onto the gravel. The Rooisand boardwalk and ramble are closed until further notice. No pets.