Kogelberg is the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and most of its trails are long: 22 km to Perdeberg, 24 km on the Kogelberg Trail, a two-day crossing on the Highlands. The Palmiet River Walk is the exception. It is 10 km over about three hours, an easy walk along the Palmiet River, which makes it the way into this reserve for people who want the fynbos and the water without committing a whole day to a mountain.
The reserve is reached off the R44 between Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay, down a gravel road to the Oudebosch reception where permits are issued. Buy the permit there or book it in advance through CapeNature. Day-visitor parking is limited and works on a first come, first served basis, so an early arrival is worth more here than it is at most reserves. CapeNature recommends starting the walk no later than two in the afternoon.
Two things worth knowing. Easy is CapeNature’s grading, not a comment on the length, and ten kilometres is still ten kilometres, so take water and closed shoes. And there is no cell reception inside the reserve, with the last signal at the turn from the tar onto the gravel. Tell someone where you are going before you lose it.
