Kogelberg Nature Reserve

from 88 Google reviews

A lake with a mountain in the background

About the garden

Considered by many to be the most beautiful of CapeNature’s protected areas, Kogelberg Nature Reserve earns that reputation largely to the fact that it occupies an area with minimal human interference. Its exceptional diversity and quality of fynbos means it is considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape and is a world-renowned World Heritage Site.

At Kogelberg, a sensitive core of 18 000ha of the reserve has been kept pristine and wild. Here there is much biological diversity and conservation is the priority. Only activities which do not adversely affect natural processes and wildlife are allowed.

If you have driven along the R44 between Rooiels and Kleinmond, you would have marveled at the beauty of the Kogelberg. The reserve’s pristine beauty abounds all year round – during the blazing heat of summer when green is not what you expect, or in rains and mists of winter when torrents of water cascade down rock faces that were bone dry only weeks before.

The whole area is inspirational and one of more than 400 biosphere reserves worldwide. Kogelberg was South Africa’s first registered biosphere reserve and it encompasses the entire coastal area from Gordon’s Bay to the Bot River vlei, and inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain

Opening times

Office Hours | 07h30 to 16h00

Useful details

Cafe or restaurant

No cafe or restaurant on site

Shops

None

Overberg District Municipality

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

Weather forecast

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Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Overberg District Municipality

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Google reviews

4.8
from 88 Google reviews

Judith Stopforth

in the last week

A beautiful nature reserve. The hike along the river, is a must do! Especially in the summer months where you can hike, swim, and picnic with the most serene views. I recently also did Oudebosch to Harold Porter. You have to leave one car in Harold Porter to do this hike, but it is absolutely worth it. It is about 8km, and took us just under 3hours (we stopped for snacks, and took plenty of photos). The hike offers spectacular views of Betty's bay, and the surrounding mountains, and you get to start off by walking through a forest. Remember to take cash! They don't accept card payments. If you have a wild card, enter is free. Also take snacks, as the only thing in there small shop was Fanta organe.

Chris Tobler

4 months ago

Staff at the reserve gate(managing numbers) and at the office (issuing permits) were friendly and informative. The reserve itself is stunning, especially the areas burnt in the New Year's 2019/2020 fire where species diversity is fantastic. Less fantastic is the growth of alien invasives like Port Jackson and black wattle along the river, ironically also in the areas close to the reserve office.

Charl Swanepoel

3 weeks ago

Beautiful place. Very well maintained. Amazing.

Heather Miller

7 months ago

Truely beautiful piece of the world. It's spring so there were loads of flowers too.

Liesl Carstens

9 months ago

We did the Palmiet River Hike! Breathtaking views. There were a lot of water and the kids enjoyed the swim in the refreshing river. It is a must. Easy walk, not technical at all.

Contact the garden

087 288 0499

capenature.co.za/reserves/

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