Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Posted on February 26, 2018

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Kogelberg Nature Reserve was unlike any other place we had been. Nature is the priority and this is shown through every part of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

Traveling to Kogelberg Nature Reserve

The Kogelberg is a massive piece of land but with only one entrance, it can take awhile to get to from Cape Town. The entrance is located just off the R44, between Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay. It is an inconspicuous sign and a dirt road so make sure you are watching out for it! Everytime we went it took about 1.5 hours from Cape Town city center.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve Rates

The Kogelberg is a part of Cape Nature, which is a park organization all over the Western Cape. Conservation fees are R40 per person, per day; but this is also covered with the Wild Card!

Kogelberg Nature Reserve Camping & Accommodation

There is limited accommodation in the Kogelberg. Because this reserve is geared towards keeping nature as is, there is no traditional camping. There are a few overnight hikes that you are allowed to do and you can camp along the way- but this is very regulated. There are amazing eco-cabins near the main office of the Kogelberg but they are booked far in advance. We tried to get reservations for months and were always disappointed in the lack of availability.

So if you are looking for accommodation, be sure to look in advance!

Activities in Kogelberg Nature Reserve

There are many activities within Kogelberg Nature Reserve! The most prevalent activity would be hiking. There are a variety of trails that include easy nature walks to overnight hiking adventures that will test your physical strength! We did the easiest hike, the Palmiet River Trail. This trail was beautiful and included some amazing swimming spots along the way! In the 4 hours we spent on the trail, we only saw one other group. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and swimming clothes. There are few trees so the sun is intense!

There are other activties such as mountain biking, wildlife watching, and kayaking! Be sure to check the Cape Nature website to check what needs to be booked in advance!

Overall thoughts on Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Both of us loved the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Because there is only one short road in the entire reserve, it was peaceful and quiet. I loved the emphasis on nature and conservation. The Kogelberg epitomizes the Cape Floral Kingdom with its extensive fynbos and other plants and animals only found in the Cape. This place left us with few words, so please enjoy the pictures below.