Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is often considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom because of the exceptional quality of its fynbos. The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the rugged Hottentots Holland Mountain range and has remained isolated and remarkably unspoilt. Its high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River create a sense of remote wilderness. Kogelberg is situated about 90km south-east of Cape Town and comprises a core area of 18 000ha and several smaller fragments. The Reserve is signposted from the coastal road (R44) where a gravel road leads for 3km through private property to the office. The coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8km south-east of the reserve.

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.

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 estuary, and inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain.

Firewood prohibited in all CapeNature reserves as a biodiversity precaution against Shot Hole Borer. Visitors are encouraged to contact CapeNature reserves ahead of their stay regarding the availability of firewood, charcoal, and eco-logs on reserves, for purchasing. This can be done by emailing reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or calling 087 087 8250. Visitors are welcome to bring their own charcoal and eco-logs, however, any wood will be confiscated upon entry and responsibly disposed of.

Oudebosch Eco Cabins:

Six glass fronted eco-cabins afford occupants breath-taking views of the reserve. Five of the timber cabins sleeps four people and consists of two bedrooms, one bathroom, one en-suite, and a spacious kitchen, lounge, and dining area. The sixth cabin is a sleeper honeymoon suite consisting of an open plan bedroom, lounge, dining, and kitchen area with one bathroom.

The cabins are named Erica, Marsh Rose, Fire Lily, Iris and Everlasting Daisy, Palmiet, after endemic plant species found on the reserve. Everlasting Daisy and Iris are the only two with wheelchair access as they have a living area on one level but are not fitted with universal access fittings and features.

Bedding provided: Yes

Towels provided: Yes

Electricity: Eskom, solar

Kitchen equipped: Eskom power points for all appliances including fridge/freezer, microwave, and toaster. Electric oven and induction hob with four cooking plates.

Braai facilities: Outdoor braai with grid.

Bathroom equipped: Shower only. Geyser heated by electricity and solar.

Mbali Collection

The Mbali collection consists of eight Glass fronted cabins, five x 2-sleeper cabins; Chincherinchee, Strooiblommetjie, Impepho, Sundew, Golden Star and three x 6-sleeper cabins; Siver Pagoda, Blue Stars and Pink Sugar Bush (one of which has Universal Access) afford occupants breath-taking views of the Palmiet River valley.

The 2-sleeper cabins consist of an open plan bedroom, lounge, dining and kitchen area with one-bathroom, outdoor braai facility and a deck. The 6-sleeper cabins consist of three bedrooms, one bathroom and one en-suite, and a spacious kitchen, lounge, and dining area, outside braai facility and deck.

Bedding provided: Yes

Towels provided: Yes

Electricity: Eskom, solar

Kitchen equipped: Eskom power points for all appliances including fridge/freezer, microwave, and toaster. Electric oven and induction hob with two cooking plates.

Braai facilities: Outdoor braai with grid.

Bathroom equipped: Shower only. Geyser heated by electricity and solar.

How to get there

From Cape Town, take the N2 north. Just before Sir Lowry’s Pass, turn right on to Sir Lowry’s Pass Road. At the T-junction in Gordon’s Bay, turn left on to the R44, following the road along the coast, past Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay. Just before you reach Kleinmond you will see the sign for Kogelberg, taking the dirt road to the left.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve contact information

Reserve office hours: 07h30 – 16h00

Gate Times:
07:30 – 18:00 April – August
07:30 – 19:00 September – March

Reserve office phone number: 087 288 0499
Emergency number: 082 783 8585
Accommodation and permit bookings Tel: 087 087 8250

Cellphone reception: No reception, last reception point is at the turn from the tar road onto the gravel road.

GPS: 34 19 21.0 S 18 57 58.2 E

To find out more, visitor our website Kogelberg Nature Reserve – CapeNature or download our visitor app for free. Google Play and Apple Store.