Kogelberg Walk

Q: How to get there

For international visitors : Fly to Cape Town International airport and from Cape Town to Kleinmond by car (90 km). Transfer can be arranged, if necessary. Route from Cape Town : Driving from Cape Town take the N2 towards Somerset West . After Somerset West take Sir Lowry's Pass turnoff right and proceed until you reach Gordons Bay. Drive 4,7 km turn left on R44 ( Clarence Drive) Drive past Rooi Els, Pringle Bay,Hangklip and Betty's Bay ( about 33 km from Gordons Bay). Kleinmond is the next town.

The Kogelberg Walk is in an area famous for its rich floral kingdom. It was South Africa’s first registered biosphere reserve.

Overview

Itinerary

Price

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Kogelberg Biosphere is truly a special environment. It encompasses the entire coastal area from Gordon’s Bay to the Bot River vlei, and inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain. Just an hour out of Cape Town at the southern tip of Africa, lies an area of such natural beauty and floral diversity as to be recognized as perhaps world’s greatest biodiversity hot-spot. Size for size, this 100 000 hectare UNESCO registered Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is home to the most complex biodiversity on our planet! Here we have some 1880 different plant species… the next richest is the South American rainforest with just 420 species per 10000 square kilometres! Ever changing vistas – from magnificent white beaches and wild rocky shores, sunsets over False Bay, rugged mountains rising from narrow coastal plains, to rose-edged vineyards and orchards in pockets of fertile soils in the highlands. Because of its spectacular seascapes and landscapes, and the richness of its flora and fauna, the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve attracts people with a love of nature.

Highlights

Walk along interesting rocky coast and beautiful Palmiet beach and river
Land-based whale watching from June to December
The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the world’s 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species. One of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots
Experience the beautiful Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO heritage site. Discover and learn about the various indigenous plants
Magnificent and unequalled views of white beaches, rocky shores and mountains
Harold Porter Botanical Garden with unique vegetation types and some 60 species of bird
Stony Point in Betty's Bay is a breeding colony of African penguins.

Day 1 :

Arrival

Arrival in Kleinmond for overnight

Day 2 :

Kleinmond

Walk from Sandown beach along the coast to the harbour. Explore the rock formations, vegetation and coastal features as well as interesting shops and galleries in the harbour area. Then to Jean's hill with a guide for a beautiful view. It is an easy, relaxing first day. Transfer to your guesthouse in Kleinmond Distance: 7 km - 4 hours walk

Day 3 :

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Transfer from your guesthouse to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. The reserve is known for its diverse fynbos. You will have different trail options, depending on the distance preferred and weather conditions. You can walk to the heart of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve for a wilderness experience or you can take a shorter walk along the Palmiet River where you can cool off with a swim. End the day at your guesthouse in Betty's Bay via the Leopard's Gorge route or a transfer. On this trail you will walk through diverse fynbos vegetation and can expect to see views of the coastline, shale forests, diverse terrain and various sandstone formations. Overnight in Betty's bay Distance 19 km – Whole Day

Day 4 :

Harold Porter Botanical Gardens and Stony Point penguins

Spend time in Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, which showcases a variety of indigenous coastal flora. Walk the Leopard's Gorge waterfall trail and then to Stony Point, home to one of only two mainland African Penguin Colonies, alongside the ruins of the old whaling station. Distance 10 km – Whole Day.

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Climate

Weather in the Western Cape Coastal region is mild Mediteranean. Kogelberg enjoys a mild climate. Winter, although the rainy season, has nonetheless many sunny days and is generally mild, with high winds at times. Summer is dry and sunny, with heat tempered by sea breezes. Early autumn (March) is idyllic, with balmy days and late afternoon sea mists

How to get there

For international visitors :

Fly to Cape Town International airport and from Cape Town to Kleinmond by car (90 km). Transfer can be arranged, if necessary.

Route from Cape Town :

Driving from Cape Town take the N2 towards Somerset West . After Somerset West take Sir Lowry’s Pass turnoff right and proceed until you reach Gordons Bay. Drive 4,7 km turn left on R44 ( Clarence Drive) Drive past Rooi Els, Pringle Bay,Hangklip and Betty’s Bay ( about 33 km from Gordons Bay). Kleinmond is the next town.

What to take

Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover / windbreaker, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit , camera and film, torch/flashlight and an extra plastic bag for litter.

Accommodation

You will stay in guesthouses in Kleinmond and Betty’s Bay. A panel of establishments have been selected to allow for non-availability. See examples of our guesthouses below. Arabella Hotel and Spa does not form part of our standard package. It is a convenient option for extension of the trip.

Grading

Overall rating is Easy/Moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to walk between 12 and 20 km per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along stony mountain paths, along field and tracks and along country roads. See Walking grades for more details about Moderate rating. Day 1 – arrival: Day 2 – Moderate: Day 3 – Moderate: Day 4 – Easy

Additional options- special interests

The Kogelberg area offer a range of attractions and activities that can be added to your itinerary. You can spend an additional day in the Kogelberg reserve or spend an additional day(s) at the Arabella Hotel and Spa for golf, visit the Rooisand Nature reserve, etc. Our Route Manager can assist with bookings and advice.

Guided trip

If you prefer a guided trip, a 2 to 4 day hiking tour can be compiled. You will be based in the Oudebosch Eco Cabin accommodation in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Catering can be included.

When to go to Kogelberg

Any time of the year, but the weather is more predictable during “High season”. Reserve early to obtain the best rooms. “Low season” is a good option for local guests who are either prepared to accept weather risks or to change their plans at short notice. During low season accommodation is normally more available.

Insurance

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

Route description

Our detailed route notes and description allow you to walk self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalized your booking and hotel schedule we will forward your Hotel guide by email. This will specify your hotel schedule and provide directions. (Different hotels/guesthouses are used from time to time) The second component of your route description is your Route guide. This specially prepared guide includes route notes, maps and GPS references. Self-guided walking is simple and convenient with our Route-and Hotel guide. Hikers can set out when they like, stop where they want and visit sites en route that are of interest to them. The Route guide will be given to you on arrival

Reviews

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by WalkingHolidays.co.za in South Africa : “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details, go to Reviews

More about Kogelberg

Kogelberg Walk is a relaxing self-guided walking/hiking holiday in an area famous for its rich floral kingdom and whale watching The Kogelberg Walk was structured to offer the best of the area. For more information about Kogelberg, go to Read more