Kogelberg is situated some 90 km south-east of Cape Town and comprises a core area of 18 000 ha and several smaller fragments. The reserve is sign-posted from the coastal road (R44) and a gravel road leads for 3 km through private property to the entrance. The coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve.

Kogelberg 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.

Flora & Fauna

What is a biosphere reserve?

Biosphere reserves are protected terrestrial and coastal environments of international conservation importance. They are unique categories of protected areas combining both conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve has approximately1 600 plant species, of which about 150 are endemic. Many spectacular members of the protea family occur in the reserve. These include the endangered marsh rose, Orothamnus zeyheri, once on the brink of extinction and now known to occur on a few inaccessible peaks. Kogelberg has three patches of relic indigenous forest, Louwbos, Platbos and Oudebos. These patches are similar to the Knysna forests and includes yellowwood, stinkwood and boekenhout trees.

The Kogelberg does not have many large animals. There are a few leopards; the Cape clawless otter may be seen in or near water; smaller antelope include klipspringer and grysbok; and baboons, dassies and hares are failry common. Peregrine falcons, black eagles and fish eagles hunt and nest in and around the reserve. An endemic freshwater crab and the endangered micro-frog are found in the area. A herd of wild horses roam the flats of the Bot River estuary at Rooisand.

Climate

The climate of the Kogelberg is fairly typical of the Western Cape. Winters are cold and very wet and snow may fall on the higher peaks. The summer months are hot, dry and often very windy. Hikers should note that the weather conditions are variable and unpredictable.

Hikes, facilities & activities

In the Kogelberg, visitor numbers are limited and low-impact recreation, which is compatible with the wilderness atmosphere is encouraged. Hikers have several options and should be prepared for fairly rough terrain and unpredictable weather. White water canoeing is allowed from 1 June to 30 September each year, but only for competent canoeists, as the river can be dangerous.

In the less sensitive areas, permitted recreation activities include hiking, canoeing, swimming and angling at Rooisand on the Bot River estuary and walking with dogs near Sir Lowry's Pass Village. Picnic facilities and accommodation are not provided, but are numerous on the outskirts of the reserve.

An inland fishing license is required for fishing at Bot River estuary. Licences are obtained from Cape Nature Conservation's head office at Private Bag X9086, Cape Town 8000, Tel: (021) 483 4051, or any revenue office.

Overnight trail

Highlands Trail - Day 1: 16 km, 6-7 hours, Day 2: 21km, 8 hours.

Day hikes

Perdeberg Trail: 16km, 5-6 hours (moderate)
Palmiet River Walk: 9km, 3-4 hours (easy)
Palmiet Valley Trail: 18km, 6-7 hours (easy, long)
Oudebosch - Leopard's George: 6km, 3-4 hours (moderate)
Kogelberg Trail: 24 km, 8 hours (moderate, long)
Three Sisters: 8km, 4 hours (moderate)

Other Trails

Houwhoek Trail: 8km, 3 hours (moderate)
Rooisand Ramble: 5km, 2 hours (easy)
Dog Trail: 3km, 1 hour (easy)
Gantouw Pass: 5km, 2 hours (easy)

Canoe Trail

Palmiet White Water Canoe Trail (June - September): 15 km, 8 hours (Grade III)