Overview-Kogelberg Walk

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

TypeSelf-guided walk (Half-day guided)
LocationKleinmond & Betty’s Bay, South Africa
Group size1+ people
Duration3 nights
GradingModerate/Easy grade
Day Stages7- 19 km
Distance36-40 km (3 days)
TerrainMountain-, river- & coastal paths
Hotels3/4 star
MealsBreakfast each day
CostFrom R9 870 pp for 2
DatesOct to April is “High season”

Trip details

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

Coast and river

Walk along interesting rocky coast and beautiful Palmiet beach and river.

Whale watching

Land-based whale watching from June to December

Fynbos plants and wildlife

The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the world’s 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species.It has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots.

Nature Reserve

Experience the beautiful Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO heritage site. Discover and learn about the various indigenous plants, animals, geology and the colourful and entertaining history of the area while enjoying the breathtaking views of the coastline.

Views

Magnificent and unequalled views of white beaches, rocky shores and mountains.

Harold Porter Botanical Garden

Ten hectares of cultivated fynbos garden, and a further 190 hectares of natural fynbos. The peaceful garden includes sweeping mountain slopes, deep gorges, and unique vegetation types and some 60 species of bird.

Stony Point

Stony Point in Betty’s Bay is a breeding colony of African penguins.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Kleinmond for overnight.

Day 2 : 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: 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: 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.

End of tour

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. Click on pictures to view details.

die rotse host house
Die Rotse Hosthouse, Kleinmond
bucaco sud guesthouse
Bucaco Sud Guesthouse, Betty’s Bay
villachad guesthouse
Villachad Guesthouse, Kleinmond
Eco cabins Kogelberg reserve
Oudebosch Eco Cabins. Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Rate

Rate for group of 2 people from R9 870 per person sharing. Rate for more than 2 people available on request. A minimum of 2 people per group.

Included
3 nights accommodation in selected guesthouses including breakfast.
Guide in nature reserve for half-day 
Guesthouse to guesthouse luggage transfers and personal transfers along the trail, where necessary
Detailed Route directions
Information about the area
 
Not included

Transport to and from Kleinmond/Betty’s Bay, other lunches, snacks, drinks with meals.

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.

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

Getting 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.

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

Availability and Booking

To enquire or reserve a date, go to: Availability request

For general information: Contact us, or

email: info@trailsandtravel.co.za, or

Booking process and -conditions – Go to  How to book

Map of Kogelberg

View Larger Map

Gallery

Pictures of Kogelberg can be viewed in Kogelberg Gallery and, for Fynbos pictures go to Fynbos Gallery

Attractions

Click on pictures for information.

Fynbos
Fynbos
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Harold Porter Botanical Garden
Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
Stonypoint penguins
Stony Point Penguin Breeding Colony

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

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