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Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Kleinmond, Whale Coast

The Kogelberg Biosphere is considered to be the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom – one of just six plant kingdoms in the world.  © Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Kleinmond, Whale Coast

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is a beautiful reserve less than an hour away from Cape Town which makes it a convenient day visit for locals and visitors from around the country. Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is home to one fifth of all fynbos species. The reserve is very well known for its biodiversity. The reserve is situated near Kleinmond just outside Cape Town in South Africa. The reserve also offers spectacular ocean views as it is set on the eastern side False Bay in rugged mountainous terrain. That is not the only attraction of this area, the reserve also consists of pristine beaches, rocky shores, vineyards and much more animal and plant life. This is definitely a nature lover's paradise. Some of the 1880 plant species which are found in the reserve are some of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth.

For those who enjoy watersports and adventure, there is sandboarding, paragliding, river rafting, quad trails and much more to keep your adrenalin pumping. The beaches along the coastline are beautiful and offer lots of safe activities. There are also a number of hiking trails and seaside trails where you will get to enjoy. The Kogelberg coast is well known for whale watching and locals and visitors from around the world come to see this spectacular sight. The best time of the year for whale watching is between June to December.

You will find that the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve only one hours drive from Cape Town. To get there, take the N2 out of Cape Town. To visit the highlands areas and the Green Mountain Wine Route, pass through Somerset west and climb Sir Lowry's Pass to the forest and orchard areas. To explore the coastal route, after Somerset West look for the right turn to Gordon's Bay and one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world, Clarence Drive (R44).

The coastal area of the Koglberg Biosphere Reserve was only accessible on foot, donkey or by boat for many years and the first road was built by Italian prisoners of war during the second World War. This scenic road, which was named Clarence Drive in 1950, was rebuilt in the 1990s to provide parking areas from which to enjoy the magnificent sea views across False Bay and the spectacular views of whales during late winter.

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve encompasses the coastal area from Gordon's Bay in the west, to the Bot River Vlei in the east. At the core of this biosphere is the Kogelberg Nature Reserve that surrounds the Palmiet River.

The reserve is located in the southern part of the Hottentots-Holland mountain range Vegetation consists primarily of mountain fynbos with small patches of indigenous forest that contain some of the last remaining yellowwood, stinkwood, and boekenhout trees in the Overberg.

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve has several hiking trails, ranging from gentle 6 km (3 hr) Leopard's Gorge Day Hike to the challenging 37 km (2-day) Highlands Trail.

Kayaking is available on the along the Palmiet River. The Kogelberg Kayak Trails, open from June to September offers 2 trails. The first trail is 15 km and takes approximately 8 hours. The second trail is 4 km and should take about 2 hours to complete. The white waters of the Palmiet River can be quite challenging and should only be attempted by experienced kayakers.

Cyclists are welcome to test their endurance on the rugged Palmiet River Valley Mountain Bike Trail. The trail 23 km in length and is rated as moderately difficult.

Contact details for the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve:
Phone:
+27 (0)82 380 9071
Email: see website
Website: https://kogelbergbiosphere.org.za

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, located in the Western Cape, is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its unique fynbos vegetation. It is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, offering hiking, birdwatching, and other eco-tourism activities.


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