Hiking in the Kogelberg Biosphere
Whether you live in the Kogelberg Biosphere, or are visiting for a while, you’re in for a hiking treat.
There are many fantastic hiking trails to choose from, deep in the mountains or down at the coast.
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve (the core of the Biosphere) is seen as lying at the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. That means that this region is incredibly rich in plant diversity, with 1 600 plant species occurring here, of which 150 are endemic. It also has 3 patches of relic indigenous forest.
Images: LoveGreen Communications.
Trails to test
The Kogelberg Trail (24 km, 7-8 hours) is graded moderate and takes you through the heart of the reserve.
The Hangklip Trail (7 km, 4 hours) starts at Pringle Bay and provides a beautiful view of the False Bay coast and mountain peaks.
On your way to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, be sure to visit Stony Point Penguin colony at Betty’s Bay, home to the endangered African penguin. Contact the Kogelberg Nature Reserve for more information and to obtain a hiking permit.
Top: Rooisand Nature Reserve. Image: LoveGreen Communications. Left: View over Clarens Drive. Image: Corlie Hugo. Right: Hiking up to Landdroskop, in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. Image: LoveGreen Communications.
You can walk from the Kleinmond estuary to Palmiet estuary. The trail is about 5 km and rated as easy. Along this trail, which meanders through coastal fynbos, you might be fortunate to see whales or dolphins. No permits are required for this hike.
The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in Grabouw is known for its rugged mountain terrain with altitudes ranging from 500 to 1 590 m. The reserve is a hiker’s paradise with day hikes and overnight routes as well as famous kloofing routes.
There are 2 kloofing trails to choose from: Riviersonderend Gorge (24 km, 7 hours) and Suicide Gorge (17km, 5 hours). During this adventure you will need to jump from a height of 14 m into a pool of deep, dark, icy water. Some say it’s an extreme sport, a different way to experience nature!
LATEST NEWS
Your neighbours are wild – tips to live in a biosphere
If you live in the Kogelberg Biosphere, chances are you’ve had a first-hand encounter in your home, garden or community space with some more unusual members of our wonderful wildlife.
Animal patients flood into Western Cape’s first rescue centre
Already a number of injured and vulnerable animals – in desperate need of help – have received essential care at the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre. The centre, situated in the Kogelberg Biosphere, received its permit from CapeNature in December.
Biosphere Living
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