Kogelberg - Highlands Trail

Kleinmond, Western Cape

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is situated near Kleinmond in the Western Cape Province. It is well known for its diversity of fynbos species that occur within its borders. It is reckoned that more than 1600 plant species can be found here and the opportunity to hike in the reserve presents one with a very special opportunity to observe this. For those from Gauteng who would like to do this trail I would suggest that it could be done in conjunction with the other trails in the area such as those in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.

         
 

The easiest way of doing this trail is to book the Frank Robb hut in the Kleinmond Municipal caravan park as the overnight hut and then drive up to the start of the trail at Iona farm.

The trail starts from the parking area on the farm which is situated in the mountains above Kleinmond.

  
 
         
 
  The first day of the trail is 21km long and the second day is 16km. The trail runs through fynbos for much of its distance. Views of the Bot river vlei area and the beautiful coastline make superb subjects for the camera. From the heights the trail begins its descent and eventually skirts the vlei before crossing a section of it to the beach. You then follow the beach to Kleinmond and the overnight hut.  
         
 

The second day of the trail leads the hiker up through more fynbos skirting Three Sisters Peaks and up to Perdekop. From here the trail follows a jeep track back to Iona Farm.

  
 
         
 
  Another coastal trail to put on your hiking list of walks to do!  

Conclusion

This is a trail that is worth doing, especially if your travels take you to the Hermanus/Kleinmond area. The trail can be classed a moderate to long. The Frank Robb hut is well equipped but needs to be booked separately from the trail.

There are also a number of day and half day trails in the reserve that are worth doing if time is limited

Kogelberg Trail- 24km (8-9 hours)

Palmiet Valley River Walk- Various options from 9-18km

Perdeberg Trail -16km (5-6 hours)

Three Sisters Trail - 8km (4 hours)

Houwhoek Trail - 8km (3 hours)

Dog Trail - 3km

Trail accredited by Southern Africa Trail Owners Association

Bookings

Reservations should be made through Western Cape Nature Conservation Board

Telephone +27 21 659 3500

Fax + 27 21 6593409

e-mail hcassels@capenature.co.za

Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations

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Telephone  0861Jacana (0861 522262)

Direct phone: Port Elizabeth 041 378 1439

Pretoria: 012 803 9109

Direct fax: PE 041 378 2548

Pretoria: 012 803 4144

 PE e-mail  bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Pretoria e-mail: rosa@jacanacollection.co.za

 

Frank Robb Hut

This is situated in the municipal caravan park at Kleinmond. It can be booked as an overnight hut or alternatively you can camp. The hut is well equipped with bunk beds and mattresses, fridge, electricity and microwave. The hut is booked through Pietie Fredericks (028 271 8124)

Footprint Hiking Club

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