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Nature Reserves :
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Province: Western Cape Cape
Nearest Towns: Kleinmond
Background
Kogelberg is Cape Nature Conservation's prettiest rese.rve; thanks largely to the fact that it occupies an area that has been least interfered with by people in the past. Today it is considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom because of the exceptional quality of its fynbos. Perhaps you have driven past it along that magical coastal road from Gordon's Bay, past Rooiels to Kleinmond. If you have you would have marvelled at its beauty at whatever time of the year: in the blazing suns of summer, when green is not what you expect; or in the rains and mists of winter, when torrents of water cascade down rock faces that were bone dry only weeks before. You would also have marvelled at how such a place could still exist, experience having taught you to associate buildings and houses and infrastructure with places of natural beauty. Not so at Kogelberg. Here the word is pristine.
The reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape. It has some 1 600 plant species, of which 150 are endemic. It also has three patches of relic indigenous forest similar to the celebrated Knysna forests. An endemic freshwater crab and the endangered micro- frog are also found in the area. But source of the greatest pride to Cape Nature Conservation is UNESCO's recognition of Kogelberg as a biosphere reserve. Broadly speaking, this is an acknowledgement that people can live in harmony with nature, especially communities living in proximity to reserves or protected areas.
At Kogelberg, a sensitive core of 18000 ha of the reserve has been kept pristine and wild. Here there is much biological diversity and conservation is the priority. Only activities that do not adversely affect natural processes and wildlife are allowed, such as hiking and bird watching. The core is buffered by a more resilient, less ecologically sensitive area where recreation such as mountain biking is allowed. Beyond the reserve's borders, agriculture, plantations and towns form a transitional zone, and the sustainable use of wildflowers and fish are
promoted. The whole is inspirational and one of more than 400 biosphere reserves worldwide. Kogelberg was South Africa's first registered biosphere reserve and it encompasses the entire coastal area from Gordon's Bay to the Bot River vlei, and inland to Grabouw and the Groenland Mountain.
Facilities
Very basic, no-frills accommodation is available in two old timber houses situated in the reserve's Palmiet River valley, right in the fynbos. Each house sleeps six people and consists of three bedrooms with two single beds per room. There is a bath but no shower. Hot water is available. The kitchen is only equipped with a fridge, a small two- plate stove and a kettle. You will need to bring everything else you think you will need for a comfortable stay.
Mountain biking
If recreation for you is a deckchair and anything else undignified, then mountain biking will suggest anathema. But if a bike on a high track heading out epitomises the free- wheeling life, then Kogelberg is the place to live it.
The reserve offers cyclists two routes: the Kogelberg Trail and the Palmiet River Trail. The Kogelberg route is 39 km long and takes five hours of hard riding. It starts at the Mispah Youth Camp, next to the Kogelberg Dam (accessed from the N2 near the Grabouw turnoff) and finishes at Oudebosch. Take water, food and protective clothing. There is little shade, but plenty of water, enough even to swim in. Booking is essential, through Maverick Cycles (021) 851-4192.
The 26 km Palmiet Trail, booked through the Oudebosch office (028) 271 5138, takes about five hours and is graded moderate. It starts at Oudebosch, winds up into the .Palmiet River valley and ends at the Stokoe Bridge. Here you can swim and picnic before your return to Oudebosch by the same route. Neither route is suitable for children.
Hiking
More than anything and, some would say, anywhere else, Kogelberg is a range for the hiker. In biosphere reserve terms, this is what is described as low impact recreation. There are a number of trails to choose from, but four of the best start from the office at Oudebosch.
Kogelberg (23 km; 8-9 hours): This circular route takes you right through the heart of the reserve. The trail is graded moderate to long. Start before 10 am. Groups are lim- ited to 12 people.
Palmiet River Walk (9 km; 3-4 hours): This trail hugs the river, takes you deep
into the reserve and brings you out again. It has been graded easy. Begin before noon
Palmiet Valley Trail (18 km; 6-7 hours): The trail also hugs the river, but then takes you deeper into the reserve, along the Palmiet River, to the Stokoe Bridge and back again. Begin before noon. Groups are limited to 10 people.
Oudebosch to Leopard's George (6 km; 3-4 hours): This is strictly a one-way-only.
You will need a vehicle to get you to Oudebosch and another to collect you at the end, at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. The grade is moderate. Begin before noon. Harold Porter closes at 6 pm.
Canoe trail
This ever popular trail covers 15 km of the Palmiet River and, with rests and section repeats, is an all-day affair. It is open only in winter (June 1 -September 30), when the river is likely to be at its fullest, and when only competent canoeists (Grade III) should tackle it. Enquire at the office about guided tubing and rafting on the river.
Warhorses
Well not quite, but descendents of, surely? Mythology surrounds the wild horse herd found on the marshes of Rooisand, at the Bot River estuary. Some say the British abandoned their forebears during the Anglo-Boer South African War. Others say they once formed part of a Boer commando. Still others link them somehow to the Great War. Perhaps all are notions, as romantic as those attached to Pegasus.
Tips
Permits are required for all activities within the reserve.
Swim only at marked areas.
The reserve opens at 7.30 am and closes at 7 pm in summer (winter: 8 am -6 pm).
You will find parking and toilets at the Oudebosch office.
Trail distances and times allow for swimming and resting.
Cellphone reception is sporadic and cannot be relied on.
Getting there
The reserve is just over an hour's drive up the east coast from Cape Town. Take the N2 towards Sir Lowry's Pass. Turn right on to the R44 through Gordon's Bay. Continue on this scenic coastal route, past Rooiels, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay. Just before you cross the bridge over the Palmiet River, estuary and about 3km from Kleinmond, take the signposted dirt road to the left. The office of Oudebosch is 3km on.
Enquiries & Bookings
Tel 27 28 271 5138
Bookings: Tel 27 21 945 45 70
Fax: 27 21 945 3457
kogelbrg@mweb.co.za
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