Kogelberg Nature Reserve is one of our favourite places to visit. It’s a quiet, beautiful area where it’s easy to switch off and tap into the calming part of being outdoors.
The last time we went hiking in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve was in 2020, with lockdown rules still in place. I can’t remember what level we were at, but the rules had been loosened to allow limited travel with curfews. The ban on purchasing rotisserie chicken had been lifted, and previously law-abiding neighbours were doubling as bootleggers while also policing dog walkers through their security cameras. It was a wild time.
We took a drive out of the city to spend a full day immersed in nature. That morning, there were only three other people on the trail and zero cell phone reception. It was a small moment of quiet in a busy world. We noticed some construction of what appeared to be cabins and made a mental note to come back and stay the night. It took us six years, but we finally found some time (it’s very popular) when all the stars aligned.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise with breathtaking views and a diverse array of fynbos. CapeNature says it’s considered to be “the most beautiful of its protected areas… the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.” If you spend even an hour in this space, you know it’s true. The reserve is an hour-and-a-half drive from Cape Town. You can either enter with a day permit (purchased online or at the visitors centre) or stay overnight in one of their cabins.
Someone once said that I had an Instagram page about hiking and the outdoors, and I was very surprised because I didn’t think that was the case. And yet, I do like walking. Now, every time I write about that, I laugh and think, “Wait, is this a hiking page?” There are about seven trails of varying distances comprising the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Our main aim was a relaxing few days, and so we opted for something not too strenuous – the same walk as 2020.
The Palmiet River trail is an easy 10 km walk along the river. Although it is mostly flat, there are a few rocky bits, but that is all part of the fun. We walked and stopped off on a lovely sandy riverbank – “the beach.” The beach is about halfway into the walk; it is a lovely patch ideal for a break or picnic and a swimming spot. We stopped off with a picnic and took a dip in the river. Well, I dipped my toes because it was way too cold for me. Anyway, I reckon if you went there with a cozzie, that counts.
Where to Stay in Kogelberg Nature Reserve
There are two sets of cabin types inside the reserve. The Oudebosch Eco Cabins and the Mbali Collection, which comprises six glass-fronted sleeper cabins with incredible views of the Palmiet River Valley. We stayed in one of the two sleeper cabins in the Mbali Collection. The highlight of this area is its minimal human interference, just beautiful vistas and some wildlife.
No sooner had we sat down to begin our journey of relaxation than a baboon made its way through the door. I looked at him and kindly said, “No, thank you.” The baboon stopped in its tracks and cocked its head in confusion. This must’ve been the first time he’d heard such a polite decline. My husband quickly got up, and the baboon bolted out the door. He insists his actions led to him leaving, but I don’t know… a polite ‘no thank you’ has its uses.
The cabins also celebrate leaving as little impact behind. Solar, eco-bricks for wood, and waterless/composting toilets to avoid wasting large amounts of potable water for the transportation and treatment of human waste. If you know me, you know this part was a lot for me. But it was very neat, and there was no offensive odour.
Our days were spent on long walks along the river, coffee on the beach watching the sunset, reading around the cosy fire and dips in the swimming pool. It was essentially walk, rest, eat, relax, and repeat. The fact that there is no cell reception means you get a digital detox, too. Notwithstanding the loo situation, we will definitely be back. I’ve already raved about a night at Kogelberg Nature Reserve to friends and family. It is one of those places where you feel like there is no one else in the world, much like our afternoon at another CapeNature reserve a few years ago – a perfect outing.
Discover more from Blacks Do Swim
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.