SANTIE GOUWS MOUNTAIN GUIDE

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is world-renowned for the exceptional biodiversity and pristineness of the fynbos vegetation protected within its boundaries. The reserve is considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape, which has UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Having hiked many of its magnificent trails myself, I can honestly also say that the 24 km Kogelberg trail offers the best of the best hiking through its exceptional, diverse and remote mountain scenery. As one immerses oneself in this fynbos heartland passing first through a beautiful, old indigenous Afromontane forest patch, then meandering past deep mountain valleys and crossing over a high plato overlooking the Indian Ocean on the one side and a distant waterfall on the other, crossing pure mountain streams along the way, you experience a true sense of having escaped from everyday life and into a forgotten paradise. The last section of the hike passes along Palmiet river with, in summer, glorious swimming opportunity in many of its deep pools, always much enjoyed after a long day of hiking.

Although not technically difficult, and without any serious ascents, this 24 km circular hike is quite strenuous due to the long hiking distance covered on an undulating rocky mountain footpath and old jeep track.    

• LOCATION - Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond

• DISTANCE - 24 km

• ELEVATION GAIN - 710 m

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - 3A - Strenuous full-day on-trail hike

• DURATION - Set aside 10 hours for this hike

• LOCATION - Kleinmond, South Africa

• START/END - Circular hike, starts and ends at the Oudebosch Parking area inside the Kogelberg Nature Reserve

CLICK HERE FOR PRIVATE GUIDED HIKE TARIFFS  

Coffee/tea included. Other drinks/snacks and transport are excluded and can be arranged at an additional fee. 

WHATSAPP Santie to book for this special hike.