Closest Town: Kleinmond
Grading: Moderate
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Location (Area/Province): Overberg & Southern Cape and Western Cape
Configuration: Return
Start Point: Start at the Oudebosch office in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Access: Permit available at Oudebosch office at Kogelberg Nature Reserve +27 (0)28 271 5138
Beware of:
Facilities: Ablutions, kiosk at the office
Cell Reception: No cell phone reception
OVERVIEW
The moderate 26km return trail starts at the Oudebosch office of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and is limited to six cyclists. From the office, the trail leads along a short, singletrack section before joining up with the jeep track. [div2 class=”highlight1″]
On your bike
This moderate trail starts at the Oudebosch office of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and is limited to six cyclists. From the office, the trail leads along a short, singletrack section before joining up with the jeep track past one of the management houses. Head up the Palmiet Valley past the chain gate, staying on the jeep track and dipping and climbing parallel to the river course. Ignore the various paths off the main track, cranking up several gnarly little climbs. The terrain is passable, but the odd sandy stretch and rocky riding are to be expected. Continue until you reach the turning point on Stokoei Bridge (13 km), a great place for a picnic or a refreshing swim in the Palmiet River. The trail returns along the same route to Oudebosch.
Off the bike
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve extends for 16,537 ha between Kleinmond, Rooiels and Steenbras, across deep valleys and high peaks. Shale and sandstone mountains, wetland seepage systems, blackwater rivers, indigenous afromontane forests and coastal lakes combine to create a natural playground awaiting exploration. It is a world-renowned biodiversity ‘hot spot’, rated by National Geographic magazine as one of the planet’s most precious areas.
The fynbos vegetation in Kogelberg boasts a high count of endemic species, and the botanical diversity here is amongst the highest in the world. Fauna including grey rhebuck, grysbok, klipspringer and the secretive leopard while sightings of black eagle, fish eagle, kingfishers, sugarbirds and ground woodpeckers are commonplace.
Activities in Kogelberg include a popular 15 km canoe trail on the Palmiet river and day hiking trails. Basic accommodation is provided in old wooden cabins tucked into the fynbos.
CONTACT:
Telephone: (028) 271 5138
Website: www.capenature.co.za
GPS: 34°19′20.1″S 018°58′03.3″E
