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Kogelberg Biosphere Nature Reserve-A Declared World Heritage Site

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is now managed according to the internationally accepted principles of a biosphere reserve. This implies that the sensitive core area of 18 000 ha remains pristine and essentially wild, with a high level of biological diversity, and is buffered by a more resilient area. Beyond the reserve's borders, agriculture and the South African Forestry Company Limited's (SAFCOL) pine plantations form a transitional zone. The biosphere concept accommodates conservation and development, and ensures that sensitive areas and biological diversity are adequately protected.

Kogel Bay on the coastal drive

The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the rugged Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, and is situated some 90 km south-east of Cape Town. The reserve is sign-posted from the coastal road from Gordon's Bay, and a gravel road leads for 3 km through private property to the entrance. The coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve.

The long isolation of the Kogelberg area has helped to protect its floral wealth and keep it clear of alien vegetation, and today the reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape.

The Kogelberg Reserve does not have many large animals. There are a few leopards, the Cape clawless otter may be seen in or near water, smaller antelope include klipspringer and grysbok, and baboons, dassies and hares are fairly common. Peregrine falcons, black eagles and fish eagles hunt and nest in and around the reserve.

In the less sensitive areas, permitted recreation activities include hiking, canoeing, swimming, and angling at Rooisand on the Bot River estuary, and walking with dogs near Sir Lowry's Pass Village. Picnic facilities and accommodation are not provided, but are numerous on the outskirts of the reserve.

To book for hiking and canoeing:
Tel.(021) 889-1566 or 889-1568
Fax (021)889-1567

Nature Reserves of the Helderberg and the Western Cape


	Helderberg Nature Reserve Helderberg nature reserve is one of the treasures of the Helderberg region. It starts at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, where families picnic in the shade of ancient oaks amidst rolling lawns, and reaches up the mountainside to places where hardy fynbos plants cling to the steep slopes. Several species of small antelope occur in the reserve and visitors may spot Grey Duiker, Grysbok and Steenbok. Bontebok have also been reintroduced to the area. Snakes are not often seen but one may come across a Mole snake, Cape Cobra or Puff Adder. Bear in mind that the last two are highly poisonous and should be given a wide berth. The reserve's information centre is located in the Maskew Miller Herbarium and on weekdays and public holidays it is manned by members of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. A shop selling curios, arts and crafts is situated in the Information Centre. An educational centre, funded jointly by the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve and the Helderberg Municipality, is well utilised by local schools and organisations in the important task of educating both adults and children about conservation. There are several walks in the reserve and these are graded from a gentle amble through the lower reaches to longer routes for the more energetic. Walking is the only way to really appreciate all that the Helderberg Nature Reserve has to offer. The paths tracing the upper reaches reward with breathtaking panoramas.
	Kogelberg Biosphere Nature Reserve-A Declared World Heritage Site Kogelberg Nature Reserve is now managed according to the internationally accepted principles of a biosphere reserve. This implies that the sensitive core area of 18 000 ha remains pristine and essentially wild, with a high level of biological diversity, and is buffered by a more resilient area. Beyond the reserve's borders, agriculture and the South African Forestry Company Limited's (SAFCOL) pine plantations form a transitional zone. The biosphere concept accommodates conservation and development, and ensures that sensitive areas and biological diversity are adequately protected. Kogel Bay on the coastal drive The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the rugged Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, and is situated some 90 km south-east of Cape Town. The reserve is sign-posted from the coastal road from Gordon's Bay, and a gravel road leads for 3 km through private property to the entrance. The coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve. The long isolation of the Kogelberg area has helped to protect its floral wealth and keep it clear of alien vegetation, and today the reserve presents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape. The Kogelberg Reserve does not have many large animals. There are a few leopards, the Cape clawless otter may be seen in or near water, smaller antelope include klipspringer and grysbok, and baboons, dassies and hares are fairly common. Peregrine falcons, black eagles and fish eagles hunt and nest in and around the reserve. In the less sensitive areas, permitted recreation activities include hiking, canoeing, swimming, and angling at Rooisand on the Bot River estuary, and walking with dogs near Sir Lowry's Pass Village. Picnic facilities and accommodation are not provided, but are numerous on the outskirts of the reserve. To book for hiking and canoeing: Tel.(021) 889-1566 or 889-1568 Fax (021)889-1567