Limited parking at the start of trails is available on a first come, first served, basis.

In Kogelberg Nature Reserve, visitor numbers are limited and low-impact activities which are compatible with the wilderness atmosphere is encouraged. Hikers have several options, and should be prepared for fairly rough terrain and unpredictable weather. It is essential that hikers wear closed shoes while hiking in the Kogelberg. 

Easy to use trail maps for these hiking trails created by Forge can be downloaded here.

Day Walks

Various day hikes are available at R60 per adult and R30 per child. Permits may be purchased at the reserve office or bookings can be made via CapeNature Central Reservations office.

Multi-Day Hikes: The Highlands Trail is a moderate two-day overnight hike begins at the farm Iona. Accommodation is arranged with the owners. Bookings can be made via CapeNature Contact Centre on 087 087 8250. The trail takes approximately 6-7 hours on day and 8 hours on day two. The maximum group size is limited to 12 people.

The Highlands trail leads through private municipal and conservation land. Hikers on this trail are asked to make their own booking arrangement for overnight accommodation. Please take care when walking the trail and consider all parties involved.

Hiking Trails:

Palmiet River Walk

The Palmiet River Walk is an easy venture along the Palmiet River

Trail distance:  10 km

Estimated time: 3 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your swimwear and binoculars. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised. It’s recommended that the route is started no later than 14h00.

Oudebosch-Harold Porter

This is a moderate hike up Oudebosch gorge into Harold Porter Botanical Garden.

Trail distance:  6 km

Estimated time: 3 – 4 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your binoculars. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised.

A vehicle should be left at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens as this is a one-way route. Guests also have the option to backtrack on the trail after reaching the waterfall at the top of Oudebosch gorge. It is recommended that the route is started no later than 14h00 as the gate at Harold Porter Botanical Garden is locked at 18h00 if hikers choose to do the full hike.

Kogelberg Trail

This is a moderate to long walk along Oudebosch gorge passing through Oudebosch montane forest patch and passing in close proximity to the Platbos and Louw’s bos montane forest patches.

Trail distance:  24 km

Estimated time: 8 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your binoculars. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised. It is recommended that the trail is started no later than 10h00 in summer and 08h00 in winter.

Perdeberg Trail

This is a moderate to long walk starting from the Iona Wine Estate to Perdeberg peak lookout point.

Trail distance: 22km

Estimated time: 7 – 8 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your binoculars. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised. It is recommended that the trail is started no later than 10h00 in summer and 08h00 in winter.

Three Sisters Trail

This is a moderate walk starting from the Kleinmond Golf course.

Trail distance:  8km

Estimated time: 4 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your binoculars. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised. It is recommended that the trail is started no later than 13h00.

No permits are required for this trail, as it starts and ends on municipal property. Parking is available at Kleinmond Golf Course.

Houwhoek Trail

This is a moderate walk starting from the Houwhoek Inn

Trail distance: 8km

Estimated time:  3 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your binoculars. Permits are to be purchased via CapeNature Central Reservations, Houwhoek Inn or the reserve office prior to hike. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised. It is recommended that the trail is started no later than 14h00.

Rooisand Ramble 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROOISAND BOARDWALK AND ROOISAND RAMBLE WILL BE CLOSED TILL 2 FEBRUARY 2025. ALSO BE CAUTIOUS WHEN TURNING OFF THE R44 TO THE ROOISAND GRAVEL ROAD THAT THE SAND IS VERY LOOSE AND VEHICLES CAN GET STUCK EASILY.

This is an easy walk along the Rooisand boardwalk at the Botriver Estuary.

Trail distance: 5km

Estimated time: 2 hours

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient water and take along your binoculars. Permits are to be purchased via CapeNature Central Reservations or reserve office. In winter, a raincoat/pancho is advised. It is recommended that the trail is started no later than 15h00.

Highlands Trail

Moderate two-day overnight hike.

Trail distance: Day 1: 16km (Moderate) and Day 2: 21km (Difficult)

Estimated duration: Day 1: 6-7 hours and Day 2: 8 hours

Entrance requirements: Permit holders only, maximum group size is limited to twelve.

Day One
The Highlands Trail starts on the farm Iona and runs through the farmland (do not pick any fruit) and along a dam wall. (Please park opposite the Iona entrance where you will see a CapeNature sign indicating where you may park. Do not park at the Iona farm house.) Hereafter it joins up with a jeep track which runs through the plantations. The trail is clearly marked with wooden footprint signs at every intersection to prevent confusion. The path then winds through Fynbos and skirts pine plantations. It overlooks the Bot River Vlei, wetlands and coastline.

The trail leads down the mountain toward the tar road and takes you through some private farmland towards the Bot Rivier Vlei, which you will need to cross (during winter the water can be waist deep) and head towards Kleinmond. Overnight accommodation to be arrange within the town of Kleinmond at own cost. Day 2 of trail starts from the Kleinmond Golf Course.

Day Two

The second day starts from the overnight hut. Painted footprints, on the road surface, can be followed. The hike traverses around the Three Sisters peaks and up to Perdeberg before leading back through private conservation land.

Please take care when walking the trail and consider all parties involved. The maintenance of this natural area is a shared responsibility of management and users.

Trail Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to carry sufficient food and water for the overnight trip. Permits are to be purchased via CapeNature Central Reservations. In winter, a raincoat/poncho and warm clothing is strongly advised.