Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
4.5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
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Gregsmit
Cape Town Central, South Africa1 contribution
Mar 2014 • Family
I would love to give a honest review of Kogelberg Nature Reserve, but sadly I can not as we never had the opportunity to stay here.
My Father booked a family holiday at Kogelberg Nature Reserve for my Sons 2nd Birthday. He made the payment to confirm the booking three months before arrival. He then received a call from them the DAY BEFORE arrival that they somehow managed to double book the cottage, and would we mind cancelling our planned trip or move it to another date!
This is after flights have been booked, time booked off work ect. This is completely unacceptable by a reserve who state they should be 5 star.
My Father booked a family holiday at Kogelberg Nature Reserve for my Sons 2nd Birthday. He made the payment to confirm the booking three months before arrival. He then received a call from them the DAY BEFORE arrival that they somehow managed to double book the cottage, and would we mind cancelling our planned trip or move it to another date!
This is after flights have been booked, time booked off work ect. This is completely unacceptable by a reserve who state they should be 5 star.
Written March 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orlandos66
Kapstadt, Südafrika67 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
We did this hike shortly after the reopening in november 2012 - it was closed for more than a year to give the nature a chance to recover.
And it was good that they closed it for some time and changed the entry regulations -
it was far to overcrowded at weekends in the past and to much "left-overs" !
You cannot purchase the permits anylonger at sunbird lodge - you have to prebook and collect in sommerset (it was the first weekend, I think soon they will email them after proof of payment) the entry price is now much higher (60 Rand) and the number of persons on the hike limited - hopefully that will help to protect the area!
The hike itself is not to exhausting -
the first pool can be reached in under an hour, second pool takes you about 15 minutes more..you have to decide how far up you wanna go -
and the pools are worth the effort - swim, relax in a waterfall, jump from edges (beware the water is not "crystal" - you have to check for rocks!but the colour has a natural explanation, no worries)
it is just a really great place!
And it was good that they closed it for some time and changed the entry regulations -
it was far to overcrowded at weekends in the past and to much "left-overs" !
You cannot purchase the permits anylonger at sunbird lodge - you have to prebook and collect in sommerset (it was the first weekend, I think soon they will email them after proof of payment) the entry price is now much higher (60 Rand) and the number of persons on the hike limited - hopefully that will help to protect the area!
The hike itself is not to exhausting -
the first pool can be reached in under an hour, second pool takes you about 15 minutes more..you have to decide how far up you wanna go -
and the pools are worth the effort - swim, relax in a waterfall, jump from edges (beware the water is not "crystal" - you have to check for rocks!but the colour has a natural explanation, no worries)
it is just a really great place!
Written December 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
africawithkids
Toronto, Canada12 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
We stayed here in one of the 5 new Eco cabins for a long weekend. Unfortunately my husband was ill so we were unable to go on any of the hikes as we had planned, but I can't think of anywhere better to be trapped inside with an invalid for a weekend. My children were very happy playing in the area between the cabins as well as the lovely verandah area that each cabin has.
The cabins are spacious, beautifully designed and exceptionally well maintained. The kitchen is perfect with everything you need as well as an outdoor braii area. We went in winter and although it was warm during the day we expected it to be very cold at night as the whole of the front of the cabin is glass, but it was much warmer than our flat in Cape Town. I'm not sure whether the grass roof trapped heat in or they are properly double glazed, but we didn't even need to use the wood burning stove, which was lucky as we hadn't taken any wood with us assuming that we would be able to buy it on site, which we couldn't so make sure you take that with you.
Apart from my daughter managing to fall in it, we didn't use the chemical free pool but it looked crystal clear and I'd imagine would be fantastic in the summer.
If you and the rest of your party book all the cabins then you are given free access to the indoor communal area, which looked great and has it's own kitchen which would be ideal for catering for big groups.
The staff are lovely and very enthusiastic about the place. You do have to get there before 4pm though to be issued a permit which I wasn't aware off, although I have no doubt that it was probably mentioned in one of their communications that I had just failed to read properly.
All in all, it is a truly wonderful place and excellent value for money. The fact that there are so few cabins and they are so beautiful does mean that you have to ensure you book a long time in advance as they do seem to get very booked up.
There is also a mistake on this website as it is nowhere near Franschoek, it is in the Overberg between Betty's Bay and Hermanus, so ideal for those who want to see whales.
The cabins are spacious, beautifully designed and exceptionally well maintained. The kitchen is perfect with everything you need as well as an outdoor braii area. We went in winter and although it was warm during the day we expected it to be very cold at night as the whole of the front of the cabin is glass, but it was much warmer than our flat in Cape Town. I'm not sure whether the grass roof trapped heat in or they are properly double glazed, but we didn't even need to use the wood burning stove, which was lucky as we hadn't taken any wood with us assuming that we would be able to buy it on site, which we couldn't so make sure you take that with you.
Apart from my daughter managing to fall in it, we didn't use the chemical free pool but it looked crystal clear and I'd imagine would be fantastic in the summer.
If you and the rest of your party book all the cabins then you are given free access to the indoor communal area, which looked great and has it's own kitchen which would be ideal for catering for big groups.
The staff are lovely and very enthusiastic about the place. You do have to get there before 4pm though to be issued a permit which I wasn't aware off, although I have no doubt that it was probably mentioned in one of their communications that I had just failed to read properly.
All in all, it is a truly wonderful place and excellent value for money. The fact that there are so few cabins and they are so beautiful does mean that you have to ensure you book a long time in advance as they do seem to get very booked up.
There is also a mistake on this website as it is nowhere near Franschoek, it is in the Overberg between Betty's Bay and Hermanus, so ideal for those who want to see whales.
Written July 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean R
Betty's Bay, South Africa230 contributions
Aug 2012
its just 10 kms from my house, and I often feel like escaping and going for walks along the river, briliant flora, still have not sen any leopards, although they are around. Great waterfalls after heavy rains too.
And very stylish newly built cabins, for self catering stays, all built with local materials, and with the environment in mind
And very stylish newly built cabins, for self catering stays, all built with local materials, and with the environment in mind
Written October 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elsvdm
Johannesburg, South Africa1 contribution
Nov 2014 • Couples
We saw a video of the reserve on their website which absolutely sold it to us! It is a truly stunning world heritage site, but on arrival we were shocked when informed that the units have compost toilets! Once we saw our unit (Erica) we were amazed that it seemed even more beautiful than we'd anticipated and the view was absolutely stunning!! Our excitement didn't last long when we opened the door to our room and en-suite bathroom only to be surrounded by flies. I cannot believe that they decided to make a long drop toilet en-suite!! It literally changes the experience from a luxurious one to non-luxurious.
When we went to speak to reception asking advice on how to deal with all the flies they gave us some of those sticky fly strips. We used 3 of these in our room and by the time we left we had around 100 flies on each of these just in the room! I have never had to stay anywhere with so many flies. The dining room's strip had caught another 97 odd flies (we actually counted them!) Every time one opens the toilet lid you are greeted by a new swarm of flies coming from it! With it being en-suite, one can't open the lovely massive windows to let fresh air into your room, as it only attracts more flies.
We had booked and paid for 4 nights (for our anniversary), but didn't end up staying the last night and were so fed-up with the toilets and flies that we couldn't wait to leave! There was another couple during our stay who also ended up leaving after their 1st night while they had paid for 2 nights.
We would only ever stay again if they had a way of changing the toilet system! Highly recommended for hikes, but not for sleeping over unless you are looking for a greeny experience.
When we went to speak to reception asking advice on how to deal with all the flies they gave us some of those sticky fly strips. We used 3 of these in our room and by the time we left we had around 100 flies on each of these just in the room! I have never had to stay anywhere with so many flies. The dining room's strip had caught another 97 odd flies (we actually counted them!) Every time one opens the toilet lid you are greeted by a new swarm of flies coming from it! With it being en-suite, one can't open the lovely massive windows to let fresh air into your room, as it only attracts more flies.
We had booked and paid for 4 nights (for our anniversary), but didn't end up staying the last night and were so fed-up with the toilets and flies that we couldn't wait to leave! There was another couple during our stay who also ended up leaving after their 1st night while they had paid for 2 nights.
We would only ever stay again if they had a way of changing the toilet system! Highly recommended for hikes, but not for sleeping over unless you are looking for a greeny experience.
Written November 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TsamayaSentle
Somerset West, South Africa148 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Stayed in the Oudebosch eco-cabins in the reserve for a weekend and enjoyed it tremendously! Has everything you need for a great self-catering stay plus peace and quiet plus beautiful views across the mountains plus great walks plus a breathtaking drive there along Clarence drive. The kids were in heaven - safe adventure right on your doorstep.
We will definitely go back in summer to also take advantage of the natural pool and long evenings on the stoep...
We will definitely go back in summer to also take advantage of the natural pool and long evenings on the stoep...
Written August 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olga L
Somerset West, South Africa74 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
The hike over the mountain starting from Kogelberg Nature Reserve to the Harold Porter Nature reserve is one of the most enjoyable hikes which I have experienced in the Cape mountains. It is not too difficult and one sees beautiful mountain views and the most unusual and unique wild flowers along the route.
Written April 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rocape
Umhlanga, South Africa131 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
The Kogelberg reserve is a bit of a conundrum....there is no doubt the reserve is fantastically beautiful and the hikes through the fynbos is heaven but I don't know what to make of the cabins. It is priced and sold as luxury cabins but it has long drops (no flushing toilets) and a HUGE fly problem. I am no snooty traveler and often camp around the mountains in the Cape. We often rough it out in cabins and tents and we enjoy it as much as lounging in a 5 star B&B. The Kogelberg cabins though are neither roughing it or lounging in the lap of luxury.
Yes the setting is beautiful but we couldn't really lounge around because the flies was over everything. So we left the cabin early and spent a fantastic day out in nature....but then we could rather have slept in a more rustic cabin or even a tent....it would have been cheaper.
I guess my complaint is rather silly but I don't know if I'll go back there again. Just because it doesn't fit into any type of weekend I'm use to having. If I'm looking for a comfortable weekend then I'll pay some more but then I want to lounge around the whole day. And if I want to spend the day hiking and climbing mountains then I'll rough it for cheap.
Big up for Cape Nature though for creating an unique space which I'm sure will find a following of it's own.
I think next time I'll stay somewhere in Kleinmond or Betty's Bay and just spend the day in the reserve.
Yes the setting is beautiful but we couldn't really lounge around because the flies was over everything. So we left the cabin early and spent a fantastic day out in nature....but then we could rather have slept in a more rustic cabin or even a tent....it would have been cheaper.
I guess my complaint is rather silly but I don't know if I'll go back there again. Just because it doesn't fit into any type of weekend I'm use to having. If I'm looking for a comfortable weekend then I'll pay some more but then I want to lounge around the whole day. And if I want to spend the day hiking and climbing mountains then I'll rough it for cheap.
Big up for Cape Nature though for creating an unique space which I'm sure will find a following of it's own.
I think next time I'll stay somewhere in Kleinmond or Betty's Bay and just spend the day in the reserve.
Written November 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andre v
Stellenbosch, South Africa9 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We spent a few days at Kogelberg in Fire Lily cottage. Excellent acommodation in a very well equipped self catering cottage. Unfortunately the eco friendly composting toilets had a bad odour. The extractor / ventilation fans for the toilets seemed not to work very well. We also experienced a major fly problem, probably as a result of the toilets. This is not something that we exected from a premium priced venue.
Written January 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArtistheP
Amsterdam251 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
The area was hit hard by a huge fire earlier this year but the reserve is already starting to recover from it and we even in the affected areas we saw lots of plants and flowers. The entrance to the parking area, where you can buy hiking permits (50 Rand), is easily missed to use your navigation. The road is one lane but there are enough spots to pass other cars. At the time of our visit only track 4 (hiking, next to the river) and 5 (mountainbiking, above the river, we took it back to the parking while we didn't want to go the same way back and forth, 4 is nicer however) are opened. The first stretch is through an area that was hit by the fire but the last through lovely green lush bushes. Lots of birds, and some monkeys (on a safe distance, not interested in us) too.
Saw only two other hikers the entire hike. Really enjoyed this beautiful reserve.
Toilets and a picknick area at the parking. You can also picknick next to the river on 2/3 of the track. Take your own drinking water with you.
The Leopardtrail is closed at the moment but hopefully can be opened again any time soon.
Saw only two other hikers the entire hike. Really enjoyed this beautiful reserve.
Toilets and a picknick area at the parking. You can also picknick next to the river on 2/3 of the track. Take your own drinking water with you.
The Leopardtrail is closed at the moment but hopefully can be opened again any time soon.
Written April 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am interested in the camping sites you are mentioning in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Are there any Caravan camping sites? Appreciated!
Written October 5, 2019
How is the best way to go from Cape Town to the Reserve?
Written August 17, 2019
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