KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE HIKE

Itinerary

• Early departure from parking meeting point at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens . From there we are transported to a starting point within Kogelberg Reserve.
• Briefing, introductions and checklist from guides.
• Maps and species list issued.
• Guides are First-Aid trained and carry a first Aid Kit'
• Guides are qualified Nature and Marine Guides and are able to interpret the ecology of the area.
• Interesting and informative interpretation of this ecological jewel to the level suited to age, interests and language constraints.
•

Kogelberg is just an hour’s drive from Cape Town the area is famous for its floral wealth. The 100 000 ha Nature Reserve boasts in excess of 1800 plant species. Many spectacular members of the Protea family, including the Marsh Rose occur here in Kogelberg.
•

Kogelberg biosphere has 3 patches of relic indigenous forest, Louwsbos, Platbos and Oudebos. Similar to the Knysna forests, they include Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Boekenhout trees. Other trees that can be seen are the Silky Bark, African Holly, Hard Pear, Rooiels and Ironwood.
•

The Palmiet River and its associated vegetation is the most pristine in the south-western Cape. Wild almond and Cape Beech are among the trees occurring in the riverine scrub.
• Follow walking trail through Fynbos vegetation . Fynbos or "Fine bush" is composed of Protea, Ericas and Restio species. 
• Guides will show a variety from the 9000 species of plants that can be found within the Cape Floral Kingdom.
• Guide will show walkers the variety and give interesting information regarding pollinators, the importance of fire and endemism
• Visiting scenic high points, rivers & sandstone rock formations of the Hottentots Holland Reserve
• Tea,coffee beak at suitable shady stop.
• Continue once everyone is rested. Follow well marked footpath within the fynbos trail, admiring lovely views of Kleinmond and Pringle Bay.
• Hike to lunch point for supplied packed lunch and fruit juice, 
• Continue towards end point at start of hike. Hike is 6 km and does require a level of fitness.

Duration: 6 hours

Location: Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Keinmond Past Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay, 7690 South Africa

Our hike crosses over the Kogelberg mountain into the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens where we met in the morning.

We descend along a steep zig-zag path into the beautiful, well designed gardens. Here you can explore the gardens, view the waterfall in Leopards Gorge (1 km climb) or have a drink at the Disa Cafe.

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, Clarence Drive, Betty's Bay South Africa