A natural treasure

Declared a World Heritage Site for its botanical riches, Kogelberg is a treasure trove of rare and beautiful plants. The reserve is home to an astounding 1,800 plant species, 77 of which occur nowhere else on earth. Plants like the Kogelberg blue stars, with its clusters of periwinkle blue flowers, which blooms in summer.

If you’re a fan of forests, make time for the all-day Kogelberg Trail, one of 10 easy to moderate trails. This hike leads through three patches of indigenous forest, relics of an earlier time and reminiscent of the Knysna forests. Here you can walk among the region’s last real yellowwood, stinkwood and boekenhout trees. Keep your eyes peeled for grey rhebuck, klipspringer, mongoose and hare, as well as peregrine falcon, Verreaux’s eagle, waterbirds and species associated with fynbos. While you probably won’t be lucky enough to see a Cape leopard, it’s enough to know they roam these parts. And that down by the coast, whales are regularly spotted.

Touching the earth lightly

The eco-pool is just one of several eco-friendly solutions to ensure Kogeberg’s new cabins are kind to the environment. For starters, they are constructed from wood so they can perch on small concrete pad foundations. Because the cabins are raised off the ground, they allow groundwater and all manner of critters to pass below. The roof garden, which is planted with indigenous grasses, is more than a pretty touch. It not only helps the lodgings blend in with the surrounds, it actually also moderates the temperature inside.

Solar water heating, LED lighting, a gas stove and a fireplace in each unit keep the use of energy low, while water-saving devices and composting toilets reduce water use. What’s more, the cabins have been designed to make use of the sun and cross ventilation to keep the indoors pleasantly mild – no air-con required. They’re also cleverly orientated to offer protection against the prevailing summer wind and make the most of the sweeping views.

Whereas most of modern life moves you away from nature, Kogelberg brings you closer to living in harmony with the planet. From the moment you wake to sun on the mountain peaks until you fall asleep to Mother Nature’s soundtrack, you’ll be rewarded with moments to remember. With all the required Covid-19 measures in place, Kogelberg is just the place to feed your soul.