Kogelberg Nature Reserve - Mbali Collection Now Open!
The award winning Kogelberg Nature Reserve has launched its new modern eco cabins and eco pods called the Mbali collection.
Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of the entity says: “We have an enormous responsibility to protect our biodiversity and the cultural heritage associated with this unique, pristine landscape. The conservation and careful management of our natural assets present opportunities for ecotourism to contribute to the economy and create work opportunities for rural communities living around the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Members of the public have enjoyed eight years at the Oudebosch cabins and we are quite confident that our visitors will thoroughly enjoy the new additions to the reserve.”
Considered by many to be the most beautiful of CapeNature’s protected areas, Kogelberg Nature Reserve earns that reputation largely due to the reserve occupying an area with minimal human interference, offering uninterrupted landscape views and thousands of different plant species. Given the reserves iconic environmental status, it was imperative to tread lightly with the construction of the new units.
Anton Bredell, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape has welcomed the launch of the new facilities. “CapeNature manages some of the most beautiful natural places on earth, all within the Western Cape. Critical to this management is ensuring tourists and visitors enjoy a memorable and comfortable stay while having as little environmental impact as possible. The new Mbali collection will be sure to achieve that and cement Kogelberg’s place on the list of fantastic places to visit.”
The newly built units saw a partnership with the the Craft and Design Institute (CDI),a non-profit company with 19 years of success in developing creative people, stimulate the local economy during these challenging times. By partnering with CDI, in the capacity as service provider for interior decorating services, the business outcomes far outweighed the benefits of appointing a single business in a traditional way, according to the entity. This project not only directly supported local manufacturers but also, and very importantly, acts as a platform to showcase their work in beautiful spaces to a larger market, thus giving exposure to the SMMEs included in this project.
According to appointed architect, Tyrone Bloch, the architectural firm largely considered the climate crisis and building in a sustainable way. The cabins in the Mbali collection, are therefore strategically floated above the ground to allow water and animals to move seamlessly across the landscape with minimal interference. A central focus of the design was to minimise the buildings’ environmental impact. To achieve this, locally sourced materials, waterless eco-toilets, solar geysers and planted roofs were incorporated, amongst other things.
The Mbali collection is made up of three new eco cabins, each sleeping six people; five new eco pods, each sleeping two people and a central communal eco pool for exclusive use by overnight visitors. A six-sleeper unit that is entirely universally accessible is also part of the extension.
This speaks directly to the response to visitor needs and follows suit from similar successful projects implemented at other CapeNature reserves across the province. Providing access to protected areas for the differently abled is a primary pillar in the entity’s eco-tourism development strategic ethos.
Bookings for the new units will officially open on 12 November 2020. Click here to secure your spot today!
Related News
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.
CapeNature Wins Silver at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2026
CapeNature has once again earned international recognition, receiving a Silver Award in the Sustainable and Responsible Tourism category at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa Awards 2026. The award was presented in Johannesburg on 5 June 2026 for Green Noise Season 3, Episode 3: Honouring Culture and Ancestors, celebrating CapeNature's commitment to authentic storytelling that promotes conservation, cultural heritage, and responsible tourism.
Picking a wildflower? Everyday choices can amount to biodiversity crime in Protected Areas
Biodiversity crime is often associated with poaching or illegal wildlife trafficking, but some of the most common offences threatening the Western Cape's environment stem from the everyday actions of ordinary visitors to Protected Areas. Entering Protected Areas without a valid permit, fishing without the required licence, leaving designated hiking trails, picking wildflowers, removing rocks or shells as souvenirs, or disturbing wildlife may seem harmless, but
CapeNature Cubs Club celebrates Kai's second birthday with a day of fun, friendship and recognition
CapeNature's Cubs Club celebrated the second birthday of its beloved mascot, Kai the Leopard Cub, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at Helderberg Nature Reserve, bringing together children, families, and partners for a day of fun and environmental celebration. The special occasion welcomed children from three orphanages – Goeie Hoop, Hope & Light, and Heartlands Baby Sanctuary – who were given the opportunity to join in the festivities and experience a day
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are