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
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.
CapeNature maintains clean audit record and expands the Western Cape’s Protected Areas
CapeNature's 2025/26 Annual Report shows the Entity added more than 44 000 hectares to the Western Cape conservation estate over the year. The additions extend protection across mountain catchments that feed the province's water supply, guarding them against the invasive plant growth and wildfire risk that threaten water security. Ultimately the protected areas expansion improves our ability to conserve the rich and unique Western Cape biodiversity.
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.