Palmiet River MTB Route (Closest City/Town: Kleinmond)

Western Cape - Overberg & Southern Cape

Palmiet River MTB Route

CLOSEST TOWN > Kleinmond

TRAIL DESTINATION > Kogelberg Nature Reserve

DISTANCE > 26km

GRADING > Moderate

OVERVIEW

The moderate 26km return trail starts at the Oudebosch office of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and is limited to six cyclists. From the office, the trail leads along a short, singletrack section before joining up with the jeep track.

On your bike

This moderate trail starts at the Oudebosch office of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and is limited to six cyclists. From the office, the trail leads along a short, singletrack section before joining up with the jeep track past one of the management houses. Head up the Palmiet Valley past the chain gate, staying on the jeep track and dipping and climbing parallel to the river course. Ignore the various paths off the main track, cranking up several gnarly little climbs. The terrain is passable, but the odd sandy stretch and rocky riding are to be expected. Continue until you reach the turning point on Stokoei Bridge (13 km), a great place for a picnic or a refreshing swim in the Palmiet River. The trail returns along the same route to Oudebosch.

Off the bike

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve extends for 16,537 ha between Kleinmond, Rooiels and Steenbras, across deep valleys and high peaks. Shale and sandstone mountains, wetland seepage systems, blackwater rivers, indigenous afromontane forests and coastal lakes combine to create a natural playground awaiting exploration. It is a world-renowned biodiversity ‘hot spot’, rated by National Geographic magazine as one of the planet’s most precious areas.

The fynbos vegetation in Kogelberg boasts a high count of endemic species, and the botanical diversity here is amongst the highest in the world. Fauna including grey rhebuck, grysbok, klipspringer and the secretive leopard while sightings of black eagle, fish eagle, kingfishers, sugarbirds and ground woodpeckers are commonplace.

Activities in Kogelberg include a popular 15 km canoe trail on the Palmiet river and day hiking trails. Basic accommodation is provided in old wooden cabins tucked into the fynbos.

CONTACT:

Route information: Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Address: Private Bag X1, Kleinmond, 7195

Telephone: (028) 271 5138

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.capenature.co.za

GPS: 34°19′20.1″S 018°58′03.3″E

Weather:

Clear 9 ^oC
Humidity: 87%
Wind: N at 0 mph

Mon	6 ⇒ 20 ^oC	» Fog «
Tue	10 ⇒ 25 ^oC	» Partly Sunny «
Wed	8 ⇒ 20 ^oC	» Mostly Sunny «

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Moderate

DURATION:

2-3 Hours

CONFIGURATION :

Return

START POINT:

Start at the Oudebosch office in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve

TERRAIN:

Single track and jeep track, sandy and rocky in places

MAP:

Maps available at Oudebosch office

CELL RECEPTION:

No cell phone reception

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

R20 per adult / R10 per scholar available at Oudebosch office at Kogelberg Nature Reserve (028) 271 5138

FACILITIES:

Ablutions, kiosk at the office

BEWARE OF:

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HOW TO GET THERE

Travel along the N2 from Cape Town past Somerset West to opposite the Grabouw turnoff within the foothills of Sir Lowry's Pass. The access road to Mispah Youth Camp exits onto the highway here.

If heading for the Oudebosch office, follow the N2 to Bkt river before turning onto the R44 towards Kleinmond. Kogelberg Nature Reserve is 3 km west of Kleinmond just off the Main Road of Betty’s Bay

BEST TIME OF YEAR

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Kogelberg MTB

Kogelberg 1

Kogelberg 2

Kogelberg 3