Tread lightly

On Friday, 03 February, I made my way to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve an hour and half from Cape Town. You can take the road over Sir Lowry’s Pass or opt for the more scenic route round the coast through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooiels and Betty’s Bay. Not far from the popular Harold Porter Gardens, you’ll find the sign to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. A dirt track leads to the parking area of the reserve’s brand new cabins.

Friday marked the opening of five self-catering cabins, ready to house their first ever visitors (the cabins replace the old forestry huts built in the 1970s). Made of alien timber with wooden walkways and large decks, the cabins look onto the surrounding Hottentot Hollands Mountain range with a fynbos-covered backdrop. Indigenous and water wise plants decorate the pathways and roof gardens provide natural insulation to make sure the cabins stay cool in summer. One of the best features is the stylish glass fronted fireplace situated in the living area – sure to keep visitors cosy during winter.

Each cabin accommodates up to four people in two spacious rooms. Wowhouse, the local interior designers, have kept a “made in South Africa” flavour with touches such as beautiful chandeliers made locally of recycled beer bottles. The chandeliers were the idea of architect Justin Cook of Architecture Co-op who together with Fynbos eco-scapes were responisble for the exterior design. A large outside table suited us just fine as we marvelled at the beauty of this floral kingdom.

The new eco-pool, that looked very inviting on our visit, is situated in the middle of the cabins with easy access from the walkways. The concept of the pool is in keeping with the sustainable nature of the project and ensures that no chemicals are used (see links below for more information). Needless to say, the project recently won the prestigious Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction and has set a new benchmark in sustainable development.

Wilfred Williams, CapeNature’s project co-ordinator for tourism infrastructure, spoke at the opening event and emphasised how the new venue will be ideal for functions such as weddings and special birthdays. The development also boasts a small function facility.

CapeNature are looking forward to other project developments at their reserves. New upgrades are near completition at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Thereafter accommodation upgrades are set to begin during the course of the year at Salmonsdam, De Mond, Vrolijkheid and Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

If the new development at Kogelberg is anything to go by, visitors will have a lot to look forward to on their visits to CapeNature’s reserves.

Bookings now open!

 Special introductory price:

The reserve cabins are open for bookings. Be sure to be quick as spots are filling up fast. Price: R900 per unit per night (accommodates four people).

To book contact: 0861 CAPENATURE (0861-227-363-8873) or 021-483-0190 or email

reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Activities at Kogelberg:

• Hiking – there are a range of trails to explore
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Birdwatching
• Fynbos spotting

To find out how eco-pools are constructed, please visit:

http://swimnatural.blogspot.com

Click here to see more images of the new cabins.