Kogelberg to Harold Porter Gardens including Disa and Leopard's Kloof Waterfall

Join us for a moderate 10 km hike from Kogelberg Nature Reserve to Harold Porter Botanical Gardens near Betty's Bay through picturesque Oudebosch Kloof and a scenic joyride along Clarence Drive. This coastal road stands as a testament to Jack Clarence's vision together with Jan de Reuck's construction genius and the labor force that consisted solely of black African convicts. This linear hiking trail with a 2B grading has a total elevation gain of 360 meters and connects the Kogelberg Nature Reserve with Harold Porter Botanical Gardens where it ends. Harold Porter Botanical Gardens is a 90 minutes drive from Cape Town.

Trail highlights:

• Clarence drive with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding mountains.
• Look out for Sid. Sid is a painted rock formation with large peeling eyes on your lefthand side when driving towards Pringle Bay.
• Unique flora and fauna of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere.
• Oudebosch kloof: enjoy a minute (or two) of silence, listening to the serenade of birds and crystal clear streams while relaxing inside an afro montane forest. The best part of the trail.
• Zigzag to Border Trail, offering magnificent views and stunning rock formations.
• Hike towards Leopard's Kloof Waterfall, Disakloof Waterfall and lastly the Nivenia Path inside Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
• A chance to witness the Holy Grail of Cape birding, the Fynbos Six: Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Siskin, Cape Rock Jumper, Protea Canary and Victorin’s Warbler.

Basic agenda:
We meet at 09:30 at Harold Porter Botanical Garden from where we drive a short distance further to Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Remember to leave 2 cars behind at this carpark and to take the Leopard's Kloof gate key. After paying a conservation fee, we pick up a gravel path leading to Oubos River and passing Oudebosch Eco Cabins. Surrounded by Elephant Rock Mountain (656m) and Platberg (909m) on either side, we follow the Oubos River valley westwards to a picturesque forest inside Oudebosch Kloof where we will take a break.
A gradual uphill follows to reach the highest point at 340 meters above sea level, offering magnificent views of the sea and Betty's Bay below.
Harold Porter Botanical Garden is entered by descending with a zigzag trail to Dawidskraal River Gorge. Inside this gorge, a few wooden ladders are placed to reach the stunning Leopard's Kloof Waterfall. After a short break, we trace our steps back to visit Disakloof Waterfall and lastly follow the Nivenia path back to the restaurant inside Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
The two cars parked at Harold Porter will be used to transport the drivers back to their cars that were parked at Kogelberg Nature Reserve earlier.
We wll return back home at 15:30 depending on the length of breaks and hike tempo.

Hike Details:
- Distance: 10km
- Elevation gain: 360m
- Grade 2B hike
- Duration: approximately 5-6 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: Moderate

Fee to join hike: R50. Cash on the day or EFT on the day:
Hiking permit at Kogelberg Nature Reserve: R50. Free with wildcard
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name and Kogelberg.

Bring along: Hat, snacks, First Aid kit, rehidrat sachets, coffee.
Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accept our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.