Western Cape: Section of the R43 in the Overberg fully closed until September 2024!

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced that a three kilometres section of the R43 from the Kleinmond interchange on the N2 (Exit 90 to Kleinmond and Hermanus) will be closed for at least six month (September 2024). This is due to  road safety improvement which involves a full upgrade and reconstruction of layerworks, as well as widening the road to 3.7m wide lanes, with 2.4m wide shoulders in both directions. All traffic will be rerouted via the Botrivier interchange on the N2 (Exit 92) that is approximately two kilometres from the road closure.

Western Cape: Clarence Drive reopening for one-way traffic!

The Western Cape Government yesterday (11 December 2023) announced that the Clarence Drive, a key tourist route connecting Gordon’s Bay with the coastal towns of Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay, and Pringle Bay, has been reopened. Repairs to the road have progressed to the point that one-way traffic can be accommodated. Clarence Drive was closed after it sustained significant damage following the severe rainfall and subsequent flooding that hit the Western Cape on the weekend of 22 – 25 September 2023. However, several restrictions remain in place for reasons of public safety. Based on construction requirements, there is a high likelihood of extended closures which will either be for set times during the day or for several days at a time. According to the Western Cape Government, closures during the peak festive season are unlikely.

“There are 6 stop-and-go points on Clarence Drive and one at Palmiet Bridge, bringing it to a total of 7 stop-and-go points between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond which will add to your travel time. I urge road users to factor in additional travel time when using this route. I further ask road users to be patient and to be courteous towards pointsmen and -women. While the additional travel time may be frustrating, our teams are diligently working to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety on these vital routes.” said provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers.

Current indications are that repairs to this route will cost approximately R80 million. This cost includes repairs to the Palmiet Bridge, which also sustained significant damage.

Kogelberg Nature Reserve: The Palmiet River Walk (10km)

update (15 Feb 2012): The new Kogelberg Nature Reserve cabins (Oudebos Mountain Camp) have impressed the judges of the prestigious Holcim Foundation Sustainable Construction Awards, an international event that awards regional prizes every three years. More than 6 000 submissions were received, but the Oudebos Development stood out for its sustainable approach.
What the judges had to say: "The Kogelberg Nature Reserve is home to the most complex biodiversity on the planet, and as a contextualised feature the Oudebos Mountain Camp is a commendable example for good practice of balancing tourist needs and preservation aspects." For more info pls visit CapeNature's website!

update (26 Jan 2012): CapeNature recently opened five self-catering cabins in Kogelberg Nature Reserve. All cabins are built in harmony with nature and stylishly decorated. A cabin sleeps 4 persons, is equipped with modern amenities, contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious lounge, dining and kitchen area in which to unwind. For more info pls visit CapeNature's website!

The Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated about 90km south-east of Cape Town and just outside the town of Kleinmond, is often considered as the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the Hottentots Holland mountain range, and has remained isolated and remarkably unspoilt. Its high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River create a sense of remote wilderness. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve has approximately 1650 plant species of which about 150 are endemic.

In the video, Michelle and her friends hike along the so-called Palmiet River Walk, which is 10km long, and takes 3 hours. It is a comfortable and easy hike, with resting areas along the route.
Permits are required for the walk and obtainable at CapeNature's Oudebosch Office at the start of the walk (from Kleinmond, when travelling towards Betty's Bay, cross the Palmiet River Bridge and turn right at the Kogelberg Nature Reserve sign). For more info, contact Kogelberg Nature Reserve (CapeNature). Maps should be available from the Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau in Kleinmond.