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Tucked away on the banks of the Palmiet River and neighbouring the Kogelberg Nature Reserve in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, The River Retreat is an off-grid hideaway surrounded by scenic beauty. The two self-catering cottages are perfectly poised for botanical exploration, hiking, mountain biking and swimming in the river, or quite simply to relax, unwind and tune in to the peaceful rhythm of the wilderness.
Each cottage is set privately in the fynbos with sweeping mountain views and easy access to the river, ideal for nature-loving couples and those just needing to escape for some peace and quiet in the mountains. The River Retreat is also well suited to hiking groups or two families of four if both cottages are booked together, thereby accommodating a maximum of eight people.
The River Retreat is perfectly situated to explore the various surrounding reserves within the UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, and is based next door to Cape Nature’s Kogelberg Nature Reserve. This reserve is a World Heritage Site and considered to be the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom with approximately 1800 plant species of which 150 are endemic or noteworthy.
The Kogelberg coastline is home to some of the most natural and quiet beaches in South Africa. Whether you want to surf, swim or take a leisurely stroll, you can choose between a number of shores nearby. The area is also rich with mountain walks in the surrounding reserves including Cape Nature’s premier Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond Nature Reserve and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.
G. Stevens
Stayed at: The River Retreat Kogelberg
Unforgettable stay
We could happily live stay here forever! Our cottage is beautiful, the attention to detail is incredible, the views are unforgettable, the morning river swims are sublime and the fynbos makes us feel as if we are part of the most exquisite painting.
Farm 132/559, Oudebosch Road, Hangklip, Kleinmond, 7195, 7195
From Cape Town:
1. Take the N2 towards Somerset West.
2. You can go over Sir Lowry’s Pass, but we recommend taking the R44, the scenic Clarence Drive coastal route, from Gordons Bay. Just below Sir Lowry’s Pass turn right to Gordons Bay/Kleinmond R44.
3. Enjoy winding your way below the soaring mountains and spectacular views over False Bay. You will pass through Rooiels, Pringle Bay and then Betty’s Bay.
4. Please phone or message us when passing through Betty’s Bay so that we can meet you at the cottages to give you your keys.
5. After passing through Betty’s Bay, there will be fewer houses as development starts thinning out into smallholdings, keep an eye out for a discrete brown sign indicating the entrance to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve on the left.
6. Turn left in here. There is no reception beyond this point.
7. Follow the below paragraph to your destination at Farm 132/559 Oudebosch Road, HangklipKleinmond, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
From Knysna:
1. Take the N2 to Cape Town.
2. Take the R43 turnoff to Botrivier/Hermanus.
3. Please phone or message us when passing Arabella Golf Estate so that we can meet you at the cottages with your keys in time.
4. After passing through Kleinmond, the area becomes more natural with mountain fynbos on both sides of the road. 200m after driving over the Palmiet River bridge, keep an eye out for a discrete brown sign indicating the Kogelberg Nature Reserve on the right.
5. Turn right in here. There is no further reception from this point.
6. Follow the below paragraph to your destination at Farm 132/559 Oudebosch Road, HangklipKleinmond, Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.
You will see a Cape Nature entrance gate once you have turned off.
If the ranger is there, tell them that you are going to the private river cottages. If no one is there, continue through the open gate.
If it is late and the gate is locked. Use our gate code on the “Private Lock”. Scramble the code and please lock the gate behind you.
Continue for approx. 1,5 km on a gravel road passed the first wooden Palmiet Hut.
Just after this, you will see two cottages on the righthand side.
This is The River Retreat. Use the gate code to open the lock.
Scramble the code and please lock the gate behind you.
No. High clearance is unnecessary as access is along a paved, gravel road.
Please note: There is NO signal or wifi on the property and the solar system is limited. However, unplugging for the modern world and reconnecting with nature is what makes staying here such a special experience!
No braais or outdoor fires are permitted due to the threat to the surrounding endangered fynbos vegetation in the reserve.
No pets are allowed (including service animals) as Kogelberg is a wilderness area.