Pringle Bay and the Kogelberg Biosphere in Overberg

Pringle Bay is situated in the Kogelberg Biosphere. A Biosphere is a specific type of landscape designated by UNESCO and accommodates both the natural environment and communities. The Kogelberg Biosphere is the only reserve in South Africa to be proclaimed by UNESCO. It is run according to internationally accepted principles of a biosphere reserve, where a core sensitive area of 18 000 hectares remains wild and pristine, maintaining a high level of biological diversity.

The Koegelberg Nature Reserve consists of 100 000 hectare, running along the costal area from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond, and is filled with generous mountain peaks, craggy kloofs and valleys.

The Kogelberg is known as the “heart of fynbos” and it is home to an incredible 1712 different plant species (of which 150 are endemic), making it one of the world’s riches sites of plant diversity. There are also several animal species like leopard, caracal, baboon, variety of small antelope, birds, fish and smaller creatures.

The mountain landscape offers some of the most spectacular sceneries in the Western Cape. The region’s complex system of folded mountains is better illustrated than anywhere else. The Hangklip Mountain (c.800metres ASL) occurs at the western extremity of False Bay and a hike takes a couple of hours.

There are several hiking trails in the Koegelberg. During winter white water kayaking is permitted on the Palmiet River.

 Do not miss a visit to the beautiful Harold Porter Botanical Garden nestled between the mountains and the sea only 5 minutes drive from Pringle Bay (in Betty’s Bay). Go for a walk or hike and discover the beauty of the landscape and plants.