Kleinmond

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General Information on Kleinmond

Kleinmond is in the middle of an area known as the "Heart of the Cape Fynbos floral kingdom" that is included in the world-renowned Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. It is situated in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Its historical background is rich with stories of shipwrecks, pirates, runaway slaves, cattle-thieves and strandlopers. The area from the Bot River Vlei to Gordon's Bay, and inland to the Groenlandberg is considered of such ecological significance that in November 1998 it became the first UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserve in Southern Africa. This means that the whole area is to be managed according to international principles that aim to combine conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and wise development.

Kleinmond has a variety of accommodation options available from Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts to Self-catering units, which is showcased in the accommodation section of this directory.

The coastline is an absolute paradise for the outdoor enthusiast with hiking trails, scuba diving, snorkelling, river-rafting, sand and surf sports as well as many mountain orientated activities. The Kleinmond Nature Reserve is criss-crossed by a network of trails for hikers that eventually leads into the beautiful Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Look out for the rare Strawberry Rain Frog, the endangered Cape Platanna or even the micro frog in the estuaries and marshlands around town.

Harbour Road, a "shopping street" with an open market feel that leads down to the Kleinmond harbour, is two blocks of local crafts, gallery, wines, food and gifts. Gravity Adventure Group specialises in adventure activities such as rafting, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking and team-building. Crayfishing is strictly seasonal and with permits only that can be obtained from the local postal office.

The coast offers every sort of walking and hiking trails and to keep the Kogelberg Reserve core area pristine, numbers are limited and permits are required for certain trails. Snakes, including the Berg Adder, Puffadder and Cape Cobra inhabit the area and it is best to keep to the footpaths and not to turn over rocks and stones, the hiding places of certain snakes. Visit the Toy Museum where you can see a collection of toys that will not fail to ignite a few childhood memories.

If you want to find a real treasure, you have to be on the beach at first light during winter. There you will find the Paper Nautilus (Argonauta argo) shell, a shy female octopus that uses the unique shell as a "carry case" for eggs. Unable to secrete his own shell, the male isn't as mobile as the female. If he wants to get anywhere he is forced to hitch a ride with the female by squeezing into her mantle.

There are many restaurants on offer to suit every visitors budget. There is a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and pubs to choose from! Kleinmond has a thriving business community and provides a wide range of goods and services to its residents as well as surrounding communities.

See our business directory for a list of businesses in Kleinmond, or add your own free business listing.

For more information, please visit www.ecoscape.org.za and www.overberg-info.co.za.

An excellent booklet, Where to Walk in Kleinmond, covering approximately 25 trails is on sale at the local Tourism office.

Most of the information and photos are courtesy of the Hangklip-Kleinmond Toursim office.