Three Sisters Trail

Kogelberg Three sisters trail

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

The Kogelberg Three sisters trail starts on the north western side of the car park at the Kleinmond Golf Course. The Kogelberg Three sisters trail hike is an 8 km circular route, and one has the choice of going either way. My wife Gill or I decided to go anti-clockwise, which we later discovered is the better option because the first half of the trail is the most strenuous. It’s a long gradual climb to the third of the three sisters, and some of the climb is up near vertical faces with good foot and handhold’s, so it’s safe enough for the elderly. The Kogelberg Three sisters trail is graded as moderately tough on the Kogelberg Nature Reserve brochure. There are fantastic views of the Kleinmond coast line with the Palmiet River mouth’s tannin stained water leaving it mark on the amazing blue coastal surf zone.vegetation. 

Kogelberg Three sisters trail

The climb to the top of the Kogelberg Three sisters trail reveals new displays of Fynbos magic around every turn and boulder. We found a reasonably flat area with a great view for a well deserved coffee break. For our coffee/tea breaks we have a MSR (Mountain Safety Research) Butane and Propane gas cooker that sounds like a jet engine when its burning and heats water very quickly. We use the mountain water, colloquially called Fynbos tea because of the tannin colour imparted into the water by the decomposing Fynbos

Kogelberg Three sisters trail

The trail is in the Overberg mountain range.The Table Mountain Sandstone that makes up the Cape Fold Belt Mountains where the Fernkloof and Kogelberg reserves are located is made up of nutrient poor soil. Lacking in Nitrogen and Phosphorous, required for protein synthesis. The predominant Fynbos vegetation on the Three sisters trail is Proteacious and because Nitrogen and Phosphorous needed for protein synthesis are lacking excess organic carbon is produced from photosynthesis. This excess carbon is channeled into the production of non-proteinaceous compounds such as woody fibers and tannins.  Protea leaves are Sclerophyllous, which means the leaves are hard and leathery (ligneous) snapping rather than bending. Their heavily lignified tissue stops them from wilting when water is scarce. This may slow down photosynthesis but continues to photosynthesize long after other leaves have wilted.

Kogelberg Three sisters trail

Longer lived than ordinary dorsiventral plant leaves – considered an energy saving attribute that makes the Fynbos covered Kogelberg Three sisters trail so special. With their high ratio of carbon to nitrogen Sclerophyllous leaves are indigestible to most insect larvae because insects require nitrogen for protein synthesis. Similarly few animals eat protea leaves as a high carbon to nitrogen ratio is compounded by low levels of trace elements which are essential to a herbivores diet. High levels of tannins impair the action of digestive enzymes in the gut making digestion inefficient. After our coffee break we set off to have a packed lunch and some more coffee on the peak of the third and highest of the sisters at 360 meters. After our trail we visited the Stony Point Penguin colony, see pics attached.

Please provide the following items for your walk or hike
  • Day pack
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Suitable hiking/walking boots or shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Binoculars/camera
  • Medication if required

Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, unfortunately the world we live in has changed forever. Please note that all the prices quoted  are subject to change because of local and global conditions.

As a result there have been many additional restrictions placed on us (Africansunroad.com) by our suppliers and providers, some of which we have been required to pass on down the line, and we trust that you understand.

Please note; Africansunroad reserves the right to amend food and trail prices to cover inflation related price increases. The clients deposit payment serves as notification that all the conditions have been read, understood and accepted.

Obviously we will try our best to stick to the the prices as quoted throughout this vast website. Any changes will be communicated at the time of booking, and your booking confirmation price will remain fixed.

Please be advised that all quotes expire after 14 days from the date they are sent, thereafter amended prices may apply.

 

 

Kogelberg Hikes

Please Note: Kogelberg hikes may be subject to additional transport charges - the hiking office at Kogelberg Reserve is a 80 Km round-trip from Hermanus. The cost will be calculated for the applicable hike date.
Additional cost for entrance fees per person
Our 2 to 3 hour hike or walk is R 500.00 per person minimum 2 people there is a charge of  R 250.00 per additional person.

Half day or part thereof, includes tea, coffee and muffins. R 700.00 per person minimum 2 people. There is a charge of  R 350.00 per additional person.

Exceeding 5 hours include tea or coffee and muffins in the morning and a packed lunch with fruit juice for lunch; please contact us for a quote.

Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, unfortunately the world we live in has changed forever. Please note that all the prices quoted  are subject to change because of local and global conditions.

Obviously we will try our best to stick to the the prices as quoted throughout this vast website. Any changes will be communicated at the time of booking, and your booking confirmation price will remain fixed.

Kogelberg Hikes

Kogelberg Hikes

Please Note: Kogleberg hikes may be subject to additional transport charges - the hiking office at Kogelberg Reserve is a 80 Km round-trip from Hermanus. The cost will be calculated for the applicable hike date.
Additional cost for entrance fees per person

Our 2 to 3 hour hike or walk is R 500.00 per person minimum 2 people there is a charge of  R 250.00 per additional person.

Half day or part thereof, includes tea, coffee and muffins. R 700.00 per person minimum 2 people. There is a charge of  R 350.00 per additional person.

Exceeding 5 hours include tea or coffee and muffins in the morning and a packed lunch with fruit juice for lunch; please contact us for a quote.

Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, unfortunately the world we live in has changed forever. Please note that all the prices quoted  are subject to change because of local and global conditions.

Obviously we will try our best to stick to the the prices as quoted throughout this vast website. Any changes will be communicated at the time of booking, and your booking confirmation price will remain fixed.

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