CapeNature has announced new tourism developments within the Kogelberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape. The Kogelberg reserve forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which forms part of the Cape Floristic Kingdom.
Having won design and sustainability awards respectively, the reserve has officially expanded into its next phase of the interior decor of the units in this reserve, and is collaborating with the non-profit, Craft and Design Institute (CDI).
Image: CapeNature
Nine new units have been added to Kogelberg Nature Reserve. These include the one-bedroom Palmiet Studio, five two-sleeper units and three six-sleeper family units – one of which has been designed for universal accessibility, ensuring that the differently-abled can enjoy access to the reserve as well.
A second newly built eco-pool has also been added. The eco-pool will act as a closed extension of the Palmiet River. No chemicals will be used for its upkeep; instead the water will be filtered naturally through the Palmiet plant (prionium serratum) which occurs naturally in the area. It’s this plant that gives the Palmiet River its characteristic brown colour.
CapeNature will also add several new assets to its growing suite of eco-tourism offerings in 2020, including:
– the complete refurbishment of Garskraal and Rietdak cottages at Algeria in the Cederberg Wilderness
– the four-bedroom Hangklip House at Brodie Link in Pringle Bay, also part of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve Complex
– the conversion of the old cellar to a fully equipped Green Conference Centre at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Image: CapeNature
The announcement forms part of the entity’s mandate to manage, conserve and promote human, natural and heritage assets through best practice, access, benefit sharing and sustainable use. Conserving this natural legacy for the benefit and economical accessibility of future generations, whilst keeping holiday destinations accessible and in pristine condition, remains a top priority for the entity.
CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar said that CapeNature looks forward to welcoming visitors back into nature reserves post the lockdown restrictions when the dates for opening bookings will be announced.
‘CapeNature recognises that in these trying economic times, families are looking for holiday getaways that are authentic and affordable in natural open spaces,’ Omar says. ‘Upgrading our tourism offerings will enable visitors, locally and abroad alike, to enjoy and experience world class stays, at value for money rates. Kogelberg Nature Reserve has always been one of our flagship locations and we are excited at the prospect of being able to take this tourism offering to the next level by elevating it through this exciting partnership with the CDI.’
Featured image: Scott Ramsay
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