Style in the heart of the Kogelberg

On Friday CapeNature unveiled their flagship tourism offering in the form of the beautifully designed and ecologically sustainable Oudebosch cabins at Kogelberg Nature Reserve. If the staggering beauty of the Kogelberg isn’t enough to lure you down the R44 coastal route, this new camp adds an additional incentive.

Speaking at the launch of the facility, Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said: “The Western Cape has been blessed with some of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty and Oudebosch affords us the ideal facilities from which to explore the very heart of this beauty; the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.”

Oudebosch, which consists of five self-catering cabins, an eco-pool and a small function venue, sets a new benchmark in sustainable development and has already received international recognition in the form of the prestigious Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction.

The glass fronted cabins afford occupants breathtaking views of the reserve, which is in fact a World Heritage Site. Each cabin consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious kitchen, lounge and dining area. Amenities include a closed combustion fireplace and stylish, locally produced decor and furnishings, giving the cabins a modern and inviting feel.

The light-weight stilted cabins, adorned with roof gardens and largely constructed of locally sourced timber and stones, were intentionally designed by architect Justin Cooke (from Architecture Co-op) to blend in with the pristine surroundings. Wooden boardwalks weave through the indigenous landscaping to link the separate buildings.

“Kogelberg has much to offer and we envision the cabins as a base from which visitors can explore the reserve and surrounds,” said CapeNature CEO Manana Moroka.

Within the reserve, visitors can enjoy gentle walks, more challenging hikes, mountain biking and picnicking along the Palmiet River. For those wanting to explore further afield, the surrounding area has plenty on offer, such as the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay, wine farms and whale watching in Hermanus.

“The function venue at Oudebosch offers a refreshingly different venue for business meetings, workshops, intimate weddings and other functions,” Ms Moroka said. “In all aspects, the wood-framed cabins have been designed to minimise environmental impacts in this protected area while maximising the tourism experience,” she remarked.

The Oudebosch facility replaces an existing site and restoration of the previously bare land included landscaping with indigenous plants sourced from within the reserve. Wise water use (from water sources within reserve) and low carbon emissions were prioritised.

Some of the innovations include the eco-pool, which uses no chemicals and substantially less energy than a regular swimming pool, solar water geysers, and high efficiency appliances.

“A cabin occupied by four people will consume around 2 kilowatts per day, which represents 10% or less of the typical electricity use of a middle-class South African household,” Ms Moroko said about the environmentally friendly methods that have been put in place. “Installation of composting eco-toilets, flow control and use of low-flow showers and faucets have reduced water use to only 3% of the previous setup.”

It’s good to know that you’re doing your part for the environment simply by reveling in the understated luxury of these gorgeous new cabins. Combining a progressive sustainability ethos with beautifully designed architecture in one of the most breathtaking locales in the country, a visit to the Oudebosch camp should certainly be on your agenda for the year. Make the time to leave your heart in the Kogelberg.

 To find out more and make reservations, visit www.capenature.co.za