Things to Do in Kleinmond
Kleinmond sits along the famous Whale Coast Route wedged between mountain and ocean. The area boasts rivers, lagoons, golf courses, nature reserves, wild horses and more in this indigenous fynbos belt. Blessed with so much natural diversity the area has a seemingly never ending list of things to do.
The Kogelberg Nature Reserve falls within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and sits just outside Kleinmond on the R44. The reserve is recognised by many botanists due to the exceptional quality of the fynbos that has remained largely unspoilt. The area was isolated from the rest of the Western Cape due to the impenetrable Kogelberg mountain range and so the fauna is pristine. The reserve is perfect for a hike or bird watching and it is also home to the Palmiet River where tubing and white river rafting takes place. The white river rafting has 10 rapids on the 4km stretch and is of high intensity. Rafting is possible during winter as that is the rainy season in the area and tubing takes place in the summer, which is perfect for a lazy trip down the river to soak up the mesmerising landscape.
Golf is also a very popular sport in Kleinmond. The local golf course was nominated as having the third best 9-hole course in South Africa. What makes this course really special though is that it is set at the base of mountains with fynbos serving as the backdrop. Players can expect to play between baboons, tortoises, birds and even spot whales from any of the T-boxes during season (June - December). The other golf course sits on a luxury country estate that was voted the 5th best golf course in South Africa. The 18-hole course is immaculately maintained with sand traps and water hazards to add a bit of a challenge. The views from this golf course are also spectacular.
On a Sunday the Kleinmond lagoon becomes something of a hotspot. Locals and tourists flock to the banks of the lagoon to canoe or picnic. For those that prefer sitting beneath the shade of a tree on a hot summers day there is 'Die Preekboom', a renowned tree that used to be the meeting area for church services since 1902. Nowadays services are only held there during the Festive Season while picnic-goers enjoy it throughout the rest of the year. Those wanting to rent a canoe from the local hut set on the banks can paddle down and savour the serenity while spotting some birds. The area is perfect for families as kids can wade in the shallow lagoon water that lies close to the ocean. The Kleinmond Beach stretches far beyond the lagoon area and is a recognised blue flag beach. Perfect for fishing, lazing about or even spotting whales.
On the other end of town Palmiet Beach is a beautiful sandy bay that has wooden crosses in memory of those shipwrecked from the Gustav Adolf in 1902. The crosses are made from parts of the wreckage and there is a plaque in commemoration. Fishing is also popular on this beach.
The destination is perfect for horse riding due to the terrain and open spaces. However, don't miss the opportunity to see wild horses roaming freely at Rooisand Nature Reserve. Simply follow the wheelchair-friendly pathway where you will find bird-watching hotspots and hopefully catch a glimpse of the wild horses in the distance. For something a little less wild there is Harbour Road, which is a cobbled street lined with curio shops, coffee shops, places to eat, art galleries, book stores and more. It is the tourist hub and is the perfect place to eat, sleep and play.
The list of things to do does not end there however. Kleinmond is home to the Big Blues Festival that has set the standard for audiophiles across the country. There are mountain bike trails, hiking trails, camping, swimming, whale spotting, bowls and more. To top off the unique attractions there is a renowned home that has been completely dedicated to the Western Province rugby team and every single piece of that house is either blue and white striped or bearing the WP logo.
You'll truly never be wondering what to do when visiting this active coastal town.