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Palmiet River Trail

Easy

Kogelberg

Main risk: heat

At a glance

Distance

10 km return

Time

3–4 hr

Elevation gain

80 m

Summit

60 m

Child friendlyWater on route
No dogs Parking

Shoreline trail

Rogue waves sweep people off Cape rocks every year. Stay off wet, dark rock, keep well back from the water's edge, and never turn your back on the sea. Take extra care at spring tide and in big swell.

Know before you go

  • Flat riverside walking to The Beach — a white-sand clearing made for a swim and a picnic.
  • Swim only at the demarcated spots. The tannin-dark water hides rocks and depth changes.
  • No permit needed for the river walk; the rest of Kogelberg's trails require one (R60 adult, cash only).

If you need help

Low-incident trail. The occasional callout involves swimmers caught by the current where the river narrows after winter rain, and heat exposure on the shadeless valley floor.

Emergency exit

Walk back down the valley the way you came — the path never strays far from the river.

Cell reception

Reasonable near Kleinmond, fades up the valley.

Start point

Kogelberg Nature Reserve boundary at Kleinmond — park at the Kleinmond golf course

Get directions to trailhead

Parking: Park at the Kleinmond golf course side. No card facilities in the reserve — carry cash.

Elevation profile

0 km5.0 km10 km60 m5 m

Peak

60 m

Total ascent

80 m

Trail length

10 km

Best time of year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Best in swimming weather. Fully open to sun and wind — hats and water.

Water sources

Treat or filter before drinking — never trust a stream raw.

  • Palmiet River

    Year-round

    Tannin-dark but clean. Treat before drinking.

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Tell someone where you are going

Share your plan with a friend or family member before you set off.

Last reviewed July 2026

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