Already known as a place of rare and beautiful things, Kogelberg Nature Reserve has yet another discovery to be made. The new Mballi Collection features eight new eco-cabins, thoughtfully positioned to maximise the surrounding vistas while giving you the seclusion you crave – and all within an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town.
Nestled in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, these new lodgings make the most of the setting. The wooden cabins have large picture windows and glass doors that flood the interior with natural light and offer views that change throughout the day. Stylish finishes by the Craft and Design Institute echo the natural surrounds calling you to explore – on foot, by mountain bike or in a kayak.
Eco-cabins with charm
The self-catering cabins have been designed with rest and relaxation in mind. They contain everything you need and nothing that could distract you from reconnecting with the great outdoors and each other.
You can lie in bed and look out onto the mountains or chill on the deck where a stone gabion wall ensures privacy. On balmy days the stacking doors let you bring the outside in while the eco-pool invites you to laze the hours away. For nights with a nip in the air, there’s a wood-burning stove at the heart of the cabin.
Natural appeal
These new cabins are those rarest of things: eco-conscious retreats that strike a beautiful balance between simplicity and stylish comfort. The interiors have been thoughtfully curated by the Craft and Design Institute using locally produced furnishings. Scatter cushions pay tribute to our heritage while vibrant accents on the table and chairs offer a pop of colour.
The effect is thoroughly modern and what you’d expect from a boutique hotel. Yet the focus remains firmly on nature, so expect water-saving devices and solar panels that supplement the electricity. The roof garden is a picturesque solution to keeping the cabins cool in summer and warm in winter.
Time to recharge
Relax to a soundtrack of buzzing bees and the murmur of the Palmiet River tumbling its way down to the coast. The reserve is a wildflower paradise, with more than 1 800 animal species, and a variety of birds flitting among the mountain fynbos. Kogelberg also offers hiking trails and mountain biking routes.
The vicinity offers wine tasting, farmer’s markets, craft beer and many coastal activities, including prime whale watching.
CapeNature has the necessary Covid-19 measures in place and all visitors are screened upon arrival. The 4-step process involves hand sanitising, mask wearing, temperature checks and completing an access register. Furthermore, each overnight guest is required to complete a visitor screening questionnaire.
Picture/s: Supplied
