Phillipskop Mountain Reserve
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- General Info
- Map & Directions
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Self-Catering and Self-Catering Cottages / Chalets / CabinsSpecial Categories:
Birder-Friendly and Eco-friendly AccommodationContact Details:
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Location:
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Total number of units available: 2
Each self-catering cottage is very spacious, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and and a large open plan living area. The cottage can sleep up to 6 people; the main bedroom has a double bed and en suite bathroom; the other two twin bedrooms share a bathroom. The kitchen is well equipped, with a large fridge with freezer compartment, gas stove and microwave. The living area is bright and comfortable with a log burning stove to make it cosy on winter evenings. The front leads out onto wooden decking with stunning views across the Overberg, while at the back of each cottage is a dedicated braai area looking up towards Phillipskop. Each cottage is surrounded by beautiful natural vegetation, and during your stay you are free to explore the reserve. For those who would like to discover more with an expert, we offer guided walks.
Phillipskop Mountain Reserve is 246ha (608 acres) in size and occupies the southerly slopes of the Klein River Mountains just to the east of Stanford.
Topography and Geology
The peak of Phillipskop (487m) dominates the reserve, though the highest point is actually on the ridge of the mountains behind (575m). The Klein River Mountains are made up of hard quartzitic rock of the Table Mountain Group (often called Table Mountain Sandstone). This rock type makes up Table Mountain (as one would expect from its name) and most of the highest mountains of the Western Cape. The hard rock outcrops throughout the reserve creating interesting formations, including high cliffs, a natural cave, rock stack and waterfall. The soils that derive from this quartzite are very sandy, acidic and nutrient poor, unsuitable for most crops or grazing.
Vegetation
The vegetation that grows here is “acid sand proteoid fynbos”, one of the most diverse habitats for plants in the world. The “acid sand” refers to the soil type; the “proteoid” reflects the large number of members of the protea family (Proteaceae) found in this vegetation; “fynbos” is a type of heathland found only in the Cape region of South Africa. Fynbos is characterised by the high presence of members of the restio family (Restionaceae), protea family (Proteaceae) and of the genus Erica. Most of the vegetation on the reserve is completely natural, but the lowest slopes do have some invasive wattle (Australian species of Acacia), which we are trying our hardest to control and clear.
The reserve last burnt in 2012, a natural process for this vegetation that occurs around every 10 to 20 years. This was part of the same fire that burnt Vogelgat. It has gradually been recovering but every stage of the cycle brings new plants to the fore, so there is always something different to enjoy when you visit us.
To discover more about the plants and animals you are able to see on our reserve please see our pages on flora and fauna or look at our current list of sightings.
Reserve Access
At Phillipskop Mountain Reserve we welcome day visitors, or you can extend your stay by booking one of our self-catering cottages. Visitors to Phillipskop are free to explore the reserve, but please do stay within the reserve and respect the privacy of our neighbours’ land. There are no fences to mark our boundaries, but the reserve is bordered by streams to the east and west, and the ridge along the crest of the Klein River Mountains to the north.
For those who would like to discover more about the fynbos or the natural history of the reserve, why not book a personalised guided walk with Chris, who will help you learn more, whatever level of knowledge you are starting from.
Phillipskop Mountain Reserve is 10 minutes outside Stanford, just off the R326 to Caledon and Riviersonderend.
Directions from Hermanus:
Head east towards Gansbaai and Stanford on the R43. At Stanford, turn left on the R326 towards Caledon. After approximately 7km turn left onto a dirt road, signposted to the Klein River Cheese Factory. Follow this road past the cheese factory. At the first junction turn left and go over a drift across the Klein River. Immediately after the river turn left again. Continuing along the road, you will go past a track to a farm off to your left, drive through a Eucalyptus wood and you will then be able to see the cottages and main house of Phillipskop Mountain Reserve on the hillside above you to your right. Take the next right turn onto the Reserve – it is best to engage a low gear at the bottom, and drive up steadily but not slowly. As you head up the track, keep to the left hand fork, and drive past the cottages to the main house at the end of the track, where you will find Reception.
Directions from N2 (East):
10km after Riviersonderend, turn off on the R326 from the N2 and follow this for about 40km. Turn sharp right at the signposts to the Klein River Cheese Factory, and then follow the directions above.
Directions from N2 (West):
At Caledon take the road through town and emerge on the R316 towards Bredasdorp. At about the 30km mark there is a crossroads with the R326, take the right turn towards Stanford. You are now following the same route as from Riviersonderend but it is only 16km to the dirt road turn-off. This route is probably quicker for anyone coming from Cape Town, rather than negotiating all robots and stop streets through Hermanus.
From both directions the cottages are easily visible on the hillside (unless it is night of course).
- Check in time from 3pm (you can enter the reserve from 10am)
- Check out time Monday – Friday: 10 am
- Friday and Saturday nights must be booked together.
- Sunday check-out time: 3pm. No Sunday check-in.
- Children up to 17 years old pay child rates.
Prices:
Why not come and stay for a week? Book for 7 nights and we will provide an additional 10% discount! (Check in Mon–Fri)
High season 8 Dec 2016 – 10 Jan 2017 (Minimum stay 2 nights)
- R1600 per night for cottage and first 4 people
- R250 per additional adult per night
- R150 per additional child per night
Weekends, Public & School Holidays excluding summer (Fri and Sat nights must be booked together)
- R1200 per night for cottage and first 4 people
- R200 per additional adult per night
- R100 per additional child per night
Mid-week (Mon-Thurs excluding Public Holidays and high season)
- R1000 per night for cottage and first 2 people
- R100 per additional adult or child per night
Day Visitors
R30 per person. Children 5 and under free.
We currently do not have the staff to open daily to day visitors. We will aim to open the reserve to non-residents, 08:00-16:00, but please phone (
073 621 1808) in advance to check.
Guiding
Guided walks lead by Chris can be undertaken on the reserve or at Fernkloof Nature Reserve by prior arrangement.
One hour – R500 (up to 4 people, + R100 per extra person; Phillipskop only)
Half day – R1000 (up to 4 people, + R200 per extra person)
Full day – R1800 (up to 4 people, + R300 per extra person)
Guiding excludes food and transport to the reserve.
Deposit Required:
50% deposit is required on booking. The remainder is payable a week before.
Cancellation Policy:
10% of accommodation price is payable in the case of any cancellation (20% if booked through an agency, as commission is taken regardless). Deposit will be forfeited in full if cancellation occurs 14 days or fewer to start (30 days for a high season booking). For reservations cancelled on day of arrival, “no-shows” or early check outs, guest is responsible for full outstanding payment.
Payment Methods Accepted:
Currencies Accepted:
South African Rand- Facilities for Children
- In-room Facilities
- On-Site Facilities / Services
- Services / Facilities in Area
- Activities in Area
Hiking Trails
Phillipskop Mountain Reserve offers many delights for you to discover during your visit. As you explore the reserve, enjoy the tranquility of getting away from it all, soak up the breathtaking views from the slopes of Phillipskop, and get close to nature, learning more about the fynbos vegetation that makes this part of the world so special.
Visitors are welcome to hike anywhere on the reserve but we are in the process of establishing a number of hiking trails to help you in your exploration. We have currently constructed 3 simple routes. We hope to improve and extend these hiking trails over time.
Guided walks
Photograph of Chris Whitehouse with KniphofiaAre you interested in discovering more about the fynbos vegetation that makes the flora of this special part of the world unique? We offer personalised guided walks, so that whether you are starting with no knowledge at all of plants or are already a keen botanist you will be able to learn more at your own level.
Your guide, Chris, is FGASA registered and a world expert on the plants of South Africa. While Cape roses (Cliffortia) and red-hot pokers (Kniphofia) are his specialities, his botanical expertise covers all flora of the area, and he also has extensive knowledge of natural history, including birds, butterflies and geology. He has spent many hours hiking the Cape mountains in search of plants and loves to share his knowledge and help others enjoy the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Guided walks on Phillipskop Mountain Reserve can be anything from 1 hour to a full day (see below). Half or full day guided walks can also be arranged on other local nature reserves such as Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Walker Bay Nature Reserve or the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Chris is also available to guide on longer small group tours around South Africa. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Whale-watching
Whale-watching is probably the most important attraction in the area. Hermanus has become renowned internationally as one of the best places to watch whales. What is more amazing, is that it can be done without venturing out to sea and doesn’t cost a cent. The main season is September to November when Southern Right Whales come in close to shore to mate and calve, but sightings can be as early as July. The best place to see them is to walk along the cliff path that runs all along the front of Hermanus from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach. If you want the opportunity to learn a bit more or have a better chance of getting closer to these magnificent animals, then you could also book a boat tour.
Klein River Cheese Factory
The cheese factory is situated at the foot of Phillipskop. Close enough to even walk or cycle to. Apart from tasting some fantastic cheeses, there is a children’s play area and gourmet picnics are available to purchase from October to March. This has become a very popular day outing during the summer months so booking is advisable especially at weekends.
Birdwatching
There are many birds to see at Phillipskop itself, but this is also an excellent base to explore the Overberg from. Popular birdwatching spots include the Klein River Lagoon, the wheatbelt between Caledon and Bredasdorp, and the seasonal pans towards Agulhas. Suggestions for several popular birding routes can be found on the Overberg Birding Route website.
Shark cage diving
Gansbaai has become the centre for anyone wanting to see the awesome power of Great White Sharks. With the coast in this region being home to the highest concentration of these incredible animals, there are almost guaranteed sightings from the boat or if you are brave enough, in the water itself. A number of operators can be booked from Gansbaai: e.g. Marine Dynamics, Great White Shark Tours, Shark Diving Unlimited, White Shark Projects
Vineyards and Breweries
There are several vineyards in the area. The valley now has its own Stanford Wine Route. Further afield one can explore the Hemel-en-Aarde valley near Hermanus or head to the most southerly vineyards on the continent. Our closest vineyards include the Walker Bay Estate (home to the Birkenhead Brewery if beer is more to your taste than wine), Raka Wines just up the road from Phillipskop through the Akkedisberg Pass, Stanford Hills has a children’s play area, and Sir Robert Stanford with its distillery.
Stanford Village
Stanford is a historic village that retains much of its original charm. Spend a pleasant morning wandering along the streets admiring how well the original architecture has been preserved (a leaflet is available at the tourism office), before finding a café for a drink or lunch. Each Saturday morning, a local market is held at the Stanford Hotel, where you can browse local produce and craft.
Boat trips
Two different boats take to the water at Stanford. The African Queen is the larger of the two and requires a minimum of 10 people to operate but will combine smaller groups. It leaves Stanford three times a day from September to May for a trip down the Klein River towards the lagoon. Each trip is about 2 to 3 hours and there are opportunities for swimming and having a braai. For a more informal trip, try Ernie’s River Rat, which can take small groups or even a couple if willing to pay the surcharge. Ernie also hires out canoes and kayaks. Alternatively, for a more adventurous trip try sea-kayaking with whales or on the Klein River Lagoon with Walker Bay Adventures.
Beaches
Grotto Beach is Hermanus’s premier bathing beach with clean sand and clear water. The beach has received Blue Flag status and lifeguards are on hand during peak hours. It is close to Klein River Lagoon mouth and so children can play in the safer calmer water of the lagoon as well as in the sea. Grotto Beach is at the Stanford end of town, so one does not have to negotiate the traffic of Hermanus to get there.
There are also several tidal pools in Hermanus, which provide safe swimming. Other beaches can be found all along the coast from Walker Bay Nature Reserve round to Pearly Beach. Our children’s favourite beach is Die Plaat near De Kelders but that is not a swimming beach as the sea is dangerous here (they love the caves and sand). Stanford’s Cove also at De Kelders is a better option for swimming. Further around the coast Franskraal and Pearly Beach are also worth exploring.
Local Nature Reserves
There are several nature reserves in the area that are worth exploring. One of the amazing features of fynbos is that a completely different range of plants can be found within only a few kilometres, so each nature reserve in the area will have its own unique set of plants to be discovered.
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve
- Salmonsdam Nature Reserve (currently closed)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Platbos
Africa’s southernmost forest can be found at Platbos, not far from Gansbaai. This indigenous forest survives the frequent fires that are an integral part of the local ecosystems. An undemanding walk through this forest has been created but booking in advance is essential.
Cape Agulhas
Phillipskop is also a great base if you want to claim that you have visited the most southerly point of Africa. Cape Agulhas is just a one and a half hour’s drive from Phillipskop. Proclaimed in 1999, it is one of the most recent National Parks in South Africa and still developing. The coastline is wild but there is good chance of seeing whales here, as well as coastal birds, Cape fur seals and dolphins.
