The Cogmanskloof Trail will challenge you, but it won’t break you; it will make you sweat, but not suffer; by the end you’ll feel that you deserve a beer, not an IV drip.

You’ll be hiking along the ridges you usually admire from your car when you drive into Montagu along the R62 through Cogmanskloof Pass. During the annual Montagu Mountain Mania race, fleetfooted trail runners complete this route in as little as two hours. Mere mortals should set a morning aside. You’ll gradually get higher and higher above Montagu until you have to scramble a bit to conquer the final 500m to the summit. You’re at the top – 690 m above sea level. The views are spectacular! The 360 degree view is crowned by 1 266m-high Bloupunt, whcih towers over the landscape. If you’re lucky, a Verreaux’s eagle or even a fish-eagle might be prowling the void.

But what goes up, must come down. The rest of the route is (mostly) downhill, with 1 or 2 small koppies waiting to be climbed.
The flaura is very diverse with a mixture of fynbos and Karoo vegetation.

This is one of the most rewarding hikes in the area – it challenges you, but it doesn’t break you. The spectacular views and the diversity in the vegetation make this one of my favourite hikes.

The hike is in the Montagu Mountain Reserve and is a protected area. Permits included.

+/- 12km
Approx. 4-6 hrs

Level of Fitness required:
Hikers should be reasonably fit, sure footed over rocky parts and able to do moderate scrambling. Not for beginner hikers.

Alternative route:
Experience part of the magic
The route can be shortened to about 5km and approx. 2 hours. Make an inquiry.

Bring along:
Comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen lotion, at least 1litre of water, snacks, essential medication, rain coat