Kleinmond

General Information

Kleinmond lies at a small lagoon on the narrow coastal belt between fynbos-covered mountains and the Atlantic sea and forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the first and only Biosphere in South Africa to be proclaimed by United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

This means that the whole Hangklip – Kleinmond area is to be managed according to international principles which aim to combine conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and wise development. Kleinmond, also known as the ‘commercial’ capital of the Hangklip – Kleinmond area, is the most urbanized town in this area and provides most amenities.

Kleinmond has been a favourite summer-holiday destination for many farmers since 1860. Farmers from Caledon and nearby areas began making this annual pilgrimage to camp near the Palmiet lagoon and the Klein Botriver mouth, near to where the Hotel stands today. Church services were held near the Kleinmond lagoon from as early as 1902. The tree which stands there has earned the name of ‘die Preek Boom’ (the sermon tree). Church services are still performed there during the festive season.

Of special interest are the wild horses, roaming free in the marshlands surrounding Kleinmond. Believed to be South Africa’s only herd of wild horses in a wetland habitat, you might catch a glimpse of them at the Bot River Lagoon area, next to Rooisands Nature Reserve. Be sure to look out for the rare Strawberry Frog, the endangered Cape Plantanna and the micro frog.

Whales are easily visible from May to December along the magnificent Hangklip – Kleinmond coast. Any inlet or small sheltered bay allows visitors some of the best views.

Conveniently situated in the heart of the Cape floral kingdom, where sea and mountain meet, you will find a country folk favourite … Kleinmond.

Major Attractions

The Library has a tapestry in the front entrance, which depicts the history of Kleinmond. Ten Kleinmond ladies worked for 1.439 hours on the tapestry.

Kleinmond Toy Museum has an interesting collection of toys. Tours can be arranged by prior arrangement.

Historic Houses situated above the Palmiet beach were built in 1899 and 1912. Parts of the wrecked Norwegian ship, the Gustav Adolf, were used to build the later house. These houses were the 2nd and 3rd holiday homes built in Kleinmond.
The first house built in Kleinmond called the Homestead, is a thatched roof house, overlooking the sea and lagoon near the Beach House Hotel.

Graves of those shipwrecked off Palmiet beach many years ago. The Norwegian ship, the Gustav Adolf sank off Palmiet beach in 1902. The crosses made from parts of the wreck and a commemoration plaque is at the bottom of the path leading from the parking area before the camping site at Palmiet.

The Iron Museum is the only one of its kind in Africa. Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11h00 to 17h00 and public holidays at 154 Main Road.

‘Hans die Skipper’ was the holiday house of a founder of the Afrikaans language and also a well-known Afrikaans author, D.F. Malherbe. See the commemorative plaque at the front of the house.

‘Preekboom’ is the tree found on the lawns near to the lagoon and has for many years been the centre of many church services held on the lawns, particularly at Christmas time. Its twisted shape has led to numerous photographers trying to capture its spiritual beauty.

The Harbour area has various craft shops and restaurants where delectable seafood’s are served.

Immenhof Honey invites connoisseurs to taste an excellent selection of famous Cape and South African honey: approximately 10 different varieties. They offer cosmetic products with honey, beeswax candles, teas, furniture oil, nuts, fruit rolls and gifts.