Kleinmond

Kleinmond at a glance

Introduction

The name "Kleinmond," meaning "small mouth" in Afrikaans, refers to its location at the mouth of the Bot River lagoon. Kleinmond is a picturesque coastal town nestled between majestic mountains and the vast Atlantic Ocean, located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Kleinmond offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The town is surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its diverse fynbos and breathtaking landscapes. Kleinmond's charm lies in its harmonious blend of coastal living and natural splendour, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

Kleinmond forms part of the Overstrand municipality and has according to the 2011 census 6 634 inhabitants at a density of 930 / sq.km. Its demographical make-up is 36.3% White, 34.8% Black, 27.6% Coloured whilst 60.1% speak Afrikaans as a first language, 25.5% Xhosa, 7.6% English and 3.2% Sotho.

Lifestyle

Kleinmond embodies a relaxed, community-centric lifestyle. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and appreciation for nature. The town fosters a welcoming atmosphere, where neighbours become friends and community events are well-attended. The property market caters to a diverse range of needs, from cozy cottages and family homes to modern apartments and spacious plots. Many properties offer stunning views of the ocean or mountains, providing a tranquil backdrop for daily living.

The town's beaches, hiking and mountain biking trails, and nature reserves provide ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The Palmiet River mouth is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, kayaking and fishing, while the surrounding mountains offer scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Kleinmond Coastal Nature Reserve protects a variety of indigenous flora and fauna, and the town's commitment to conservation is evident in its well-maintained green spaces and environmental initiatives.

History of Kleinmond

Kleinmond's history is intertwined with its natural resources and coastal location. Originally a small fishing village, the town grew gradually as its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere attracted holidaymakers and permanent residents.

The area was historically inhabited by the Khoi-Khoi people, who left evidence of their presence in the form of fish traps and artifacts found in mountain caves and later settled by European farmers and fishermen.

The town's development was influenced by its proximity to the Palmiet River and the ocean, which provided resources for fishing and agriculture. The town itself began to take shape in the 19th century, starting as a small fishing community. A group of fishermen settled at Jogensklip, which is now the harbour of Kleinmond. Over time, it grew into a village, becoming a popular holiday spot, especially for farmers. A significant landmark, "Die Preekboom" (The Preaching Tree), has been a meeting point for church services since 1902 and continues to be used during festive seasons.

In 1910, the Kaplan brothers purchased Lamloch Farm, which would eventually become the town of Kleinmond. A pivotal moment in its development was the construction of a road by Italian prisoners of war in the 1940s, connecting Gordon's Bay to the more remote areas like Kleinmond. This improved accessibility led to exponential growth, and in 1948, the first Village Management Board was established.

The harbour was declared an industrial area in 1954, leading to the relocation of fishermen's houses. The 1960s saw significant infrastructural development, including a tar road, a town hall, municipal offices, and a library.

In the mid-20th century, Kleinmond began to gain popularity as a holiday destination, leading to the development of infrastructure and amenities. Today, Kleinmond retains its small-town charm while offering modern conveniences.

Location - Accessibility

Kleinmond is conveniently located along the scenic R44 coastal route, approximately 100 kilometers east of Cape Town. The town is easily accessible by car, offering a picturesque drive from Cape Town along the False Bay coast via Clarence Drive.

• Cape Town International Airport is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
• The nearby town of Hermanus, known for its whale watching, is about 30 minutes away.
• Betty's Bay, with its penguin colony, is a short drive along the R44.
• Kleinmond is at the heart of the Overberg region, offering access to numerous nature reserves and outdoor activities.

 Climate

Kleinmond experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

• Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
• Winter temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C.
• Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 600mm.
• The coastal location provides a refreshing sea breeze, moderating temperatures throughout the year.

 Closest Schools

Kleinmond offers local primary schooling, and access to secondary schools in nearby towns.

• Kleinmond Primary School established in 1925, it offers grade 1 to 7 education – including subjects such as Coding (Grade 5), Automation (Grade 6),Technology (Grade 7) and Economic Management Science (Grade 7).
• Secondary schooling is available in Hermanus, offering a range of public (Hermanus High School) and private options (Curro Hermanus, Generation Schools Hermanus, Hermanus Waldorf and Bosko Christian School).

 Healthcare Availability

Kleinmond provides access to essential healthcare services.

• Local medical practitioners offer primary healthcare.
• Kleinmond Medical Centre - a local clinic with primary health care services located in the town vicinity.
• Hermanus Provincial Hospital provides comprehensive medical services.
• A private hospital, Hermanus Medi-Clinic, is a 31-minute (33km) drive from Kleinmond.
• Emergency services are readily available.

 Shopping Convenience

Kleinmond offers a range of shopping options for daily needs and leisure.

• Local supermarkets (Superspar and Shoprite) and grocery stores provide all essential supplies.
• Boutique shops and craft stores offer unique gifts and local products.
• The close by regional shopping centre, Whale Coast Mall (37 km), offer a bigger variety of retail outlets.
• Local shops such as Bloubakkies provide fresh produce from the farms, and the Broodstories Artisan Bakery bread and confectionary.

 Restaurants + Coffee Shops

Kleinmond boasts a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.

• Local seafood restaurants offer fresh catches of the day.

KabelJoe's Seafood Restaurant – An eatery in Harbour Road with sea views and a big variety of seafood choices.

Sandown Blues Restaurant – best located with perfect sea and lagoon views

• Cafes and coffee shops provide cozy settings for casual dining.

Coffee @ the Well, Bistro 14, Stoep Café, Kleinmond Central Café, Die Blou Bakkie, Peron 25 Coffee Shop.

• Restaurants featuring diverse cuisines cater to various tastes.

Café Bellisimo Pizza & Pasta

Jamani Restaurant at the Arabella Hotel & Spa Restaurant offers farm-to-table dishes and international classics with stunning views over the Botrivier lagoon.

• Pubs and bars offer social gathering places.

Wild Horse Kleinmond, Barnabas Bar at the Arabella Hotel

Things To Do – Kleinmond Attractions

1. Kleinmond’s Blue Flag Beach and Lagoon: Enjoy long walks along the beach, swimming, surfing, sunbathing, picnics, canoeing in the lagoon and other water sports at Kleinmond’s beautiful Blue Flag beach and lagoon. The Blue Flag area in Kleinmond starts roughly halfway between the lagoon and the sea and extends about 250 m east. Kleinmond Beach has been part of the Blue Flag programme for 20 years.

2. Palmiet River: A scenic river which source is the mountain ranges of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, ideal for fishing, birdwatching, tubing, and white river rafting over 10 rapids and on a 4km stretch which is of high intensity. Rafting is possible during winter as that is the rainy season in the area and tubing takes place in the summer, which is perfect for a lazy trip down the river to soak up the mesmerising landscape.

3. Palmiet Beach: A beautiful sandy bay that has wooden crosses in memory of those shipwrecked from the Gustav Adolf in 1902. The crosses are made from parts of the wreckage and there is a plaque in commemoration. It is a popular beach for angling.

4. Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve: Hike or bike through the exceptional diversity and quality of the more than 1 600 species of fynbos that has remained largely unspoilt in this 18 000 hectares UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the wide variety, over 100 plant species can only be found around Kleinmond.

5. Kleinmond Coastal Walks: Discover indigenous flora and fauna along scenic walking trails – there are 370 different species of birdlife around Kleinmond.

6. Harbour Road: Stroll along the harbour, enjoying views of fishing boats and the ocean. Harbour Road’s cobbled street is lined with curio and craft shops, an interior shop, coffee shops, places to eat, art galleries, bookstores and more.

7. Penguin Colony at Stony Point (Betty's Bay): A short drive away at Stoney Point in Betties Bay, witness the African penguin colony.

8. Hiking Trails: Numerous trails in the surrounding mountains offer varying levels of difficulty, showcasing the area's natural beauty. The hiking trails are: Palmiet River Walk (10km / 3hrs), Oudebosch-Harold Porter (6km / 3-4 hours), Kogelberg Trail (24km / 8 hours), Perdeberg Trail (22km / 7-8 hours),  Three Sisters Trail (8km / 3 hours), Highlands Trail (2 day overnight) 36km / 14-15 hours).

9. Whale Watching (Seasonal): During whale season between June and November, enjoy sightings from the coastline or boat tours.

10. Golfing: Kleinmond has 2 of the best golf courses in South Africa. Kleinmond Golf Course was nominated as having the third best 9-hole course in South Africa and is set at the base of mountains with fynbos serving as the backdrop with sea views from every hole. Playing between baboons, tortoises and birds is not uncommon, as is spotting whales from the course during whale season (June - December). The immaculately maintained 18-hole Arabella Golf Estate was voted the 5th best golf course in South Africa. The Botrivier Lagoon views from this golf course are spectacular.

11. Horse Riding – Klein Paradys Equestrian Centre: The landscape around Kleinmond’s Rooisand Nature Reserve and Kleinmond beach is truly picturesque; the perfect setting for an afternoon spent on horseback. The trek will take you through some native fynbos, along the estuary, across the wetland, and down to the beach, where you can enjoy the coastal views and fresh air. You can choose between 1-6-hour beach and mountain out rides and 2-10-day overnight trails catering for beginners and advanced horse riders. All horseback riding adventures are accompanied by a local guide with a vast knowledge of the area, fauna and flora and hidden gems along the way.

12. Wild Horses – Rooisand Nature Reserve: A herd of 28 feral (wild) horses traverses the 7km in Cape Natures’ reserve between Kleinmond’s lagoon mouth and Fisherhaven.

13. Sports Clubs: Other sporting activities and clubs in Kleinmond include lawn bowls, tennis and pickle ball, and jukskei.

Residential Property Market

Kleinmond offers a diverse range of properties, catering to various lifestyles and budgets. The market includes:

• Beachfront homes and apartments with stunning ocean views.
• Family homes in quiet residential areas.
• Vacant plots for custom builds.
• Retirement properties and secure complexes.
• Cottages and smaller homes.

The Kleinmond property market is known for its stability and appeal to those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Kleinmond Neighbourhoods 

Kleinmond comprises of several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its unique character:

• Palmiet: Situated near the Palmiet River, this area is renowned for its scenic beauty and proximity to Palmiet Beach. It's a favoured spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like kayaking and hiking. Palmiet is also home to the famous Palmiet Caravan Park and the popular trail along the Palmiet River leading to the town next to the ocean and Palmiet Beach. This serene neighbourhood boasts the most beautiful sunsets.

Adjacent to Palmiet lies Harbor Road, a vibrant destination that has evolved into a stimulating leisure and lifestyle hub. With over 27 galleries, shops, and restaurants, Harbor Road offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and culinary delights, making it a must-visit for both residents and tourists.

• Proteadorp and Informal Settlement: Known for its rich cultural heritage, Proteadorp offers a glimpse into the town's history with its traditional houses and close-knit community atmosphere.

• Mountain Avenues: Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Kogelberg Mountains, this neighbourhood provides residents with panoramic mountain views and a serene environment. This area is a gateway to nature, with walking trails leading up to the iconic Three Sisters mountains. For a more accessible adventure, the trail up to Jeans Hill offers stunning vistas of Kleinmond and the expansive ocean

• Sea Avenues: Located closer to the shoreline, Sea Avenues is a sought-after address for those seeking easy access to the beach and the invigorating ocean air. Properties in this neighbourhood often benefit from a refreshing sea breeze and a quintessential coastal ambiance, making it a popular choice, particularly for holiday home buyers. Sea Avenues is conveniently located near Beach Road, the Main Beach, and the lagoon, where residents and visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports, including paddle skiing and canoeing. A stroll along the lagoon offers opportunities to enjoy the local birdlife and catch a glimpse of the wonderful wild horses that roam the area.

• Klein Berlyn: The neighbourhood of Klein Berlyn is characterized by its spacious plots and peaceful streets, offering a sense of tranquillity and privacy. This area is particularly appealing to families and retirees seeking a peaceful and relaxed setting, away from the hustle and bustle. 

• Heuningkloof: Known for its tranquillity and natural beauty, Heuningkloof offers residents lovely mountain views and distant glimpses of the sea. This neighbourhood is popular among those seeking a peaceful environment surrounded by nature. The Kleinmond Caravan Park is conveniently situated between the Klein Berlyn and Heuningkloof areas, providing an option for visitors to experience the beauty of this region..

In conclusion, Kleinmond's diverse neighbourhoods each contribute to the town's unique charm and appeal. Whether you seek mountain serenity or coastal bliss, Kleinmond offers a neighbourhood to suit a variety of lifestyle preferences, making it a truly special place to live or visit.

Visit Mima Claassen at the CCH satellite office in the Superspar Shopping Center to talk about your Kleinmond property needs over a cup of tea or coffee or contact our other member agent working in the area, George Prinsloo.