We are making changes to visitor access to Phillipskop Mountain Reserve. These changes are necessary for us to maximise our conservation efforts, manage access to the reserve more efficiently, and ensure a better quality of experience for all those visiting the reserve.
From 1st February 2024, the privilege of hiking at Phillipskop will only be possible for those who:
- Stay overnight in our accommodation;
- Book a guided walk;
- Join a volunteer alien hack; or
- Purchase an annual conservation permit through our Friends of Phillipskop scheme
Staying overnight at Phillipskop is the best way for visitors to the Stanford area to access the reserve. If you would like to enjoy hiking on any of our extensive network of hiking trails amongst pristine fynbos, or who wish to visit our Rock Art and Heritage Site, the best option will be to book one our self-catering chalets and stay on the reserve. You will then be able to hike at any time of day (starting as early as you like, to beat the sun) and you will also have access to our unique natural swimming pool – the perfect place to relax after a hike!
Guided walks can also be booked by non-resident guests. These walks enable you to enjoy hiking on the reserve whilst learning more about the fynbos vegetation, as well as our Rock Art and Heritage Site. All guided walks must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For more information see this web page.
Monthly volunteer alien hacks provide an opportunity for you to assist with the conservation work of the reserve with the benefit of being able to enjoy visiting Phillipskop free of charge (but participants need to be fit, as the hack involves a relatively strenuous hike up the mountain as well as manual clearing of non-native vegetation once we get there). Volunteer hacks take place on the first Saturday of every month, from 8:30 am until 1pm – they are great fun, and a good way to meet like-minded nature-lovers! Please contact us if you would like to join us for a hack.
Become a Friend of Phillipskop. For those who would like to support the conservation work we are doing at Phillipskop and enjoy the privilege of access to the reserve for hiking throughout the year (ideal for locals), we offer you the opportunity to join our Friends of Phillipskop Membership scheme. This will provide you with an annual conservation permit for hiking at Phillipskop (between 8am and 5pm) all year round. Those with an annual permit will also be able to book our mountain hut Sundew Cabin, which is reserved exclusively for Friends of Phillipskop and others supporting our conservation efforts. From time to time we will update our members with news from the reserve and share with you some of the ways in which Phillipskop is involved with the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Klein River Mountains and fynbos biome.
There are three levels of membership on offer:
Solo Permit – R400 – annual conservation permit provides entry for the person named on the card. The card is not transferable. Accompanying persons are only possible with a Duo Permit or Premium permit.
Duo Permit – R800 – annual conservation permit provides entry for up to two named people. If either named person is visiting the reserve without the other, they may bring one guest (or two children). (See also Premium Permit if additional guest options are required.)
Premium Permit – R1250 – annual conservation permit provides entry for up to two named people plus two guests (or four children). If there is only one named person visiting the reserve, then the additional entry can be used by a third adult (or two additional children). Premium permit holders can also purchase up to 4 additional day permits (R100) so that a maximum of 8 people can visit on one day.
Please see the dedicated page for more information and a form to download: Friends of Phillipskop.
We look forward to continuing to share this special place with our visitors and the local community, and thank you all for your support.
