Fynbos Festival

Click below to explore the program highlights:

GALA OPENING

Friday 3 October at 18:30 for 19:00

  • The Kleinmond Nature Conservation Society was established in October 1975 and is celebrating its golden jubilee in October 2025.
  • The Kleinmond Fynbos Festival will be officially opened by the renowned botanist Leon Kluge. He and his team won gold for South Africa at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show in London.
  • The evening’s programme
    • Leon Kluge speaks about South Africa’s wildflowers and their pollinators.
    • The launch of the long-awaited Kleinmond Fynbos website.
    • An auction of botanical art, ceramics and other items.
    • Performance by Handevat Music’s Marimba group.
    • Light refreshments are served.
  • Venue: Dutch Reformed Church Hall, 36 1st Avenue
  • Tickets @ R150.00 per person are available online at Quicket. Please click here.

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EXHIBITIONS

Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October at 10:00 to 16:00

  • Kleinmond Library
    • Displays showcasing the activities of, among others, Kogelberg Biosphere, Eco Ministry, BOTSOC and SANBI. And those of the Kleinmond Nature Conservation Society, of course!
    • On a big screen:
    • Winners of the children’s competitions (writing, art, photography).
    • Images by members of the Kleinmond Photography Club about “Biosphere living in Kleinmond”.
    • Souvenirs will be on sale.

Friday 10 October from 10:00 to 15:00

  • Lawn in front of the Kleinmond Library
  • BOTSOC will have indigenous plants such as Proteas, Leucospermums, Leucadendrons, Serrurias, Mimetes, Ericas and Buchu for sale.

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HIKING

Tuesday 7 October

  • Morning hike to Kasteelkop via the contour path
  • Meet at 07:00 at the corner of 4th Street and 15th Avenue
    • The Kleinmond Hiking Club leads a refreshing morning hike through the fynbos.
    • The trail is more or less 6 km and will take about 3 hours.
    • Difficulty level is 2B. The hike is quite demanding with long uphill sections.
    • Hikers participate at their own risk and MUST sign an indemnity form.
    • Bring a hat, water and refreshments.

Thursday 9 October

  • Hike the Three Sisters circular route
  • Meet at 07:00 at the corner of 4th Street and 15th Avenue
    • The Kleinmond Hiking Club leads a scenic hike to the summit of the Third Sisters.
    • The trail is more or less 8 km and takes about 5 hours.
    • Difficulty level is 2C. It is a strenuous hike with steep inclines and exposure to heights.
    • Hikers participate at their own risk and MUST sign an indemnity form.
    • Bring a hat, plenty of water and refreshments.

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HACKING

Tuesday 7 October from 07:30 to 10:30

  • Find out firsthand what the heroic Kleinmond Hacking Group is up to.
  • Meet at the Kleinmond Fellowship Church at the top of 6th Street.
    • The Kleinmond Hacking Group has been keeping invasive alien plants in the fynbos at bay for 50 years.
    • Experience some of the challenges and rewards of this aspect of nature conservation.
    • Dress comfortably in old clothes and bring gloves.

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BIRDING

Monday 6 October

  • Discover some of Kleinmond’s birding spots
  • Meet at 07:00 at the Library
    • Kleinmond has various excellent birding spots – sea, rivers, lagoons, thickets and mountains.
    • Various suggestions will be made for you to choose from.
    • Please organise your own transport and remember your binoculars.

Wednesday 8 October

  • Guided birdwatching trip to Rooiels
  • Meet at 07:00 at the Library
    • You may have an opportunity to spot the elusive Cape Rockjumper.
    • Organise your own transport and bring a picnic basket with your binoculars.

Saturday 11 October

  • A guided birdwatching outing to another birding spot
  • Meet at 07:00 at the Library
    • Enjoy this guided birding outing with an experienced local birder.
    • Organise your own transport and don’t forget your picnic basket and binoculars.

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YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Daily from 09:00 to 11:00

Monday 6 October: Birding at the Kleinmond lagoon with the Strandlopers

  • Meet at the Kleinmond Lagoon.

Tuesday 7 October: Secrets hidden in rock pools

  • Eunice Jurgens from SANBI will reveal some of the secrets of life in rock pools.
  • Meet at the rock pools in Betty’s Bay.

Wednesday 8 October: Water safety

  • The NSRI will give a water safety demonstration.
  • Meet at the harbour.

Thursday 9 October: Exciting facts about fynbos

  • Discover the fynbos in Kleinmond with the Strandlopers Eco Youth Club.

Friday 10 October: Why are wetlands important?

  • Come and discover the wonders of Wetlands.
  • Venue: Kleinmond Bowling Club Hall.
  • Included is a short trip to the lagoon to discover some of the birds, plants and insects that live there.

Saturday 11 October: Fynbos Treasure Hunt

  • The Youth Group of the Eco-Ministry will lead an exciting fynbos treasure hunt for children.
  • Meet at the Palmiet Boardwalk.
  • After the treasure hunt the group will braai stokbrood at the Palmiet picnic area.

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MORNING TALKS

All morning talks are free, but donations are welcome.

Please try to arrive 10 minutes before the designated time.

09:30 to 10:30 in the Library Hall

  • Monday 6 October: Spring flowers in the coastal reserve. Thea Brink
  • Tuesday 7 October: Birds in the Kogelberg Biosphere: who they are and where to find them. Carin Malan
  • Wednesday 8 October: Parasites and carnivores in the fynbos. Thea Brink
  • Thursday 9 October: African Penguin on the verge of extinction. Corli Hugo
  • Friday 10 October: Bioblitz with your cell phone. Magriet Brink

11:00 to 12:00 in the Library Hall

  • Monday 6 October: Biosphere living in Kleinmond. Tim Atwell
  • Tuesday 7 October: The wild horses of Rooisand. Leanne Dryburgh
  • Wednesday 8 October: Moths and butterflies in the fynbos. Magriet Brink
  • Thursday 9 October: Wetlands and how they work. Ebraime Hull
  • Friday 10 October: Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre, a first of its kind in the Western Cape. Corli Hugo & Michelle Watson

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GUIDED WALKS IN THE AFTERNOON

Guided walks are free, but donations are welcome.

Please arrive about 10 minutes early.

14:30 – 15:30

  • Monday 6 October: The unique plants of the Palmiet Boardwalk
    • Guided by Magriet Brink.
    • Meet at the corner DF Malherbe St & Albertyn st, Palmiet.
  • Tuesday 7 October: The magic of Mimetes Park
    • Guided by Magdaleen Brits.
    • Meet next to the Kleinmond Bowls Club, Amandelboom Avenue.
  • Wednesday 8 October: Finding worms and caterpillars in the coastal reserve
    • Guided by Magriet Brink.
    • Meet at the parking area at the corner 1st Street & Beach Road.
  • Friday 10 October: Practice your Bioblitz skills
    • Hone your bioblitz skills so you can contribute to science and nature conservation.
    • Guided by Magriet Brink.
    • Meet at the corner 4th Street & 15th Avenue.

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FYNBOS FLAVOURS IN THE AFTERNOON

The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Thursday, 9 October

  • 14:30 – 15:30 at the Library Hall
    • Here is an opportunity to taste the flavours of the fynbos.
    • Giselle Courtney will accompany you on this exciting culinary journey.

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AFTER SUNSET

BIKING

  • 18:30 on Tuesday 7 October: A full moon bike ride
    • Join the Kleinmond Cycling Club for a full moon ride.
    • Meet at the Cycling Track on Main Road.

HIKING

  • 18:30 on Tuesday 7 October: A moonlight hike
    • Hike up Jean’s Hill with the Hiking Club to wait for the full moon.
    • Guided by Gerrit van den Dool.
    • Meet at the corner of 4th Street & 15th Avenue.
    • Bring a head lamp and refreshments.
    • Participants hike at their own risk and MUST sign an indemnity form.

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MUSIC

19:00 on Wednesday 8 October: Musical Rendezvous

  • An evening of nature inspired music.
  • Presented by Thinus Ries and the Guelph Theatre.
  • Various artists.
  • At the Dutch Reformed Church Hall in 36 1st Avenue.
  • Tickets at R150.00 per person available at Albertyn Pharmacy.

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FOOD PARTNERS

3 – 11 October: Local businesses and nature conservation

  • Several restaurants and businesses support the Kleinmond Fynbos Festival.
  • On their menus they will have dishes with a fynbos twist during the festival.
  • Please support them.

Participating venues: Kleinmond Central Cafe, Bistro14, Bloubakkie, Carry Me Home, Sandown Blues, La Familia, the Biltong Deli.

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BIOSPHERE COMPETITIONS

We invite learners of all ages to enter our Biosphere competition in August.

  • Theme: Biosphere Living in Kleinmond / Kleinmonders in die Biosfeer
  • Categories
    • Ages 6–8: A drawing or painting of your favourite animal or plant in the Kogelberg Biosphere.
    • Ages 9–11: An art project using recyclable materials about the habitats of the Kogelberg Biosphere. Artwork may be three dimensional but not larger than A3.
    • Ages 12–14: Photography about nature’s beauty in the Kogelberg Biosphere.
    • Ages 14–16: Poetry or a short story inspired by the flora, fauna, or landscapes of the Kogelberg Biosphere.
    • Ages 16–18: A short documentary video (3-5 minutes) about an environmental issue or conservation project in the Kogelberg Biosphere.
  • Prizes: Cash prizes are at stake. Winning and commendable projects will be displayed in the Library during the Festival week.
  • More information: email liezbales91@gmail.com
  • Closing date: 14:00 on 1 September 2025
  • Digital entries: Please send to liezbales91@gmail.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Biosphere Living in Kleinmond

  • The Kleinmond Photography Club has monthly competitions which are open for all members of the club.
  • The theme of the September competition is Biosphere living in Kleinmond / Kleinmonders in die Biosfeer.
  • 19:00 on 30 September: Participants’ images will be shown at the club’s meeting at the Dutch Reformed Church Hall in 36 1st Avenue.
  • Members as well as non-members are welcome.
  • Images will also be displayed in the Kleinmond Library during the Festival week.

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