The Hangklip-Kleinmond area is part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. It is also referred to as "the heart of the fynbos kingdom". 1600 different plant species can be found here of which 150 are endemic.

© Claudinsche

Clarence Drive leads you into this floral kingdom from Gordons Bay towards Cape Hangklip - the towering eastern beacon at the entrance of False Bay. This must be one of the most beautiful marine drives in the world with the road hugging the mountains on one side and cliffs dropping to the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The Rocky shoreline is dotted with pristine beaches and the cosy hamlets of Rooiels, Hangklip and Pringle Bay. 

© Nick Coombe

This picturesque area has a rich history. Archaeological evidence of the original inhabitants, the Khoi Khoi people, can still be seen. In the 18th century the mountain caves were the refuge of runaway slaves and during World War Two there was a radar station on the slopes of Hangklip. The Hangklip Hotel building was the barracks of the women who manned the radar. Local folk lore has many tales of shipwrecks, pirates and cattle-thieves too. Hangklip was formerly known as 'Cabo Falso' (the 'false cape') because its resemblance to Cape Point sometimes prompted sailors from the east to turn north earlier than they should have done.

Today these hamlets provide a refuge from the stresses of city life.

© Ralph Pina

Hangklip is the smallest of the hamlets made up of a few holiday homes and the Hangklip Hotel. At Hangklip the coastline curves north into Stony Bay.

 Accommodation in Hangklip