

Conservation
Conserving the fynbos of the Klein River Mountains and beyond
Phillipskop plays a vital role in conserving the unique fynbos of the Klein River Mountains. We do this through botanical research, regular monitoring of our flora and fauna, practical conservation and much more. We follow environmentally sustainable practices in our accommodation and management of the reserve wherever we can. Furthermore, we seek to engage with those in our area of influence to educate and encourage care for the environment.
Conservation
of the fynbos ecosystem
Habitat protection
- The 246 ha reserve protects endangered Overberg Sandstone Fynbos and Western Coastal Shale Band Vegetation.
Habitat restoration
- Active removal of invasive wattles, pines and hakeas (aliens) helps restore the natural fynbos.
Fire management
- Combination of firebreaks and controlled burns safeguard infrastructure, while sustaining fynbos diversity.
Scientific surveys
- Recording of over 900 native plant species, including more than 50 redlist species, alongside bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.

Outreach
beyond Phillipskop
Local community involvement
- Member of the Kleinriviersberg Conservancy
- Botanical survey work along the mountain range and elsewhere in the Overberg.
- Share best conservation practices.
Educate and inform
- Educational signage and regular fynbos articles inform both guests and visitors to our website, raising environmental awareness.
- Run environmental courses into the fynbos and caring for the world.
Sustainable accommodation practices
- Self-catering chalets operate eco‑friendly principles, minimizing environmental impact and helping guests connect with the fynbos environment.
Engagement with other organisations
- Assist other organisations to be conscious of their environmental impact, particular CCSA and CCI.

Share the Journey
with us
Help us
- We run volunteer alien hacks on the first Saturday of every month – we’d love your help! Our mountain hut is also available for use by conservation volunteers. Contact us to find out more.
Support us
- Join our Friends of Phillipskop scheme to support our conservation work – and enjoy the benefit of privileged access to the reserve 365 days a year!
Follow us

At Phillipskop we are helping to conserve:
Learn more
about our conservation work and other news:
Three Peaks Challenge
Phillipskop has a fantastic variety of trails which can be combined to make longer and…
Klipspringer Path
The Klipspringer Path is a more adventurous route to the summit of Phillipskop. It begins…
Water Clarity (Natural Swimming Pool)
For the first 9 months we were seriously wondering whether our whole concept was fatally…
Planting (Natural Swimming Pool)
One of our key aims with the natural swimming pool was to ensure that it…
Landscaping (Natural Swimming Pool)
With the swimming pool constructed it was time to landscape and plant up the surrounding…
Construction (Natural Swimming Pool)
Work on the natural swimming pool began in October 2019 under the supervision of Anton…
Design (Natural Swimming Pool)
Ever since moving to Phillipskop in 2014, we have wanted to build a swimming pool.…
A monograph on the genus Cliffortia
We are pleased to announce the publication by SANBI of Chris Whitehouse’s “Monograph on the…
Controlled Burn 2021
Visitors to the reserve this winter will undoubtedly notice that the lowest part of the…
Phillipskop Eco Brick Project
Eco Bricks are plastic bottles stuffed full of plastic waste. Why should we bother with…
Plant Spotter Guides
Whatever time of the year you visit Phillipskop there is a wide variety of beautiful…
Rock Stacks Hiking Trail
This hiking trail provides a brisk hike to the impressive rock stacks, David & Goliath.…
Ebenezer: A Cairn of Thankfulness
Ebenezer Koppie at Phillipskop is a low mound, part way up the mountain, where we…
Panorama Path
This trail offers you extensive views across the Overberg towards Gansbaai, but without too much…
Kniphofia: The Complete Guide
Kniphofia have been cultivated in Western gardens for more than 300 years but, until now,…



