Holidaymakers hoping to pitch their tents at the iconic Kogel Bay Resort this December and January will be disappointed as the City of Cape Town has confirmed the facility, along with the Sparks Bay Tidal Pool, will remain closed for the upcoming holiday season.
The confirmation came amid resident concerns regarding the state of the facility and the transfer of its management.
“The Recreation and Parks Department can confirm the resort was closed from 25 September 2023 as a result of extensive flood damage,” said Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and the Environment.
The facility lacks basic services, Andrews confirmed. “In its current state, with basic services not being available and amenity infrastructure needing major repairs, a decision was taken to close the resort until service and infrastructure repairs are concluded. This, therefore, means that the site will remain closed this December.”
These past few years have been turbulent for the resort. Andrews pointed out that the major closure had begun in September 2023.
Following that closure, repairs totaling more than R1,5 million were undertaken. “Repairs were done to fencing and ablutions. The work included plumbing, solar lights, geysers and roofing.”
The facility was briefly reopened in last December, but has since been re-closed for further repairs. From 1 July 2025 the City’s Environmental Management Department took over the operations from the Recreation and Parks Department. It is conducting assessments to determine whether water and sanitation can be reinstated.
Despite the City’s investment, locals paint a grim picture of the site.
One resident, who frequented the area throughout the year, expressed frustration at what he perceives as a cycle of waste. “This is really bad news! Over the years I’ve seen many renovations or maintenance drives on this site, only to see it had been vandalised again weeks later – and this with 24-hour security on site.”
Mere weeks ago the resident noticed “the new toilet roof is missing and the grass is overgrown”.
Addressing allegations that the site appears abandoned, Andrews insisted the necessary measures are in place. “Yes, there is security on site to safeguard the property,” he said.
Andrews emphasised that the strict lock-out was a matter of public health. “The resort and tidal pool gates have been closed for public access due to the non-functioning sanitary and drinking-water services. Until such time these basic health services can be provided to the public, we unfortunately cannot allow access.”
Despite the frustrations, locals are hopeful the new management can turn the tide. “We hope with the new management this world-class, most beautiful campsite will be restored to the former glory I knew as a child and teen,” the resident said.
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