First of all, the reason for choosing Kogel Bay as today's place name location...
For the past 4 years our family has had cause to travel regularly along the scenic drive between Gordon's Bay and Rooi Els / Pringle Bay - it is a very beautiful drive and whenever we pass Kogel Bay I have wanted to stop and walk along the white sandy beach and play in the wild waves but we've never had time. Then one day a few months back we finally tried to go in at the entry gate but discovered you need a card to go in.
However this past summer holiday we went back and discovered the parking place right along the road at the sign for 'Dappat se Gat' from which a path leads directly down to the far side of Kogel Bay and spent a wonderful afternoon on this amazing beach. It features rocky cliffs with small caves that protected us from wind and too much sun and the water was warm with lots of fun waves to play and surf in (though be warned there is a strong current which can be dangerous). It is in fact now on my top 5 list of favourite Cape beaches.
So now on to how Kogel Bay got its name...
"The origin of the name Kogel Bay is contentious. It has been suggested that the Afrikaans form "koeel" (bullet) is a corruption of "Cole" from the ship, the Colebrooke, which wrecked in the bay in 1778. However the name occurs on some maps which predate the wreck. Therefore the name may refer to the rounded stones in many of the small bays, which resemble cannon balls. The noise the stones make as they roll around from the waves resembles the sound of loose cannon balls rolling upon the pitching deck of a ship." (Source)
Next I want to find out how Dappat se Gat got its name... I know Gat means Cave (this section of the beach is also known colloquially as The Caves) but who was this Dappat person? So far I can find no answers online... if you Dear Reader have any answers please do let me know!
Things to do in & around Kogel Bay
Camp - Kogel Bay Park offers simple camping facilities - no electricity and you have to book and pay in advance via fax or at the Strand Municipality.
Fish - Be aware that fishermen have been swept off the rocks so fish with caution.
Hike - There are some challenging hikes in the Kogel Bay Reserve
Surf - We hunted around to find a surf report for Kogel Bay online and finally tracked one down here
Swim - Sea swimming is fun but can be dangerous - there is a tidal pool at Kogel Bay Day Camp
Stay - If you'd rather not rough it at the camp site, Portfolio offers luxury accommodation in Gordon's Bay and Pringle Bay
