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Nature reserve · Hermanus, Cabo Ocidental
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
A roughly 1,800-hectare reserve in the mountains behind Hermanus, with over a thousand fynbos plant species and about 60 km of trails.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fernkloof Nature Reserve
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve climbs the Kleinrivier mountains behind Hermanus, from sea level up to about 842 metres. Established in 1957, it now covers roughly 1,800 hectares, including the coastal strip of the Cliff Path. In such a small area it hosts over a thousand plant species, many of them fynbos, the vegetation that exists only in the Cape.
A network of about 60 km of colour‑marked trails starts from the visitor centre, where an exhibit displays, in labelled cases, the flowers that are in bloom at that time. The shortest and most popular trail leads to a small waterfall inside a forest, about 800 metres from the entrance. Others climb Aasvoëlkop, with views over the whole of Walker Bay.
Animals in the reserve include the klipspringer, the dassie, baboons and around a hundred bird species, such as the Cape sugarbird and African sunbirds.
The reserve is maintained by the Hermanus botanical society and by the municipality.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to half a day, depending on the trail.
Best time
Spring, from August to October, usually has more flowers. In summer, choose early morning or late afternoon, because the trails have little shade.
How to get there
The entrance is on Fir Avenue, about 4 km from Hermanus town centre by car.
Tip
Pick up the map at the visitor centre and start with the waterfall trail, short and shaded.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fernkloof Nature Reserve
How many trails does Fernkloof have?
About 60 km of waymarked trails, from short walks to mountain climbs.
Which is Fernkloof's easiest trail?
The waterfall trail, about 800 metres from the visitor centre, within a woodland.
When are there more flowers in Fernkloof?
Spring, from August to October, usually has more flowers, but there are flowering plants year‑round.