Out & About

Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 18 square kilometres in the Kleinrivier Mountains in Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842m. The Reserve lies across almost the entire northern side of the town with a 60 km network of trails.

Activities in Fernkloof

Walk; Run; Cycle on the Yellow route; Birdwatch; Photograph; Picnic; Discover fantastic flowers; Enjoy great views; Stay in the Galpin Mountain Hut; Buy local plants; Go geocaching; --or just sit and soak up the beauty!

Walking trails

• A 60 km network of paths traverses the Reserve.
• Maps and brochures are available at the Visitors’ Centre or the Fernkloof Nursery.
• The colour coded paths are well graded and signposted. Occasional benches allow for rest and an opportunity to enjoy magnificent views over Walker Bay.
• Choose from paths that take you to the heights of Aasvoelkop at 824m or follow the lower level contour paths that take you from Vogelgat Nature Reserve in the east through to Rotary Way in the west.
• A popular walk for youngsters is the 800m path from the Visitors’ Centre to the waterfall. This also follows a stream through a narrow stretch of forest. There is a bench by the little waterfall and a forest pool.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead at ALL times and are only permitted on the lower paths, BLUE and YELLOW routes.

Guided walks

Book a guided walk through the Reserve for which a small charge is levied.
Contact Vic: vicattwell@telkomsa.net or call +27 (0) 82 7855145

Cliff Path

The Cliff Path, running for almost 12km along the Hermanus coastline from Grotto beach to the New Harbour is also part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. It offers a totally different experience, a level walking surface, mostly wheel-chair friendly; coastal-,sea- and land bird watching, whale watching in season and enjoyment of fynbos species which are not found at higher altitudes. Dogs are welcome on the cliff path if leashed. Cliff Path Brochures are available from the Visitors’ Centre in the Reserve.

Cycle

The Hermanus Cycle trail leads east from the Fernkloof gardens, crosses the Mossel River and runs above Voelklip turning south and west again at the Vogelgat boundary.
Contact Hermanus Cycles : +27 (0) 82 9323938 (Office Hours)

Fernkloof Nature Reserve gardens

Picnic and walk in the landscaped Nature Reserve gardens, a tranquil alternative to hiking. Most of the paths are wheelchair friendly, there are plenty of benches and a small playground for children. The amphitheater area is bounded by stone walls and includes a fern garden and a drinking fountain. Learn about our indigenous trees in the arboretum situated at the lower end of the garden.

Visitors’ Centre

Learn about the fynbos. The Visitors’ Centre has a freshly labelled display of flowers picked in the Reserve. Maps and brochures available. The various hiking trails radiate out from the Centre.

Indigenous Nursery

Visit the Fernkloof Indigenous Nursery where you can purchase from a large selection of indigenous plants suitable for local conditions.

FERNKLOOF

Originating at the Hemel-en-Aarde Village there are five routes which take you deep into the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with the most breath taking views. Each of the routes are clearly demarkated into varying levels of difficulty catering for every class and style of mountain biker.

Permits are required. Please go to the link provided for more detailed information.

• GREEN ROUTE
  7 km - 150m climb - 30 min to 1 hour time
  Easy & ideal for beginners
  Tar & gravel roads
  Non technical single track
• BLUE ROUTE
  12 km - 200m climb - 1 – 2 hrs duration
  Longer distance for novice to intermediate riders
  Tar & gravel roads
  More single track, more hills
• RED ROUTE
  26 km - 690m climb - 2 – 4 hrs duration
  Longer & tougher distance for intermediate riders
  Tar & gravel roads
  More single track, more hills, stunning views
• BLACK ROUTE
  65 km - 1750m climb - 4 – 6 hrs duration
  Even longer & tougher. More hills, for experienced riders
  Tar & gravel roads, with jeep track
  More single track, stunning views

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Experience the magnificense of marine adventure and activities in and around Hermanus and Walker bay.
Marvel at the marine wildlife in abundance provided by nature.

• Scuba diving (Scuba gear to Hire)
• Fishing
• Trips & Cruises
• Bird watching
• Blue and mako shark diving
• Great white shark cage diving
• Reef diving

Operators from the Hermanus new Harbour

Neptune Divers: T- 071 424 3428
Majestic Cruising: T- 079 353 3788
Shark Lady Adventures: T- 028 312 3267

Book a paragliding flight with Walker Bay Adventures and take in the spectacular views of this unique coastal town.

Tandem paragliding tours are undertaken by Parapax who have been operational since 1999.

Book with: WALKER BAY ADVENTURES

Hermanus is known as the prime whale watching destination in the world. With an 11km cliff path offering an ideal vantage point and whale watching cruise operators offering exciting cruises daily during whale watching season, Hermanus is truly an unrivalled tourist destination.

Southern Right whales arrive typically from June and remain in the bay until December. On occasion whales have left the safety of Walker Bay as late as end January.

Whale cruise operators are based in the Hermanus Harbour from where daily trips are launched to view these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.