Fernkloof Nature Reserve
The picturesque Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 1800 ha in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842 m. In late 1957, the Reserve was proclaimed by the Provincial Council of the Cape. It protects coastal and fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest. Parts of the coastal area including the Cliff Path Nature Area, the Mossel River valley and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelgat River and part of the Klein River lagoon have recently been incorporated in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
The reserve is a fynbos wonderland, home to a variety of insects, birds and mammals – grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon,mongoose and dassie. Its 60 km network of hiking trails offer magnificent and unequalled views of Walker Bay, the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.
HERMANUS CYCLE TRAIL
There is also a 17 km (10.5 miles) circular mountain bike trail. This intermediate trail consists of mainly jeep tracks but also incorporates single track areas (including a few sandy and rocky sections) and tar. The trails is signposted for clockwise travel and may be joined at any point, although it is best to start at Fernwood Reserve. The route skirts the houses, passing through profuse Fynbos with butterflies, birds, baboons, mongoose, frogs, tortoises, snakes and lizards. There are plenty of viewpoints to stop at, so take it slowly and enjoy the scenery. Do not stray onto paths excluding bicycles and respect the rules of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Maps and ablutions are available at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve Visitor Centre. Click here to download The Hermanus Cycle Route.pdf