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 +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.