Cliff path with sea view 1920 x 380

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 at R20 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 path BLUE route.

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 amphitheatre 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. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm, Saturdays 9am to 12md. Phone: 028 312 2985 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Galpin Hut
Book overnight stays in Galpin Mountain Hut
Contact: Peter Coxall : 082 5703403; E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Botanical Society Hall hire
The Hall and amphitheatre garden are popular venues for celebrating weddings and other functions.
To book contact : Peter Coxall This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +27 (0)82 5703403