Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 18 square kilometres in the Kleinrivier Mountains in Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 824m.
The name of the principal vegetation type of this region, fynbos, is derived from the Dutch word 'fijn bosch' which is the collective name for a myriad of evergreen shrub-like plants with small firm leaves, often rolled - but also includes woody plants with hard leathery leaves, usually broad, often rolled.
The prevailing climate is Mediterranean with cold wet winters and hot dry summers with strong south easterly winds.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve comprises 0.002% of the Cape Floral Kingdom but contains 18% of its plants in just 18 square kilometres. There is no other place on earth where so many different species can be seen growing in such close proximity.
More than 1250 species of plant have thus far been collected and identified in the Reserve.
The Reserve lies across almost the entire northern side of the town with a 60 km network of trails.
These provide the opportunity for people of all fitness levels to enjoy some exercise and fresh air.
A display of some of the flowers that can be found in the veld at any specific time is permanently maintained at the Fernkloof Visitors’ Centre.
Grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon, mongoose and dassie are present in small numbers. Others such as porcupine, genet and hare and the occasional Cape Mountain leopard are nocturnal and these mammals are seldom seen.
