Hiking Routes In The Fernkloof Nature Reserve Hermanus
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is situated in Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world!
Hiking is just one of the many things you can do in Hermanus. The reserve has many routes that you can take, all clearly marked. They all branch off from one another so closely follow the signage of the route that you are on.
Route descriptions:
The various routes will guide you through shrub vegetation, forests and past dams. Pack plenty of refreshments and snacks to enjoy along the way. On a hot day pack your swimsuit and swim in any one of the dams along your hiking trail.
Green Route
Length: 3.5km
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Hike: Leisurely
There is a gentle incline that is moderately steep, with steps for short sections. This route reaches the summit of the hill called 
Lemoenkop. From the top, there are spectacular views of Walkerbay, the town of Hermanus and the surrounding hills. This is also a nature trail with a series of numbered marker posts at which features of interest can be seen.
Red Route
Length: 3.6km
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Hike: Leisurely
A circular walk on a generally gentle incline with short moderately steep sections. This route leads north into the afro-montane forest patch known as Assegaaibos and to a small waterfall in the forest. The trail then doubles back and heads west to a point below Kanonkop, from where another 
path leads up to the Jeep Track. The red route gently drops back south to an intersection with the blue route, then northeast down to the visitor centre.
Blue Route
Length: 2.2Km
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Hike: Short and Easy
A short and easy circular walk with several options for extending further by deviating onto the contour path, the red route or taking a loop within the red route. The blue route drops down towards the gardens, crosses the tar road between the visitor centre and the offices and climbs gradually west to the rocky bluff called Klipspringer, where these delightful small antelope can often be seen. It then 
returns to the visitor centre, joining the red route for the last 600m.
Orange Route
Length: Varies
Duration: 1 Day
Hike: Moderate/ Difficult
The orange route has an inner circuit and a longer outer circuit, both with the option of overnighting in Galpin Hut. It is a moderately arduous/difficult walk with some steep sections. The outer circuit climbs up to 700m. The inner circuit does a short loop around Galpin Hut and GalpinKop, while the other one extends east and provides access to Aasvoelkop before dropping down to join the jeep track.
Both circuits provide wonderful views of Walkerbay and the 
Hemel en Aarde valley, as well as interesting perspectives of the Table Mountain Group geology and the mountain fynbos vegetation. A middle path option runs from Galpin Hut southeast to join midway on the jeep track. The trail is marked in orange only from the saddle of Lemoenkop (on the Green route) and distances are given from the visitor centre.
Extra Information:
For more information about the flora and fauna found in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve click here.
For more information about the Fernkloof Nature Reserve click here.
Contact:
Fernkloof Nature Reserve: Fir Road, Fernkloof, Hermanus
Fernkloof office : +27 (0)28 313 0819
Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers hikers a dazzling display of fauna, flora and views of the mountain, sea and Walker Bay!
| More info on the town of Hermanus |
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