Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
4.5
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4.5
512 reviews
Excellent
363
Very good
135
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
1
HunterBloemfontein
Hermanus, South Africa701 contributions
Jan 2020
Easy walks, for grandparents to grandchildren, as well as more challenging hikes, if you wish to go up all the way to Galpin Hut, or, even more ambitiously, Aasvoelkop. Breathtaking views, shady resting places, fascinating flora; what more can one wish for? Well: variety in every season. Spring brings the proteas in full bloom, as well as the fireflies in the evening. Clear winter days bring vistas: take your binoculars along and watch the whales in the bay below. A wholly underestimated place, that is never crowded.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoLoew
Perth, Australia11 contributions
Nov 2022
Spent almost four hours walking through Fernklook. Magnificent views and pleasantly surprised to see security roaming the footpaths for the security of visitors. We did not see other hikers but felt perfectly safe.
Written 3 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurens D
Uden, The Netherlands97 contributions
Oct 2021
Good walk, difficult to find (GPS sends you miles away, apple maps that is. Seems nice and friendly theway tou are welcomed. Not another soul in the neigbourhood…
Written 27 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marianne P
Cape Town, South Africa27 contributions
Jun 2022
Our walk in Fernkloof nature reserve stands out as one of my most worthwhile outdoor experiences ever. The trails along the mountain slopes are interesting and the scenery from high up there is marvelous, with the town down below and the blue ocean in the background. It was early winter but the day was blue and sunny. A visit in spring when all the flowers are blooming will be wonderful. We already saw some proteas and heath.
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaygrindell
Brighton, UK42 contributions
Mar 2023
Easy to follow trails that can be mixed and matched. Great views of the coast, town and across to Walker Bay. A must visit whilst you’re here. Not very steep, well marked and good underfoot.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EverExploring
Cape Town, South Africa499 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Way too hot to head out onto the mountain during the January heat unless you set out very early in the morning.
Tripadvisor insists that the "Hermanus cliff walk" is the same thing as Fernkloof Nature Reserve and won't create a separate attraction. I beg to differ. The Hermanus CLIFF WALK is what you need to visit. Yes, its managed by the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (officially) but geographically it is not in the same location - and it is incredible. Find it and go there instead. Cool, shady in places and enjoyable. Take some water, wear your cap, bathing suit and have a few dips along the way.
Tripadvisor insists that the "Hermanus cliff walk" is the same thing as Fernkloof Nature Reserve and won't create a separate attraction. I beg to differ. The Hermanus CLIFF WALK is what you need to visit. Yes, its managed by the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (officially) but geographically it is not in the same location - and it is incredible. Find it and go there instead. Cool, shady in places and enjoyable. Take some water, wear your cap, bathing suit and have a few dips along the way.
Written 12 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewald R
Cape Town Central, South Africa3,153 contributions
Aug 2020
There are several hiking trails available at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve with the route to the Assegaaibos waterfall being the most popular and arguably the most beautiful. The route is fairly easy and as the vegetation changes from small fynbos to being surrounded by the forest. At the waterfall you just can't help but be mesmerized by the natural beauty. After reaching the waterfall, which was in full force after the recent rains, we decided to take the Lemoenkop route which gave us a great view of Hermanus. Overall the paths were very well maintained and vary in difficulty. If you are a nature lover and find yourself in Hermanus, this reserve is a must visit!
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith99
Horsham, UK41 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
We visited Hermanus in August 15. It was a lovely sunny day although very windy.
Like everyone else we were there trying to spot whales and spent a few hours watching a mother and calf which cam very close to the shore where we were sat.
The views along this stretch of coastline are amazing and the water is crystal blue. It's a lovely little town with a few restaurants but clearly it's the coastline that you need to visit. Even our teenagers who need to be constantly occupied were wow'd by the place and the opportunity to spot whales. If you're staying in Cape Town this is a must do visit.
Like everyone else we were there trying to spot whales and spent a few hours watching a mother and calf which cam very close to the shore where we were sat.
The views along this stretch of coastline are amazing and the water is crystal blue. It's a lovely little town with a few restaurants but clearly it's the coastline that you need to visit. Even our teenagers who need to be constantly occupied were wow'd by the place and the opportunity to spot whales. If you're staying in Cape Town this is a must do visit.
Written 4 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Market Harborough, UK15 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
A beautiful nature reserve. Plenty to see and well presented. Choice of walks for all ages. No charges to put you off and plenty of parking space. Picnic site with tables. Fantastic views of Hermanus and Walker Bay.
Written 13 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aubrey S
Franschhoek, South Africa51 contributions
There are 3 trails red, green and yellow. The later takes one to the craggy top to Galpin hut.
So we're tough, took water and the normal lotion and hats and headed onto the mountain.
Now here starts the story, the fellow at the base ( who knows what or who he is) told us its 2 and a half hours. It took us 2hrs 20 min to get to the top and then 1 and a half to descend until low and behold the trail loses its coordinated colour coding, the visitors centre appears to go through areas we never traversed on the way up and we are LOST@#/&$ and more.
We double back and redouble back eventually emerging out of the side of reserve through a river and on the public road to the dam. DON'T laugh!!!
We then had to walk to a public circle and re enter the park from the street. So lo and behold our little walk became 13km and 6 hours.
Check it out properly and take coloured chalk to mark the unclear paths.
By the way I climbed Kilimanjaro last year so we were not as green as we sound.
Was it fun? For me yes.. MY WIFE......NEVER AGAIN
So we're tough, took water and the normal lotion and hats and headed onto the mountain.
Now here starts the story, the fellow at the base ( who knows what or who he is) told us its 2 and a half hours. It took us 2hrs 20 min to get to the top and then 1 and a half to descend until low and behold the trail loses its coordinated colour coding, the visitors centre appears to go through areas we never traversed on the way up and we are LOST@#/&$ and more.
We double back and redouble back eventually emerging out of the side of reserve through a river and on the public road to the dam. DON'T laugh!!!
We then had to walk to a public circle and re enter the park from the street. So lo and behold our little walk became 13km and 6 hours.
Check it out properly and take coloured chalk to mark the unclear paths.
By the way I climbed Kilimanjaro last year so we were not as green as we sound.
Was it fun? For me yes.. MY WIFE......NEVER AGAIN
Written 29 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How safe is it for 2 people to walk around Fernkloof on their own? I haven’t been up there in many years and have heard some rumors of people getting mugged.
Written 3 November 2018
It's very safe. It is a light type of hike. We followed the red route and did it within 60 minutes keeping a very enjoyable pace.
Written 14 November 2018
Considering that climbers/visitors to the reserve are being subjected to having rocks thrown at them while climbing in attempted muggings, what is the management doing to try prevent this happening in the future?
Written 17 September 2018
I read that green trail takes about 90 mins. Is this duration for 1 way or return?
Written 11 September 2018
I walked to the waterfall on the green trail and returned on the lower portion of the red trail- it was rainy, cloudy and cool winter's day and that took about 45minutes. Flowers were spectacular and grey skies made the colours very rich. The distances and times on the website map appear to be one way estimates at a rather leisurely pace, so would think you can do the loop in under 2 hrs if its not too hot.
Written 14 October 2018
Hello, I know that the cliff path is about 12km long, but can anyone tell me about how long it takes to complete? Is it a loop or a return trail? Is it 12 km each way or in total? Do you walk back to your car the same way you came? Thank you for your time!
Written 8 June 2017
The Cliff path trail will take you between 3/3 hours. It's a return trail 12km one way. Total of 24km. Walking back you go the same way 12km. You can call a Tuk Tuk if you do not want to walk back, they operate all year round. Their number +27 8 4 688 5885.
Written 9 June 2017
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