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Fernkloof Nature
Reserve is unique in that it
 bounds
the seaside coastal resort of Hermanus along the Kleinrivier
mountain range and along the major portion of the Cliff Path
abutting the Indian Ocean . It comprises nearly 2000 hectares of
montane and coastal fynbos, and as such is an integral part of
the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the six recognized Floral
Kingdoms of the world. There is no other place on earth where so
many different species can be seen growing in such close
proximity.
To date about l600 species have
been identified and are now housed in the Hermanus Herbarium at
Fernkloof – more than in the entire United Kingdom. The
herbarium has been accorded international status.
The reserve was proclaimed late l957 by the Provincial Council
of the Cape
 and
is presently administered by the Overstrand Municipality with
the assistance of the Fernkloof Advisory Board.
In l977 a start was made on the building of a Botanical Centre,
comprising curator’s office, exhibition hall, herbarium ,
kitchen, visitors’ cottage – all funded and maintained by the
Hermanus Botanical Society. A Visitors’ Centre at the top car
park houses a seasonal wild flower exhibit.
Flora: The Fynbos is
adapted to a Mediterranean climate (winter rainfall) and can
also cope with strong winds. Predominant species belong to the
families Proteaceae, Restionaceae (reedlike plants), Ericaceae
or heaths. There are also many species of daisy, iris and pea
families.
Birds: Species most
likely to be seen include the Cape Sugar Bird, Sunbirds, Rock
Thrush and Cape Batis. However, up to 130 species have been
recorded.
Fauna: Limited number of
mammalian species due to the low carrying capacity of the fynbos
which covers most of Fernkloof. Most likely to be seen are
baboon, klipspringer, mongoose and dassie – all daytime feeders.
Night feeders include porcupine, genet, hare and grysbok
Rodents include Cape Spiny Mouse, on the Red Data list.
Reptiles are represented by two species of tortoise, nine
species of snake, skinks and lizards.
Frogs include the rare Cape Ghost Frog.
Geology: The Kleinrivier
mountains consist mainly of Table Mountain Sandstone laid down
as the sandy bed of a great sea about 400 million years ago.
Flowering plants first appeared at the time of the break up of
Gondwanaland 70 to 100 million years ago.
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Walking trail |
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Clear signs indicate different routes |
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Kleinrivier mountain range
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HERMANUS WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL
