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Hermanus - A Nature Enthusiast's Paradise
By Sarah Manners
Seaside Escape
Hermanus is a coastal town located less than an hour's drive from Cape Town and is an extremely popular holiday destination amongst both domestic and international tourists. Hermanus is known as the "heart of the Whale Coast" and is recognised by World Wildlife Fund as the best land-based whale watching area in the world. It is in the bays of Hermanus that the enormous Southern Right Whales come to calve and whale watching is best between the months of September and November. Apart from the excellent whale watching opportunities a host of outdoor activities for nature lovers in the surrounding mountains and Fernkloof Nature Reserve are what draw visitors to the town. The pristine beaches, outdoor markets, fantastic restaurants and boat trips add to the appeal of bustling seaside resort.
Fernkloof's Floral Kingdom
The Cape floral kingdom is the smallest of the six recognised kingdoms in the world, yet in relation to its size it exhibits the greatest biodiversity.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve is nestled in the mountains above Hermanus and comprises of 1 800 hectares of pristine mountain and coastal fynbos. The name of the principal vegetation type of this region is derived from the Dutch word 'fijn bosch' which is the collective name for a multitude of evergreen shrub-like plants with small firm leaves and woody plants with hard leathery leaves. Over 1100 species of fynbos have been identified in this reserve which protects coastal plants, fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest.
Carnivorous
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is home to the largest carnivorous plant in the world and many are attracted to the reserve to behold this fascinating giant of the carnivorous world. The Roridula (or vlieëbos in Afrikaans) can grow up to two metres tall and its leaves are a mass of hairs coated in sticky droplets which are used to catch prey. They are indigenous to the Western Cape and are a highlight for botany enthusiasts and eco-travellers alike. One variety of this carnivorous species, the Roridula dentata is even capable of capturing small birds. What makes these plants so fascinating is that once they have trapped their prey they actually have no way of digesting it as unlike any other carnivorous plants they do not have the enzymes necessary for digestion. Pameridea-Miridae are small bugs which live on Roridula in a great abundance; they actually kill and feast off the Roridula's prey and before they disperse, they defecate on its leaves. The nitrogen rich faeces are fertilizer for Roridula which can absorb the nitrogen straight through their leaves. The two species survive because of this fascinating symbiotic relationship.
Bird Life
Though not a recognised hotspot for bird watching, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is home to a recorded 92 species of bird. Species most likely to be seen include the Cape Sugar Bird, Sunbirds, Rock Thrush and Rock Jumper. There are also some Raptor species including the Jackal Buzzard and a pair of Black Eagles which mainly feed on the Dassies (Rock Hyrax). Several species of insect and seed eating species can also be found here including the Rameron Pigeon, Canaries, Flycatchers and White-eyes. Summer marks the annual return to the reserve of the migratory Swallows and Cuckoos.
Perhaps the most magnificent bird that you will see on your ambles throughout this reserve is the South African national bird. The elegant Blue Crane is considered a 'globally threatened' species and as they prefer the Overberg region (of which Hermanus is a part of) for breeding and feeding this area has become known as the last stronghold for these birds. Large flocks of Blue Cranes can be seen in winter and in their breeding pairs in spring and summer.
Some of Fernkloof's birds have adapted to feeding on fynbos species such as Protea and Erica's, and in this way play a vital role as pollinators.
Animal Life
Animal life in the reserve is not prolific but there are several species which have made Fernkloof their home. Mammals most likely to be spotted include Baboon, Klipspringer, Mongoose and Dassies which are all daytime feeders. Porcupine, Genet, Hare and Grysbok are the reserve's nocturnal mammals and their presence is only revealed to visitors by evidence such as tracks and their effect on the vegetation. Several rodent species scurry around this amazing reserve, the most notable is the Cape Spiny Mouse which, although common in Fernkloof, is listed in the Red Data Book as a rare species.
Fernkloof – Events and Attractions
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve is a hotspot amongst nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. To take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the reserve visitors can chose from the numerous walks which range from moderate to strenuous. The more than 50 kilometres of graded paths enable visitors to view both the whales breaching in Walker Bay and the spectacular fynbos, including endemic species such as the "Pride of Hermanus" Erica.
Visitors interested in taking a bit of the reserve home should pop in to the Fernkloof Nursery where masses of eco-friendly, indigenous plants are on sale. There are often exhibitions in the reserves 'big top' which display an exciting range of exhibitions such as the extremely popular 'mini indigenous gardens' display. Once you have taken in the sights and sounds of the reserve the homemade teas and lunches on offer will provide the perfect end to a fantastic day. The Hermanus Wildflower Festival is held each year at the Fernkloof Reserve and coincides with the annual September Hemanus whale festival.
About the Author
During your visit to this gorgeous town of Hermanus say at the Windsor Hotel which is situated on a cliff edge with spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean below. Located a few minutes drive from the Fernkloof Nature Reserve this hotel is perfect for a relaxing seaside holiday break, and the frolicking whales in the Indian Ocean will add to your enjoyment!
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