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.
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