About Hermanus and the surrounding area

Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 1800 hectares in the Kleinriver Mountains above the town of Hermanus and is proclaimed a reserve to protect the coastal fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest. There is no other place in the world where so many species can be found growing in such close proximity. There have been over 1475 species of fynbos collected, identified and documented within the reserve. The name of the principal vegetation type of this region is derived from the Dutch word ‘fijnbosch’ which is a collective name for a myriad of hardy evergreen shrub-like plants with small firm leaves, often rolled – but also includes woody plants with leathery textured leaves.

The reserve lies on the northern side of the town with a 60km network of trails. These provide the opportunity for people of all fitness levels to go out and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. A display of some of the flowers that can be found in the reserve and its gardens are permanently maintained at the Fernkloof Visitors' Centre. The various trails offer magnificent and unequalled views of Walker Bay, the Hemel-en-Aarde valley and Maanskynbaai.

The cool maritime climate and the right soil composition combine to make the Hemel-en-Aarde valley the ideal location for the fussy Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines. In this picturesque valley wine lovers can treat themselves to a unique wine tour among the southernmost vineyards in Africa.

The wines produced in this region are unique to South Africa and similar to ones from Northern France, due to a cool sea breeze and clay soil. Two of the most popular wines are a chardonnay and an exceptional pinot noir.

The Hemel-en-Aarde valley on the R320 is home to fifteen of the most superior wineries in the region, like Hermanuspietersfontein, Creation, Newton Johnson, Hamilton Russell, Spookfontein and Southern Right, each growing small volumes of premium quality wine in carefully sustainably managed vineyards with wine tasting facilities and sales.

The Hermanus Golf Course is situated within the town limits and is set in magnificent scenery with views of Walker Bay, the Kleinriver Mountains and adjoining Fernkloof Nature Reserve. This 27-hole course is known for its outstanding standards all year round and is a popular choice for golfing enthusiasts, both local and international.

Club facilities include a bar, restaurant, halfway house, locker rooms, pro-shop and practice facilities. Golf carts, trolleys and clubs are available for hire from the pro-shop. 20km outside Hermanus, toward Kleinmond, is the par 72 championship golf course of Arabella. Surrounded by the magnificent mountains and Bot River Lagoon, and edged by wild fynbos, the picturesque Arabella Golf Course is the ideal place to pursue one’s passion for golf. Arabella Golf Course has consistently been ranked in the top 10 courses in the country for many years and is currently ranked 4th in South Africa by Golf Digest magazine.