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Hermanus - A Nature Enthusiast's Paradise
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
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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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