Visitors to Hermanus say that the Fernkloof gardens are the best-kept secret of the Cape Riviera. It is a place filled with tranquillity, bird sounds and the fragrance of fynbos and flowers.

The botanical gardens at the entrance of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve measure only a couple of hectares, but the rolling lawns, tree-lined parkland areas and wheelchair friendly paths take you on a wander filled with birds, botany and some happy animal residents for good measure.

Specialised beds of indigenous plants border the curving paths, with storyboards and plant labels adding botanical and historical information. A mass of ericas from the South Western Cape region overlooks the protea garden. Aloes and succulent plants from all over southern Africa flower midyear and give the local birds a feast of nectar!

For more information about the gardens please click here