Three Dams via Green Route/Lemoenkop - (Fernkloof NR - Hermanus)

This trail starting and ending at the visitors center in Fernkloof Nature Resevre is an easy trail which rises gradually on a well defined path making it easy enough for hikers and walkers of all ages and fitness levels.

The trail starts out on the green route from the back end of the visitors center (near the toilets) the trail then continues to climb gradually before reaching a wooden boardwalk area. Here at the intersection on the boardwalk the trail splits and heads up towards Lemoenkop. The trail then splits again, we opted to go along the lower contour and walk around Lemoenkop before going up to the summit. Thereafter followed the higher contour back to the intersection and then headed down the green route before meeting general walking path (white on Fernkloof's map) the trail then crosses a stream before the steepest section which is the ascent to the top of the dam wall. After reaching the top of the 1st dam wall one has the option to continue up to the other two smaller dams or head across the dam wall and around the excavated rock to a shaded picnic spot where swimming is also an option. The trail then heads back in the same direction but then follows the general walking paths above the golf Estate before going back to the visitors center.

The trail is well marked and the Reserve is one of the best managed I've come across in the Cape. They even go the extra mile to display fynbos specimens of commonly found species in the visitors center. The parking area has ample parking and even though the reserve can get busy on weekend mornings it never seems to get too busy. The Resevre feels secure and with staff on site and a few other hikers and runners around security seems to be adequate esp when compared to anything in Cape Town. That being said always take security precautions as there are a few access points to the reserve (jeep tracks and neighborhoods that join it), if possible leave any valuables at home and be vigilant.

The main draw of this trail has to be the sweeping views across Walker Bay coupled with the incredible condition of the unique Fynbos found in the reserve. The views start almost immediately and with relatively minimal effort one is treated to sight lines of the sea, new peaks and kloofs appearing around almost every bend on the trail. There are some sections where one can feel as if they are miles from civilization only to turn a corner and see the vast expanse of development along Walker Bay. Views of Gaansbaai, Danger Point, Voelklip, and Hermanus are plentiful and the perspective keeps changing as the trail progresses. There are loads of unique and interesting specimens of Fynbos and the bush is in some of the best condition I have seen in a while.

The dam is a great attraction with quite a few visitors there to swim and picnic. There are a few spots to jump from a height into the dam. I reccomend swimming in below the desired jump spots before taking the plunge to ensure that it is deep enough and no logs and sticks are hiding in the water below. The water is a dark cola color from the tannins released by Fynbos and tree roots so this can hide anything below the surface. That noted the water is extremely clean and free of any pollution so likely drinkable.

I highly recommend attempting this trail or some other variation of Fernkloof's trails. The reserve is pristine and offers such incredible scenery in all directions. As stated the trail recorded here is easy but when the mercury pushes above 30 the sun and heat can become quite oppressive so take enough water, provisions, a hat and sunscreen. There are a couple of places where trees or high Fynbos offer shade. Use these for breaks in the heat of the day. There are bathrooms and a drinking fountain at the visitors center at the start, make use of these if needed.