Fernkloof open for hiking

The Overstrand, as part of the Overberg District, was declared an official Covid-19 hotspot area by President Ramaphosa on 28 December, and placed under an adjusted Level 3 lockdown along with the rest of the country.

After much debating on how to interpret these new regulations, Overstrand Municipality’s Municipal Manager, senior officials and councillors decided that the mountain and hiking paths in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve will remain open for hiking.

The municipality said in a statement that this would hopefully take some pressure off the Cliff Path and give residents and visitors alike an alternative option while the beaches are closed. Members of the public who would like to explore Fernkloof Nature Reserve may access the reserve via all existing, sign-posted and designated footpaths or hiking and cycling trails.

The only exception is the Fernkloof gardens and the Three Dams, which will be closed in accordance with the amended Level 3 regulations.

Please note that no group hiking and no dogs (except on the desig- nated Blue Route) are allowed in the reserve. Hikers are allowed to park at the visitors’ centre to start their hike. Monitors will assist with a stagger approach, should there be too many people at any given time.

Rotary Drive, the Hermanus Cliff Path and the VOS Coastal Path remain open.

Kindly take note:

• The public needs to ensure that cloth face masks are worn at all times

• The public needs to ensure that they stay within a safe distance from each other and not group together

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