Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast
Maanschynkop is not only a sanctuary for biodiversity but also a site of cultural and historical significance. The area holds remnants of early human habitation and offers insights into the rich heritage of the Overberg region. (Image adapted). © Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast
The Maanschynkop Nature Reserve, located near the coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape, is a hidden gem that showcases the natural beauty of the Overberg region. This pristine reserve is characterised by its rugged terrain, rolling fynbos-covered hills, and breathtaking views of Walker Bay and the surrounding mountains. As part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, it is home to a remarkable diversity of plant species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and botanists. Visitors often marvel at the seasonal bursts of wildflowers, which add vibrant splashes of colour to the reserve's landscape.
The reserve offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to adventure seekers and those looking for tranquility alike. Well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails weave through the fynbos, offering opportunities to explore the area’s unique ecology up close. Birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy, with numerous endemic and migratory species frequenting the reserve. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, picnicking amidst the scenic vistas or simply soaking in the serenity of the natural surroundings provides a perfect escape from the bustle of everyday life.
Maanschynkop is not only a sanctuary for biodiversity but also a site of cultural and historical significance. The area holds remnants of early human habitation and offers insights into the rich heritage of the Overberg region. With its combination of ecological importance and recreational appeal, the Maanschynkop Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hermanus and its stunning natural offerings.
Since Maanschynkop's most accessible trail routes begin on Vogelgat terrain, you typically book through Vogelgat for Mountain hikes, guided walks or mountain‑bike routes that traverse into Maanschynkop.
Managed by CapeNature – Hermanus Regional Office (Overberg)
Phone (Regional Office, Overberg): 028 314 0062
Email (for bookings & enquiries): customercare@capenature.co.za or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Hours: Monday–Friday: 07:30–16:30, Saturday: 08:00–12:00 (Office closed Sunday)
Use these for permits, general enquiries, or to ask about guided access via Vogelgat:
Vogelgat Private Nature Reserve (Access Partner)
To arrange a guided hike into Maanschynkop:
Warden: Jeannine McManus
Office Phone: +27 28 314 1411
Cell: +27 82 864 5297
Email: vogelgat@gmail.com
Verblyf Naby Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast
Lagoon View
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus Area
3.4km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastHierdie groot, stylvolle huis het uitsig oor die Hermanus-strandmeer en is ideaal vir enige watersport-entoesias. 'n Selfsorg-huis, bekend as 'Lagoon View', is geleë in die vlei van Kleinrivier. Ideaal vir binne- en buitenhuise vermaak. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Pacem
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
5km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastPacem bied besoekers selfsorgverblyf in Hermanus aan die Overberg/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë in die Hermanus woonbuurt Voelklip het dit 'n manjifieke uitsig op die berg sowel as see-uitsigte. Pacem is in 'n stil area geleë... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview 303
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
8.9km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastBayview 303 bied luukse selfsorgwoonstelverblyf in Hermanus Sentraal in die Overberg-/Walviskusstreek, Wes-Kaap. Ons seefrontwoonstel is sentraal geleë tussen die swemstrande en die Hermanus middedorp. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview 104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
8.9km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastBayview 104 is 'n ruim selfsorgwoonstel naby die waterkant in Hermanus, aan die Wes-Kaap se Walviskus en bied gerieflike slaapplek aan 4 gaste en is 'n hanetreetjie van die water af. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Brown Jug
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus
9.6km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastBrown Jug bied aan besoekers aan Hermanus selfsorgverblyf. Sentraal geleë in gesogte Eastcliff, 'n stil lowerryke woonbuurt, is slegs twee minute se stap na die winkels, restaurante en seefront waar jy die bekende walviskyk kan geniet. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Norfolk Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
10.8km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastNorfolk Guest House bied verblyf op 'n beperkte selfsorg- of kamer-basis in Hermanus, en is ideaal geleë binne maklike stapafstand van al die geriewe en 'n hanetreetjie van die kranspaadjie af, bekend vir onvergeetlike walvisbesigtiging. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
The Potting Shed Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
10.8km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastAnnamarie en David verwelkom u by The Potting Shed Accommodation, in die outydse dorpie, Hermanus, slegs 1 uur vanaf Kaapstad se Internasionale Lughawe. Geniet die persoonlike diens by die onderneming wat deur die eienaar bestuur word. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
On The Cliff Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
11.2km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastOn The Cliff Guest House bied verblyf op 'n B&B-basis in Hermanus Sentraal aan die Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë op die bekende kranspaadjies van Hermanus en is ook stapafstand van die ou hawe in die dorp se middestad af. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Anchor's Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
11.8km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastAnchor's Rest bied die opsie van B&B en selfsorgverblyf in Hermanus Sentraal in die Overberg/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë in die bekoorlike kusdorpie Hermanus, 120 km vanaf Kaapstad. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
House on Westcliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
11.9km from Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale CoastHouse on Westcliff bied B&B-verblyf in Hermanus aan die Overberg-/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. 'n Hanetreetjie van die kranspaadjies wat uitkyk oor Walkerbaai is House on Westcliff. Hierdie boetiek Bed en Ontbyt bestaan uit ses... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
- Hermanus Lagoon (3.69km)
- Maanskyn Baai (4.72km)
- Voelklip (5.97km)
- Fernkloof (7.15km)
- Kwaaiwater (7.23km)
- Fernkloof Estate (7.76km)
- Hermanus Heights (8.34km)
- Eastcliff, Hermanus (9.50km)
- Hermanus (9.65km)
- Hermanus Area (9.65km)
- Hemel en Aarde Vallei (9.95km)
- Northcliff, Hermanus (10.58km)
- Westcliff, Hermanus (11.37km)
- Zwelihle (13.02km)
- Stanford (13.04km)
- Grotto Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (5.55km)
- Cliff Path - Milkwood Forest, Hermanus (5.71km)
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve - Hermanus, Whale Coast (5.91km)
- Voelklip Beach - Hermanus, Overberg, Whale Coast (6.02km)
- Kammabaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (6.20km)
- Langbaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (6.48km)
- Hermanus Golf Club - Hermanus, Whale Coast (8.49km)
- Hermanus Country Market - Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.50km)
- Hermanus Tidal Pool - Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.53km)
- Old Harbour Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.82km)
- Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western Cape (9.87km)
- Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.88km)
- Whale House Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.92km)
- Walker Bay - Whale Coast, Western Cape (10.21km)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve - Whale Coast, Western Cape (10.59km)
- Fick's Pool - Hermanus, Western Cape (10.66km)
- Kleinrivier Private Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (10.66km)
- Dreunkrans - Cliff Jumping in Hermanus (10.76km)
- Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus (11.95km)
- Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape (11.99km)
- Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery - Hermanus, Whale Coast (14.08km)
- Die Plaat Beach - Walker Bay Nature Reserve (14.36km)
- Sandbaai Beach & Coastal Path - Sandbaai, Hermanus (15.16km)
- Onrus Beach - Onrus, Overberg, Whale Coast (15.99km)
- Klipgat Cave - nr De Kelders, Whale Coast (16.40km)
- Kalfiefees Hermanus Arts Festival - Hermanus (16.50km)
- The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery - nr Gansbaai, Western Cape (17.12km)
- Davies' Tidal Pool - Onrus (17.12km)
- De Kelders Drip Cave - De Kelders, Whale Coast (17.13km)
- Jan Rabie Tidal Pool - Onrus, Western Cape (17.60km)
