Steenbras River Gorge image

Steenbras River Gorge

Tourist attraction

A boulder-strewn trail through this rocky gorge leads to natural swimming pools & waterfalls. People often mention pools, hike, pool, trail, walk, easy, baboons, water, permit, enjoy,


Address

Kogelberg Nature Reserve Trail, Helderberg Rural, Cape Town, 7135, South Africa

Website

www.capetown.gov.za

Contact

+27 21 957 4725

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (226 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: pools (41) hike (38) pool (11) trail (11) walk (9) easy (9) baboons (9) water (9) permit (9) enjoy (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Nick S. 3 years ago on Google
    The pools are incredible. The 1st one in my opinion is the nicest. It has lots of space to sit on the rocks and enjoy the area. The second pool, further up, is better protected from the wind, however there is very little area to sit, and it is on soil, not rocks. The third pool is a significant walk from the second and you need to be confident to climb rocks. Very easy scrambling, not for everybody though. ******Baboon Warning*********** While we were there, two people had their bag stollen by baboons. Both were being careful. We had food snatched out of our hands by baboons, again, we were aware of the baboons and were being careful. In the way there a big make baboon blocked our path. Not sure why, however we had to wait for him to move on. At no stage did I feel that we were in danger. At the same time we did have to be careful. A suggestion is not to go up to the pools to picnic. Also, even if you don’t have food in your bag, don’t put keys and phones in your bag. Both people who we saw with their bags stollen had to get the bags back as they had car keys in them. It adds a lot of stress.
    16 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nicole W. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful and fun. It's a great hike and the pools are amazing. Nice places to jump into pools, if you arent afraid of heights. Really great to relax. Hike early in the morning since it has no shade, bring lots of water and sunscreen as well. Be careful there are baboons, but I didn't encounter them. Trail is marked well, just follow the footsteps. And most importantly enjoy the hike
    11 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Wynand S. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful hiking trail, incredible vistas for taking pictures. From the view of the ocean from the parking area to the top of the mountain. And the pools are awesome for a swim! Booking your permit well in advance is essential; only 50 people allowed in per day. Tranquil and beautiful!
    8 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Bonnie van E. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautiful walk up to the first lot of main pools. The walk is well marked. The pools are gorgeous to swim in. Very natural and wild still. The hike up to the second pool area is a bit tougher and the last lot up to the very top waterfall is quite steep and high. I'm scared of heights but I managed. I wouldn't recommend taking children under 10 on this part of the hike as you need to do some climbing and scrambling using your arms. Well worth the hike. We spent 7 hours doing all 3 with swimming in between. So be sure to leave early , take lots of water and food.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Daniel P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great hike providing for different levels of fitness. You need to be reasonably fit though and be fine with some scrambling. If you have good endurance, you can hike to the 3rd pool. Those who are exhausted earlier can remain at pool 1 or at pool 2. Swimming and jumping into the pools is great fun and refreshing.
    6 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Eitan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Finally visited the crystal pools after many years of wanting to, and they did not disappoint. The staff at the entrance were helpful and friendly, as were the other hikers we encountered on the day we went (high summer). It was a hot day (>30 degrees Celsius) which made the 2-3km hike to the pools a bit challenging in places. But this also made the reward of swimming in the pools that much sweeter. In some of the more secluded pools, it truly felt like we had this bit of paradise all to ourselves.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Brian G. 1 year ago on Google
    Short hike to great pools, and easy access to the sea as well! I've been here many times since 1988, and it is still one of the best river hikes in the western Cape. Great to see it is being looked after by the city council.
    5 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Mashilo M. 2 years ago on Google
    You have to book months ahead to be able to visit here, there are various ways of booking, which include through the City of Cape Town, which apparently is way cheaper than the R120 p.p. that the tickets are currently going for through these other go between.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Kimmy B. 3 years ago on Google
    Was an awesome experience even though we were advised that we should look out for Baboons, snakes and leopards. The waterfalls are worth the hike. I will advise first time hikers or hikers that is just starting out to not start with this one as it can become a tad but hectic and strenuous depending on your fitness level but as I said...it was worth it.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Jean J. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful hike and swimming spot. Beware of the baboons though! and make sure you buy a permit. They only allow a certain amount of people in per day.
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nisha D. 3 years ago on Google
    Perfect full day outing. An easy hike, not too long or steep. Lots of stones, so it takes awhile. 4 beautiful rock pools to swim in. It's very worthwhile to go up the steep incline to get to the 4th one. For the amount of effort required for this hike, especially until the 1st rock pool, it is incredible value.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kulani S. 5 months ago on Google
    Wandering through the hiking site's treasures is like a nature lover's dream come true. Towering trees offer shade like wise elders, and babbling brooks sing sweet songs as you pass. The stunning views from high vantage points make every uphill climb worthwhile. Along the way, you'll find hidden gems like wildflowers and friendly critters. It's a peaceful, enchanting escape where the beauty of nature greets every step. Hiking here is like a storybook adventure brought to life.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Kev O. 5 years ago on Google
    A must hike if you visiting the cape town area. Booking is essential as you will need a permit. Take a costume and swim in the many natural pools or hike up to the summit. This is not a hard hike, but come prepared with water, snacks, sunblock. Good shoes required, but does not have to be hiking boots. Recommended to do this as a group, or at least 2 people. It's quite easy to loose your path and get lost, so if you with a group that has not been up there, and ensure your phone is charged for Google maps.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jenna A. 2 years ago on Google
    Breathtaking views, divine natural pools and epic trail to hike. Please do not leave your litter in the reserve. Enjoy 🌞
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Marlon D. 3 years ago on Google
    The heart of Helderberg nature.. Awesome trail, not for just anybody.. In summer, the earlier the better.. #hadtopayforpermitthough
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Maranatha 3 years ago on Google
    Great walk. Be careful for the baboons, as they would not attack necessarily, but they sneak up onto your belongings if you leave it for a minute. A single baboon sneaked up on our bag, grabbed it and left onto the bushes. Luckily after 15 search we found it again. The bag was not damaged, neither anything lost. But what fascinated me was the fact that it knew how to open the zips... It saw that there was no food in the bag and just left it...
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Johan O. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful hiking trails and stunning, natural rock pools.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 eugene j. 4 years ago on Google
    What an amazing Hike! For a first time hiker, I struggled a bit on the steep inclines, but enjoying the pools at the end was well worth it. Will Definitely be going again!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Marina R. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing hike! Very hot! Take lots of liquids
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Elsabe M. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a lovely time there with a bunch of ladies and even swam in one of the pools.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ted E. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to come and enjoy day. Pools are refreshing after the hike to get here. Come early as it could be hot on the trail to pools. Bring plenty of water and snacks if you are going to spend the day here. Also don't forget sunscreen as it gets hot here. Be cautious when jumping into pools. Enjoy.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 PJ B. 3 years ago on Google
    Buy a permit or you'll be removed from the hike, people were being kicked out as we went in Stunning hike, would recommend to anyone!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Zaheer P. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful trial. Not too long. But good fitness levels needed. Lovely rock pools for swimming. Scenery is breathtaking. Perfect for a hot summer day. Go early and enjoy seclusion and privacy of your choice of 6 pools. Pools 3 onwards is a bit of steep climb to get to. So pack comfortable shoes. And loads of water
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Zunaid van der S. 3 months ago on Google New
    The gorge is currently closed due to the severe weather damage caused by the winter floods. I did however do the trail 2 years ago and it was epic. Definitely not for amateurs. Take lots of water.

  • 5/5 Faye T. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing experience, a have to when in Cape Town!! Watch out for the baboons though… they will steal all your food. Also ensure you pre book.

  • 5/5 NΓΌr 2 years ago on Google
    Epic hike, HikersNetwork never disappoint, entry fee of R100 per person. Lots of rock climbing with some scrambling, would rate it as moderate.

  • 5/5 Nitz J. 11 months ago on Google
    Amazing just amazing, don’t carry food on your trek or the baboons will take your bag…seriously. Abseiling from the top makes the entire trip worth it.

  • 3/5 Oliver H. 4 years ago on Google
    The pools are beautiful but the management of this trail is dismal. I'm an experienced hiker, had GPS and high res maps on my phone of trail and still got hopelessly lost multiple times. What should have taken an hour and a half round trip took two and a half. Very frustrating as all the trail needs is new markers which are inexpensive. If you're on the trail its totally fine but very easy to come off the trail. Paid for permits are in place for "conservation", but with the trail as is this is a fallacy as dozens of false trails where others have got lost resulting in ecological degradation. It would be very easy to get lost and seriously injured on one of the steep trails to pools. I would recommend just trying to get to the first pool as anything beyond is way more challenging.

  • 5/5 Frans S. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth the hike, stunning views and pools are super refreshing after the hike. Go early to avoid the blazing sun during summer and then you get the benefit from small crowds or having the pools to yourself.

  • 5/5 Andre K. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Frikkie S. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Francois le R. 4 years ago on Google
    The pools are great to swim in, just what you need after walking in the sun.

  • 5/5 Chris W. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful hike up the gorge and magnificent views from many stops. The walk passes tranquil mountain pools where you can swim or enjoy the experience from a sunny rocky outcrop. Allow yourself a good few hours to enjoy the experience. Entry requires you to have a day permit which you can purchase from the official "Steenbras gorge and crystal pools" website at R75.00 per person per day. It's only open a few months of the year for hiking so check first.

  • 5/5 Adam M. 3 years ago on Google
    Quite a technical hike but the view and pools are rewarding. There are multiple pools. Took 1hr15 up and 1hr down.

  • 5/5 Natasja van N. 3 years ago on Google
    This can be easy-ish or difficult hike if you carry on past the first 2 pools. Be aware of baboons, the are very present and come in close contact. Respect Nature

  • 5/5 Charnelle B. 3 years ago on Google
    The hike is very good for the soul and once you get to the pools you will be grateful, such a beautiful spot to go.

  • 4/5 Albertus Johannes du T. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice short hike with lots of swimming spots.

  • 5/5 Chris A. 3 years ago on Google
    It's absolutely stunning. A must do hike. Take plenty water. It can get hot up that mountain in summer.

  • 2/5 Caleb D. 3 years ago on Google
    Why is it so difficult to make a booking???

  • 5/5 Stacey-lee Samantha M. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing views!!!!

  • 5/5 Alan T. 3 years ago on Google
    Stunning!

  • 5/5 Paul J. 3 years ago on Google
    FANTOMINAL best ever experience..πŸ₯°πŸ˜πŸ€©

  • 5/5 monica a. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful nature with the added bonus of rock pools to indulge in.

  • 5/5 ChrispyTatoes 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing hike, that crazy people can do in flip flops

  • 5/5 Bernie L. 3 years ago on Google
    Not a hectic hike with awesome pools to cool off in and take a swim. Suggest making a day out of it. Bring book and snacks and chill at the pools.

  • 5/5 belal h. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s a amazing place on earth 🌍 relax your mind here

  • 5/5 Karen R. 3 years ago on Google
    beautiful! worth the long drive.

  • 5/5 Liezel 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful!

  • 4/5 Mel die S. 3 years ago on Google
    A short easy walk to Crystal pools. You can enjoy the sun while sitting next to the river or find a spot at the pools.

  • 5/5 Marius S. 3 years ago on Google
    Hectic walk but it was alot of fun

  • 4/5 Direshan P. 4 years ago on Google
    The walk to the third pool does involve some uphills and boulder hopping so a good pair of shoes may be warranted. The path to the sixth pool is currently closed due to rehabilitation. For those who choose to proceed anyway, the path is fairly overgrown and long pants would be advised to minimise the cuts and grazes along the way.

  • 5/5 Kanya S. 4 years ago on Google
    Don't go during the day. I almost died in the heat. It's hectic. Go during the morning. We were also lucky and didn't have a permit, nobody was at the gate and we could just walk through. I didn't make it to the 1st or any dam. Started hiking at 1pm and turned around about 14:10. Decided to swim at the wonderful river down at the beach and eat our snacks there. Had a lovely time!!!

  • 4/5 Nik T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In the heat, the hike is exhausting to the last two pools with the clearest water. Never do it without a guide. (Original) In der Hitze ist der Hike bis zu den letzten beiden Pools mit dem klarsten Wasser anstrengend. Auf keinen Fall ohne Guide machen.

  • 5/5 tezcatcatl 4 years ago on Google
    Loved it. Short hike, took us around 45 minutes to reach the second lake which we took a dip. Go further and 1 hour 15 minutes or so till the last lake. We also had a friendly visitor, Mr baboon, who came and said hello, showed off his wiener and disappeared like a magician. If you encounte lr them, be nice to them, dont just scream and intimidate them. Mind your own business and they just be on their way. Dont leave food and your bags laying if they are around and you will be fine. Also if they are walking towards you, it doesnt necessarily mean that they are coming at you, you are probably just on their path.. So be calm and enjoy how pretty those creatures are and be thankful that you are able to see them. There were some group of tourists who yelled at him to scare him off, we heard on our way to the 5th lake.. Felt bad for the fella, he was just saying hello.. Hike was easy, atleast for us. And water is very clean and refreshing. Keep in mind you need to buy a permit. Apparently you can buy it online but we bought it on the spot at the Pitstop cafe by the starting point of the hike. 2 drinks per persom are included in the price of the permit, which is 160 rand if I remember correct.

  • 4/5 nthete M. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice hiking spot but the trails to the top pool are not clearly marked, and it's very easy to get lost,please clearly mark the trails, but overall it was a nice experience.

  • 5/5 Terence J. 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice hike approximately 6.5 km in and 6.5 km back. Suitable for children and older ones. 3 pools nice size suitable for swimming. This hike is also not all day sun some nice shade spots. Hike not too much elavation some climbing over rocks. Very nice hike. Epic. πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘

  • 5/5 Taryn G. 4 years ago on Google
    Untouched beauty! You need a permit - so book a couple months in advance.


Call +27 21 957 4725 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • βœ— Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • βœ— Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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