Crystal Pools Hike | Steenbras River Gorge

The Crystal Pools hike is a short but steep climb up the Steenbras River Gorge. The trail is easy to follow and passes three beautiful freshwater mountain pools with stunning indigenous fynbos, rock formations, and boulders. The trail is only 5km in total but the incline might make you think otherwise.

This hike is a really fun outing, and I recommend making a day out of it by stopping for a refreshing dip at each pool along the way.

The pools are about 5 to 10 minutes apart. You can then choose your favorite pool to stop at for lunch.

While having your lunch break, beware of baboons. Make sure you keep an eye on your possessions while swimming as they may try to steal your food.

When I did this hike in February a few of my friend's rice cakes became victim to a hungry baboon.

Please do not leave food for the animals as it encourages this behavior, and is not good for them.

This hike requires a permit and must be booked three days in advance. The permit costs R80 per person; at the time of writing this article. The permit cost can be checked on this site Steenbras Nature Reserve// City of Cape Town under the heading entrance fee.

The trail is only open between November 1st and April 30th.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this hike.

Location: Faure Marine Drive (R44, about 9 km from Gordon's Bay), Gordon's Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Contact for the permit: steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za