The Best Hikes to Waterfalls + Rockpools in Cape Town

In a city like Cape Town, surrounded by endless nature, a hike can carry you from the noise of the city (and your screen!) to the hush of mountain air in minutes. Add a body of water – be it a rockpool, waterfall or forest stream – and a dose of dopamine is guaranteed!

We’ve rounded up our 20 favourite hikes to water, where a dip in a rockpool or a shower under a waterfall will rinse away the stress of the week, clear your head and reset your spirit.

Lace up your trail shoes and don’t forget to pack a costume!

Important safety notes Even if it seems like an easy trail, be prepared – an injury, severe weather or wrong turn could become life-threatening. 

• Hiking in groups of four or more is strongly recommended. Pace according to the slowest person in the group. Never hike alone.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area, hire a guide or join an organised group. 
• Do not rely on Google Maps – it can lead you onto dangerous or incorrect paths. Carry a proper hiking map, such as a Slingsby map, and plan your route in advance.
• Save emergency numbers in your phone (these have been given for each hike). However, be aware that cellphone signal is unreliable across the mountain – don’t depend on being able to call for help.
• Do not leave valuables in your car – some parking areas are targeted for break-ins.
• Be properly equipped, and bring:
• Adequate water and snacks
• Sunhat and sunblock
• Warm clothing (the weather can change quickly in the mountain)
• Fully charged phone with emergency numbers saved
• Physical map(s)

Trails may be closed temporarily due to flooding or fire damage, so check before heading out; also always check the weather report. 

We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via WhatsApp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.

Skeleton Gorge

Photo: Hike Table Mountain

This 3km hike (7km for the round trip) takes you through indigenous forest up the eastern slope of Table Mountain to the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir. Enroute you’ll discover indigenous forest, a stream, waterfalls, endemic fynbos and some interesting rock formations. Head straight to see the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir with its white-sand beach, head left to access Nursery Ravine (a good alternative for going back down), or head right to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the mountain, where you can take a well-earned rest and enjoy the panoramic views.
Swimming? No swimming is allowed at the Hely-Hutchinson reservoir.
Start point Fragrance Garden, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Newlands
End point Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir
Distance + duration 3km; 2 – 3 hours, depending on your level of fitness (one-way)
Need to know This is a long and steep hike, with ladders to assist climbers to the top and a rockfall to overcome, meaning you must be fit. Parts of the gorge can be quite slippery, even in summer. Avoid this route during and after heavy rainfall.
Good to know For an easier descent, go via Nursery Ravine – an alternative route that joins up with the Skeleton Gorge trail. This makes them a popular pairing, with one trail being used for going up and the other for coming down.
Child-friendly? Yes, for older kids, but it is hard going.
Dog-friendly? No
Gate times 8am – 7pm (6pm winter). SANBI members get early access at Gate 3.
Cost Kirstenbosch entry: R100 (SA + SADC nationals with ID/passport)
R140 (African nationals with passport)
R250 (international adult)
Contact 021 712 7471 (SANParks Tokai Office)
Kirstenbosch: 021 799 8783, kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za
TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 021 937 0300

Krom River Trail

Photos: @edphotoza

This 7km out-and-back route in the Limietberg Nature Reserve follows the Molenaars and Krom rivers, crisscrossing both. Follow the white boot prints (painted on rocks along the ravine) for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and into a fairytale-like indigenous forest. You’ll reach the first one waterfall, and then continue to a second, larger waterfall with a large plunge pool below, which is where the hike ends.
Swimming? Yes. You can take a leisurely dip in the pool underneath the waterfall.
Start + end point There’s a parking lot for permit holders immediately to your right after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel (follow the signs to Krom River).
Distance + duration 7km; around 5 hours
Need to know Climbing between the first and second waterfalls is challenging as the path is steep and slippery. It’s inadvisable to do this hike in winter after heavy rains, when the river is dangerous to cross.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access its hiking trails.
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? No
Cost CapeNature permit: R55 (adults); R35 (children)
Contact 087 087 8250; reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (permit bookings)
021 871 1535 (Limietberg Office)
021 937 0300 (Mountain Rescue)

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

A 15-minute drive from the historic centre of town, discover the wild side of Stellenbosch. This lush and stunning 11 000-hectare reserve offers four challenging circular hiking trails. The invigorating Swartboskloof Trail ascends 900 metres to the top of Kurktrekkernek, and then back down past a waterfall. Alternatively, you could take the more easygoing Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof hike, or enjoy a ramble along the Eerste River, passing two waterfalls.
Swimming? Yes. There are many rockpools and waterfalls to dip into along the way.
Start + end point Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch
Distance + duration Swartboskloof Trail: 18km; 6 hours (no access after 10am)
Swartboskloof to Sosykloof: 5.3km; 2 hours (no access after 12pm)
Panorama Circuit: 17km; 6 hours (no access after 10am)
Tweede Waterval: 6.4km; 2 hours (no access after 2pm)
Need to know Some paths are slippery when wet, so tread carefully.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access hiking trails. Jonkershoek permits can be booked via the MTO website or at the MTO gate on the day.
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? No
Gate times 7am – 4pm (from 8am in winter); gates close 6pm
Cost Permit: R70 (adult); R50 (child)
Contact 087 087 4118 (reserve office)
082 467 0405 (emergency)

Kogelberg Trail

Photo: Wilfried Franke

Rich fynbos, majestic Overberg mountain peaks, pristine wilderness, sea views and the cool waters of the Palmiet River make the 3 000-hectare Kogelberg Reserve a favourite among hikers. The Kogelberg Trail is an all-day trek following a circular route that takes hikers through the forested Oudebosch Gorge and deep into the rugged heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. For something easier and good for all ages, the Palmiet River Walk meanders along the river, with designated spots for swimming, to an area called The Beach – not the estuary outside Kleinmond, but a clearing of white sand alongside the river, good for a picnic and another dip.
Swimming? Yes
Start + end point Kogelberg Reserve parking area, R44 between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond
Distance + duration Kogelberg Trail: 22km; 7 – 8 hours
Palmiet River Walk: 10km; 3 hours
Good to know Hikers are advised to start the Kogelberg Trail no later than 10am in summer (8am in winter).
Need to know All CapeNature reserves require a hiking permit.
Child-friendly? Not the full Kogelberg Trail, but the Palmiet River Walk is good for kids.
Dog-friendly? No
Cost Permit: R65 (adult); R45 (child)
Gate times 7.30am – 7pm (6pm in winter)
Contact 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (permit bookings)
087 288 0499 (reserve office)
082 783 8585 (emergency number)

Groot Winterhoek

You can immerse yourself in true mountain wilderness, a mere 180 kilometres north of Cape Town, near Porterville. This conservation area is known for its rugged landscape, clear rockpools and rich heritage; among the rock formations and exquisite fynbos you’ll find ancient rock paintings by the Khoi-San people. There are a dozen different trails – short walks of less than an hour get you to Protea Pool, Disa Pool and Crystal Pool; a longer hike heads along the Kliphuis River to De Tronk and De Hel, with its wonderful rockpool – one of the largest and deepest in the Western Cape, and only for good swimmers.
Swimming? Yes, there are many rockpools along the various routes.
Start + end point Groot Winterhoek parking area (via R44, R365 and Dasklip/Cardouw turn-off)
Distance + duration De Tronk Trail: 13km; 3 hours (plus 5km; 1.5 hours to De Hel)
Need to know The streams and rivers can be dangerous to cross in winter.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access hiking trails.
Child-friendly? Yes, on the short trails to the pools.
Dog-friendly? No
Gate times 7.30am – 6pm (last entry 2pm)
Cost Permits: R85 (adult); R55 (child)
Contact 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (permit bookings)
087 087 4047 (reserve office)
082 820 6638 (emergency)

Crystal Pools

This hiking trail is doable for anyone who is reasonably fit, and challenging for those who are not. The rockpools along the way, where you can cool down during your walk, make it well worth the slog. The half-day trail takes you through rocky, but generally flat, terrain, and all the way at the top is a wonderful waterfall. It is quite a trek, so make sure you have plenty of snacks, water and energy to get there.
Swimming? Yes. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the stunning pools along the way.
Start + end point Steenbras Nature Reserve, Faure Marine Drive (R44), about 9 km from Gordon’s Bay
Distance + duration 4.2km; 3 hours
Need to know The trail is only open from 1 November to 30 April. Bookings should be done via email, at least two working days before your visit. There is no entry after 2pm, so come early.
Child-friendly? Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
Dog-friendly? No
Gate times 7.30am – 4pm
Cost R90 per person
Contact Permits: steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Emergency number: 021 480 7700

Bobbejaans River Trail

Situated in the Limietberg Nature Reserve in the Du Toitskloof Mountains near Paarl and Wellington – and home to the exhilarating Bainskloof – this trail takes you above the river that gives it its name, culminating at a majestic three-tiered waterfall. Along the way you’ll cross the Witte River, where you can take a refreshing dip in its cool waters. Note that the river can be difficult to cross in winter, when the water is rough and deep after rainfall.
Start + end point McBains Lodge/Eerste Tol parking area at De Nek, Bainskloof Pass (R301)
Distance + duration 8km; 6 hours
Good to know There are two other trails leaving from the same location: the easy, family-friendly 9km Happy Valley Trail (limited to 12 people per day), which leads to Junction Pool; and the 8km Rockhopper, which follows the Witte River to Tweede Tol braai/picnic site.
Need to know All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access hiking trails.
Child-friendly? Suitable for fit teenagers.
Dog-friendly? No
Gate times 8am – 6pm
Cost Permit: R55 (adult); R35 (child)
Contact 087 087 8250; reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (permit bookings)
021 871 1535 (Limietberg Office)
021 937 0300 (Mountain Rescue)

Cecilia Waterfall Trail

Photo: The Passport Pair

One of the lesser-known hiking trails in the Table Mountain National Park, Cecilia Waterfall (in the forest of the same name) winds its way through lush vegetation, offering sweeping views of the southern suburbs and Constantia Valley. Although not the easiest hike, due to some steep inclines, the trail doesn’t require a high level of fitness and is shaded for about half the distance.
Swimming? No. There are no actual pools under the waterfall, but you can stand underneath it and get a refreshing spray. Further along the steeper part of the trail is De Villiers Dam, but swimming is prohibited.
Start + end point Cecilia Forest Car Park, Rhodes Drive, Constantia
Distance + duration 4km; 1 – 2 hours
Need to know The trail is moderately difficult, with lots of steep steps that increase drastically if you continue on the trail after the waterfall.
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes, dog walkers require a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R380 for a year, available on the SANParks website or at the Tokai Wild Card Sales Office).
Cost None
Contact 021 712 7471 (SANParks Tokai Office)
TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 021 937 0300

Silvermine River Walk

For a pleasant, peaceful amble, this route in the Silvermine Reserve – along the river from near the entrance gate to the reservoir – is perfect. The sound of water flowing (and birds singing) is the soundtrack to your stroll, the surroundings are green and pretty (the reserve has over 900 species of fynbos), passing through some keurboom forest, and you’ll cross a bridge over a small waterfall. This 5km hike includes stretches of jeep track, rocky bits (easy scrambling) and wooden boardwalk – including the final stretch around the dam. It’s a great multi-generational family option.
Swimming? Yes, in the Silvermine Dam
Start + end point Entrance gate parking area, Silvermine Nature Reserve (Gate 1), Ou Kaapse Weg (M3), Cape Town
Distance + duration 5km; around 2 hours (out and back)
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes, dog walkers require a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R403 for a year, available on the SANParks website or at the Tokai Wild Card Sales Office).
Gate times Gate 1: Daily, 8am – 4pm (May – August); 7am – 5pm (September – April)
Gate 2: Daily, 8am – 6pm
Cost R44 (adult); R22 (child 2 – 11 years)
SADC nationals: R90 (adult); R45 (child)
International visitors: R200 (adult); R100 (child)
Contact 021 712 7471 (SANParks Tokai Office)
TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 021 937 0300

Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine

Not for the faint-hearted (or the unfit), Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine trail begins in Hout Bay and takes you right through Table Mountain National Park to the Twelve Apostles path, ending in Hout Bay. The scenic and well-shaded trail follows a stream up to a beautiful waterfall, which is a welcome respite from the hectic hike.
Swimming? No.
Start + end point End of Farriers Way, Hout Bay
Distance + duration 4km; 2 hours
Need to know Parts of the route are very steep and require some climbing.
Child-friendly? Bringing children along on this trail is not advised as there are steep climbs.
Dog-friendly? No
Cost None
Contact TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 021 937 0300

22 Waterfalls

Hidden on a private farm and nature reserve at the foot of the Olifantsrivier Mountains, near Porterville, is a hiking trail that leads up through a forested ravine alongside a stream. All along this path are waterfalls of various sizes and heights – once you get about halfway, the pools get deeper and better for swimming in. They are spring-fed all year round, so do not require rain (although they are even more spectacular after it has rained). The hiking trail, which is marked with yellow stripes, is a challenging adventure, with wooden ladder-bridges and lots of scrambling up boulders and through trees, so it requires a certain level of fitness and balance.
Swimming? Yes, there are plenty of pools along the route.
Start + end point Waterval Private Nature Reserve, off the R44 near Porterville
Distance + duration 7km; 3 – 4 hours
Good to know Booking is required, with a maximum of 20 day visitors/hikers permitted. For unlimited access, you need to book a stay in the campsite or cottages.
Child-friendly? No (older kids/teens might cope)
Dog-friendly? No
Gate times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Cost R75 per person
Contact 022 125 0583, bookings@22watervalle.co.za

Paradyskloof Waterfall Trail

Photo: Tristin Badenhorst

The pine-scented Eden Forest on the slopes of the Helderberg offers a variety of trails, but one of the best is an entry-level hike to the Paradyskloof Waterfall. From the entrance gate into the Paradyskloof Nature Area, the route wends through pine forest and then follows a single track up the mountain to the waterfall. There’s no deep pool for swimming – more like splash pools and a cascade shower – but it will still be fantastic on a hot day (tip: it’s best after it has rained). Picture letting the water splash over you as you gaze out over a fantastic view of the winelands, all the way to False Bay and Table Mountain.
Swimming? Yes, in splash pools only
Start + end point Parking area at Eden Forest, Paradyskloof Way, Stellenbosch
Distance + duration 5km; 3 hours
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
Gate times 7.30am – 8pm
Cost Free (but consider a donation to the Stellenbosch Trail Fund, which maintains the trails)
Contact info@stellenboschtrailfund.co.za

Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail

Where travellers would normally have to drive around the Riviersonderend Mountains to get from Greyton to McGregor, the Boesmanskloof Trail takes you right through them, passing by the beautiful Oakes Falls at the halfway point (with a perfect natural pool for dipping) and granting you the opportunity to spot an array of mountain-dwelling fauna and flora. Though the trail is fairly strenuous, it can be hiked in one day, but you will need to arrange transport back to your starting point. (Or stay overnight at your end point and hike it in reverse the next day!)
Swimming? Yes. Around the halfway point you’ll reach Oakes Falls, a beautiful series of waterfalls that spill into a perfect natural pool.
Start + end point Trailhead at the end of Nerina Street, Greyton
McGregor: 14km south of town at Die Galg
Distance + duration 14km; 6 – 7 hours
Good to know A CapeNature permit is required to hike the trail, which you can also purchase from Greyton Tourism. Only 50 hikers are allowed per day.
Child-friendly? No, as the trail terrain is strenuous.
Dog-friendly? No
Cost Permit: R50 (adult) per day
Contact 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (permit bookings)
023 625 1621 (reserve office)

Beaverlac

Photo: Ross Nagel (left)

At Beaverlac, in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains near Porterville, you’ll find a beautiful wilderness area where rivers have channelled their way through rock to form deep, crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. There are various hiking trails to explore, taking you to different pools and to several caves, some of which are decorated with rock art dating back thousands of years. Beaverlac is not open to day visitors, so you will have to book an overnight stay in the campsite, or in one of the rustic cabins, in order to hike and swim.
Swimming? Yes, the main pool is only a five-minute walk from the campsite.
Start + end point Beaverlac Campsite, Porterville, via N7
Distance + duration Varies, the longest hike is about 5km, 90-minute (one way)
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes, in the campsite, but not in the rock pools where people are swimming.
Contact 022 931 2945; beaverlac.campingrequest@gmail.com (campsite); beaverlacbookings@gmail.com (cabins)

Admiral’s Kloof Waterfall

A short hike up a gentle slope above Simon’s Town will take you into a deep ravine, where you’ll find Admiral’s Waterfall and pool tucked away at the top. Note, the waterfall only flows in winter, after heavy rain, but when it does it’s quite spectacular. Whatever the season, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of Simon’s Town harbour and False Bay.
Swimming? No, although you can dip your toes into the cool, refreshing pool.
Start + end point End of Barnard Street, Simon’s Town
Good to know If you’re looking for a longer walk, park near the Shell Petrol Station on the main road and walk up to Barnard Street, passing some historical houses along the way. Follow the steps to the left of the garage, turn right at the top and continue up the steep roads until you find the pylons and a sign that reads “Cable Hill”. You’ll then see Barnard Street on your right.
Distance + duration 1.4km; 30 minutes (out and back)
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes
Cost None

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