Cape Town Adrenalin Activities
Avid adventurers, daring thrill-seekers, die-hard adrenalin junkies, and anyone & everyone eager to take a walk on the Mother City’s wild side – This is for you!
If you’re keen and eager to get your blood pumping, heart pounding & adrenalin flowing – in the absolute best way of course – Cape Town is DEFINITELY where it’s at! Beyond Cape Town’s obvious natural beauty, electrifying energy, vibrant cultural diversity, and endless array of world-renowned landmarks, and not-to-be-missed-attractions, the Mother City is every bit as adventurous, bold, and daring as she is stunning – and oh how she loves to show off her wild adventurous side!
Deemed the adventure capital of Africa, the Western Cape is any die-hard & daring thrill seeker’s dream destination with countless adventure enthusiasts, daredevils, and head-over-heels adrenaline junkies travelling from all corners of the globe to experience Cape Town’s plethora of adrenaline-inducing activities, bucket-list worthy experiences, and unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventures first-hand!
Home to such a vast diversity of incredible natural wonders, National Parks, countless mountain ranges – including one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the tall-standing Table Mountain – stunning beaches, the vast Atlantic & Indian Ocean, exciting hiking trails, and endless stretches of untouched wilderness, Cape Town is jam-packed with endless exhilarating, riveting, and down-right thrilling adventures just waiting to be experienced by YOU! That’s not all! In addition to her endless array of bucket-list worthy adventures, the Mother City boasts several extraordinary & exciting secret spots, hidden gems, and epic off-the-beaten-path escapes – Undoubtedly making discovering and exploring everything Cape Town has to offer one of the greatest adventures!
So, the question is, are you ready to venture out of your comfort zone, seize the day, take a leap of faith, and unleash your wild and daring inner thrill-seeker? You better be – because there’s no backing out now! Here are some of Cape Town’s top adrenalin activities & most adventurous things to do anytime of the year.
Remember to have an absolute blast, revel in every single second, and, of course, have TONS of fun!!!
#Go Tandem Paragliding
Photo credit: Cape Hope Paragliding
Time to take to the sky! There are few things more exhilarating than going on an adrenaline-filled paragliding flight or an unforgettable paragliding sightseeing tour over the glorious city of Cape Town – WHAT A THRILL!
Going on an exciting tandem paragliding experience is by far one of the top adrenaline activities in Cape Town, as well as one of the coolest, thrilling, and most adventurous things to do on any trip to the Mother City. Not to mention a once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-forgotten, bucket-list worthy adventure in every way! Trust us, this is one adventure experience you don’t want to miss!
Cape Town’s tandem paragliding trips typically take off from Lions Head or Signal Hill. In addition to the intense adrenalin rush and ‘pinch-me I can’t believe this is actually happening’ moments you’ll experience throughout your tandem paragliding flight, you’ll be treated to the most magnificent panoramic views of the beautiful city of Cape Town. All while soaring through the sky – how unbelievable is that?
**Tip: If you’re keen to experience a super special tandem paragliding adventure, why not take to the sky at sunset? Is there anything better than gliding above the Cape Town skyline, soaring over some of its top sights, remarkable landmarks, beautiful natural wonders, majestic mountain ranges, breathtaking coastlines, and the glorious Atlantic ocean as the Mother City’s stunning sherbet-colored sunset sets the sky alight in a beautiful celebration of colors? We think not! Cape Town is pure sunset bliss after all. A sunset tandem paragliding flight is without a doubt the ultimate combination of beauty and adventure!
#Go Kayaking with African Penguins
Going kayaking alongside Cape Town’s cool and charismatic African Penguins is an experience that should be on everyone’s Cape Town adventure bucket-list. Not only is it one of the most thrilling and unique ways to see the sights and scenery of the vibrant False Bay coastline (as most kayaking trips depart from Simon’s Town), but the best way to get up-close with Boulders Beach’s African Penguin Colony.
In addition to seeing Cape Town’s ultimate cool kids – AKA: The African Penguins of course – you’ll also have the opportunity to spot a few other members of Cape Town’s amazing Marine Big 5, including Cape Fur Seals, whales, and dolphins.
Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins are known to be especially playful and inquisitive in nature. They absolutely love the limelight and any chance to show off their tricks and twirls, so don’t be surprised if they come right up to your kayak for a greeting or a second in the spotlight. They love showing off and we have no doubt that you’ll love every second of watching them do it. So, sit back, relax, revel in every extraordinary moment of this experience and kayak along. As an extra bonus, make sure you’re on the lookout for some Sea Gulls and a range of other sea birds too!
**Did you know that Boulders Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can get up close and personal with African Penguins?
#Abseil down Table Mountain – The highest commercial abseiling route on the planet!
Calling all die-hard adrenaline junkies & fearless thrill-seekers – this incredibly exhilarating & wildly daring adventure experience in South Africa’s beautiful, vibrant, and exciting city of Cape Town is just for you! You better strap in, it’s going to be one WILD adrenaline-fueled ride that’s for sure! If it’s the thrill of a decent you’re after then Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain is exactly where you want to be for this once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list worthy adventure.
Standing tall at a staggering 1,086 meters above sea level, Table Mountain is known as the all-mighty giant of the Cape Town skyline. Named one of the New7Wonders of Nature, this 600 million years old flat-topped mountain is not only one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and sought-after attractions, not to mention one of the most recognizable mountains in the world, it is also the ultimate mecca for nature lovers, avid hikers, and keen adventure seekers. Table Mountain and the surrounding Table Mountain National Park boasts a thrilling variety of hiking trails, sensational panoramic views, tons of hidden gems & secret spots, and a vast diversity of unique fauna & flora – all of which makes exploring Table Mountain’s natural beauty and surrounding landscapes an exhilarating adventure in itself.
While admiring this magnificent mountainous giant from below is beyond breathtaking, there are few things that can compare to standing on the summit of the world-renowned Table Mountain & looking out over the vast Atlantic Ocean, iconic Lion’s Head, stunning Signal Hill, beautiful Camps Bay & Clifton, glorious Mother City and beyond. Now that you’ve conquered the Table Mountain summit, why not take it one step further by abseiling down it? As this iconic tall-standing mountain is the highest commercial abseiling route on the planet, it gives daring travellers & avid adrenaline junkies the rare & remarkable opportunity to experience one of the most thrilling once-in-a-lifetime adventures in the world – IT LITERALLY IS AN ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME – how could you not jump at the opportunity to tick this ONE-OF-A-KIND ULTIMATE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE off your bucket list??
There is absolutely NO denying that taking on the highest commercial abseiling route on the planet is not only one of the top adventures & adrenaline activities in Cape Town, but in all of Africa & the world too! The only question is, are you fearless & adventurous enough to take this massive & beyond thrilling leap of faith & show the all-mighty Table Mountain exactly what you’re made of? GO FOR IT – WE DARE YOU!
#Go Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
Going shark cage diving is an incredibly exciting and beyond thrilling adventure experience in itself, however, going shark cage diving in one of the only destinations in the world where you can actually get up close and personal with nature’s most daring predator, the Great White Shark, is on a whole other level entirely. With that being said, there is absolutely no doubt that going shark cage diving in the famous Gansbaai is by far one of the top and certainly the most daring and thrilling, adrenaline activities and ocean adventure experiences in Cape Town. Perhaps even the world too!
#Go Hiking!
It’s time to hike! The Cape Town hiking scene is thriving, thrilling and like nothing you’ve experienced before. There is no better way to explore all the scenic beauty, landscapes, mountain ranges, fauna and flora, and natural gems the Mother City has to offer than by going on the ultimate hiking adventure.
The best thing is, Cape Town boasts an extensive and exciting variety of hiking trails to choose from, catering to all fitness and experience levels.
Here are some of the top hiking trails in Cape Town:
To add a bit more thrill to Cape Town’s already exhilarating hiking scene, here are a few exciting overnight hiking trails avid hikers can look forward to.
If you’re a beginner hiker looking to experience and explore some of Cape Town’s best and beautiful hiking trails, the Mother City has an incredible array of hiking trails for you too (even if you’ve never hiked a day in your life). Here are some of the best Cape Town hiking trails for beginners that you should absolutely add to your Cape Town hiking adventure bucket-list.
Whether you’re a first-time hiker, eager mid-level enthusiast, or a die-hard highly experienced hiker at heart, click here for a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when going hiking in Cape Town.
#Go Kloofing
Time for some REAL thrill! A kloofing (South Africa’s name for canyoning) adventure is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences and adrenalin activities in Cape Town – hands down! By embarking on a kloofing adventure, you will not only have the exciting chance to tackle and explore several of Cape Town’s most popular kloofing sites, but also have the rare & remarkable opportunity to discover some of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s most extraordinary hidden kloofing gems and secret spots – How thrilling is that?!
A kloofing trip / adventure in Cape Town typically consists of an exhilirating day of rock hopping, leaping from cliffs of up to 24-meters high, and finally cooling off in pristine and refreshing mountain pools. Your qualified adventure guides will lead you through a labyrinth of stunning waterfalls, rocky areas, and picturesque rock pools, as well as share all their amazing knowledge of the unique environment with you.
**Note: If you decide to go on a Guided Kloofing Tour with highly experienced guides, helmets, and wetsuits (especially when it’s cold or there is a severe temperature drop) will be provided. A wetsuit, helmet, and proper premium gripping shoes are absolutely VITAL for experienced and highly skilled kloofers who decide to embark on their own kloofing adventure.
#Snorkelling & Snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals
Snorkelling is definitely one of the most fun and thrilling ocean adventure experiences that should be on everyone’s Cape Town adventure bucket-lists. In addition to experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you also get to discover and explore Cape Town’s magnificent underwater world, remarkable kelp forests, and all of its vast, varied, and wonderful marine life creatures and inhabitants.
Going snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals is a particularly popular and highly sought-after adventure experience and adrenalin activity in Cape Town – and it certainly isn’t hard to understand why. The famous Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, in Hout Bay is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and the perfect destination for your thrilling snorkelling adventure. These playful ocean beings are known to be incredibly inquisitive and extremely interactive with divers, making snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals an unforgettable ocean adventure absolutely everyone should get to experience.
**Note: Most snorkelling adventures and experiences (especially if you’re eager to go snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals) take place in Hout Bay – more specifically the Hout Bay Harbour.
#Go on a boat trip
From day trips and tours, to private cruises, fun-filled family adventures, a romantic sunset cruise, a whale watching experience, a birthday celebration and so much more – going on a boat trip in the beautiful and vibrant city of Cape Town promises to exceed your expectations.
Beyond the breathtaking views that are bound to sweep you off your feet, going on a boat trip gives you the exciting opportunity to watch whales, African Penguins, dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, and many other marine animals going about their day. It truly is a spectacular experience in every way.
Boat trips can be embarked on from several different harbours on the peninsula; the busy V&A Waterfront, the fishing harbour of Hout Bay, and the quiet little yacht basin at Simons Town.
#Go Cliff Jumping!
If you’re drawn to natural spaces and hardcore thrills this is the Cape Town adventure experience for you! The Cape Fold Mountains are a magnificent 1300-kilometer range of peaks that run in a big ‘smile-shape’ from the west to the east just north of Cape Town – Parts of the Cape Fold Mountains are easily accessible from the city too.
By travelling just an hour outside of the city, you’ll find yourself in this glorious nature lovers paradise, exploring pristine peaks and beautiful valleys. Over the ages, rivers and streams have flown through these mountains and sandstone beauties, ultimately carving the most remarkable ravines with stunning waterfalls and amazing rock pools, creating the ultimate cliff-nature and daring adventurer’s playground!
Time to cliff jump! Jumps range from little splashes to around 15-meters. Some cliff jumping adventures near Cape Town have obligatory jumps, as a result, these cliffs are solely reserved for the committed daredevils only. Other outings have jumps that you can opt-out of if you find them too scary.
Along with ticking the thrilling experience of cliff jumping off your Cape Town adventure bucket-list, you’ll also have the opportunity to both discover and explore the various gorges and remarkable surroundings. This is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure experience in every way!
#River-rafting & tubing in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve
A down-right thrilling, beyond riveting, and super exhilarating Cape Town adrenalin activity and adventure experience that should definitely be on every single adventure enthusiast and thrill-seeker’s Cape Town bucket-list is going river-rafting and tubing in the stunning Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Heavy rains transform the otherwise-serene Palmiet River in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve into the ultimate adventure zone of epic white-water rapids – creating the perfect water-based playground for avid daredevils jumping at the bid to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure first-hand, By venturing approximately 90-minutes outside of the city of Cape Town, you’ll be greeted by a glorious gushing river lined by fynbos-dotted mountains.
River-rafting and tubing in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve’s Palmiet River is typically best between the months of June – October. River-rafting takes place in two-person inflatable vessels (“crocodiles”). This Cape Town water adventure requires qualified and registered guides who will not only lead the way as you embark on this thrilling experience and navigate the wild waters and rapids, but share their knowledge of the area, as well as give you extremely valuable tips on how to properly steer your raft. Yes, it is most definitely harder than it looks!
While avid adrenaline junkies will thrive as they navigate the bigger and more daunting rapids, they (the rapids) are optional and can be skipped if you prefer a more relaxed, yet equally adventurous experience. This makes this beyond exciting and unforgettable adventure experience suitable for all ages and skill levels.
**Note: Rafting is typically a winter activity and, although tubing is available during spring and summer, it’s usually not available during the in-between season change when the river is too low for rafting and a bit too high for safe tubing. All boating and safety equipment will be provided including lifejackets, gloves, paddle jackets, and helmets. Make sure you bring a change of clothes, a towel (or multiple towels – you never know), and closed shoes with a back strap that can get wet. If you have one, you can also bring your own wetsuit along, alternatively, you can hire a wetsuit.
**Best times:
- River-rafting: June – October
- Tubing: September – mid-January; April – June
#Go Bungee Jumping!
What better backdrop for a wild bungee jump than the magnificent tall-standing giant of the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain? A 50-meter bungee jump is coming to Cape Town and it’s not a moment too soon for this exciting adrenaline activity to be added to the wealth of fun and fabulous experiences available in the Mother City!
Take the leap from a crane-style bungee tower constructed in Cape Town’s high-energy V&A Waterfront. You’ll be looked after by professional adventure guides who have done their time at other high-flying bungee destinations like the world-famous Bloukrans Bridge. Only this time you’ll be the one sweeping down and swinging over the water of one of the precincts basins with incredible views of the city and its famous mountains. After your massive ‘leap of faith’ adventure, you’ll be right where you want to be, at one of the city’s vibey restaurants or beachfront bars to recover and regain your equilibrium – and we certainly do’t blame you one bit!
#Go Shipwreck & Reef Diving
The wrecks that lie strewn across the shores and seabed of the “Cape of Storms” tell a storied history of war, exploration, and industry. Due to its moderate depth and short distance from the launch site, The SAS Pietermaritzburg located at Miller’s Point along the False Bay coast, is a popular site for both introductory dives as well as night dives.
For the adventurous souls that still want to experience this ocean adventure but are somewhat wary and not all that keen on diving too deep, going on a diving expedition through the incredible reefs and remarkable kelp forests of the Cape ocean and exploring the floral kingdoms and extraordinary marine life inhabiting the Cape waters is a great option / alternative. Plus, it promises to be equally as adventurous and filled with all the same thrills and excitement.
**Important Note: Diver’s and participants must have a PADI Open Water Diver License with at least 50 dives or the equivalent and must bring their Dive Certification Card along. If you are diving with a qualified diving guide or have decided to join / go on a Diving Tour, quick pool dives are available before the boat trip to the diving site for those who need a refresher (particularly if you have not done any sort of diving within the last year). This will however be at an additional cost. Be sure to always bring warm clothing, a towel, and sunblock with you. If you’re an avid and experienced diver, you are more than welcome to bring your own diving equipment with you if you prefer.
#Go on a Canopy Tour – Elgin Zipline Adventure
Come and experience a zip-line adventure in a pristine mountainous nature reserve only an hour from Cape Town. Wooden platforms cling like lizards to the cliffs with a series of zip-line runs up to 320-meters long joining them. Here you are in the presence of soaring black eagles, fynbos, (South Africa’s rare and very special vegetation type), and pure unadulterated fresh air and silence. Just what the health minister ordered!
The canopy tours are designed by civil engineers and constructed with great consideration of the impact on the environment. Canopy tour guides are highly trained and qualified. This is an award-winning eco-adventure that perfectly combines some gentle time in nature, time to watch sunbirds flit from protea to protea, and waterfalls rumbling far below you, with moments of pure exhilarating white knuckle fun!
#Coasteering in Simon’s Town
Coasteering is an exhilarating Cape Town adrenaline activity for avid adventurers that takes full advantage of the beautiful granite boulders that are strewn along the coast around Boulders Beach and Simons Town.
Similar to kloofing where avid thrill seekers and adrenalin junkies make their way down a ravine, swimming and cliff-jumping along the way, coasteering involves doing pretty much the same thing, however, unlike kloofing, coasteering takes place along a protected coastline.
This thrilling watersport and ocean adventure involves making your way / following your highly experienced guides as they pick a line just off the shore along a section of coastline. Using the granite boulders like giant steppingstones, you will hop from boulder to boulder, scrambling up them, and eventually leap off them (with jumps up to 10-meters high) right into the crystal-clear blue pools.
Once you’ve taken the leap of faith and successfully jumped into the water, you will then swim along & through the incredible kelp forests, feel the rise and fall of the ocean tide around you, and sometimes, if you’re super lucky, you’ll even have the amazing opportunity and great pleasure of befriending an unusual swimming companion – a Cape Fur Seal, a charismatic and playful African Penguin, or some other curious creature of the sea – How amazing is that?
During your coasteering adventure, from time to time, you’ll make your way up into a sandy cove to enjoy the warmth of the glorious Cape Town sunshine as well as to admire the spectacular views of the glorious Peninsula and revel in every second of this unbelievable experience.
**Note: Each participant is equipped with wetsuits, life jackets, safety helmets, PFD (personal flotation device), and booties. Qualified and highly experienced adventure guides will lead the way and safety boats are present in the vicinity to keep an eye from the seaside. This means you can rest assured knowing that you are in good hands and that your safety is top priority. All skill levels are welcome on this adventure experience in Simon’s Town.
#Charter a Boat
Cape Town boat charters offer an impressive range of vessels in which to cruise the waters of the Cape Peninsula including luxury catamarans, vintage-inspired sailboats, and high-speed jet boats.
With its rich maritime history what better way to take in the astoundingly beautiful views afforded by this ocean perspective? Charter a boat from the V&A Waterfront and choose the experience suitable for you and your group. Sail past Robben Island, soak in the iconic sight of the flat-topped Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, and the Atlantic ocean, hang out in a turquoise cove drinking cocktails near Clifton, enjoy spectacular sightings of Cape Town’s Marine Big5 – whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, and the Mola Mola Sunfish – as you cruise along the vibrant False Bay coastline – When chartering a boat, the possibilities are truly endless! So, what are you waiting for? Charter your boat of choice, step aboard, and get ready for one of the best adventures Cape Town has to offer.
#Go Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Time to tick another bucket-list worthy adventure experience of your list! Stand-up paddle boarding (also known as SUPing) is undoubtedly one of the most exciting, sought-after, fun, and thrilling adventures and adrenalin activities in Cape Town. This incredible and down-right exhilarating paddle-boarding experience gives you the amazing opportunity to see and explore the private waterways of the V&A Waterfront, various canals, lakes, as well as the ocean from an entirely different perspective. And guess what? It can be enjoyed by ALL and is ideal for both beginners as well as advanced paddlers alike, with the pace being entirely up to you. This means absolutely EVERYONE can join in on the Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding fun!
When it comes to going stand-up paddle boarding in Cape Town, you can choose to either be led by an experienced SUP instructor (this is recommended for first-time / beginner ‘SUPers’) or decide to go your own way (perfect for more experienced ‘SUPers’).
You might be wondering where the best places are to go SUPing in Cape Town – Well, lucky for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on some of the top spots, however, what you want to get out of the experience as well as your level of expertise will ultimately determine the ideal SUPing destination for you. With that being said, you are free to choose whichever destination you want – it is your adventure after all!
The waters of Muizenberg are perfect for those who like to catch waves while on their SUP boards, while the quieter waters beyond the breakers at Clifton and Camps Bay Beach offer the most incredible views. For a more predictable and laid-back experience – perfect for beginner SUPers – venturing out on your stand-up paddle board, led by a skilled and experienced instructor, and exploring some of the city’s most amazing hidden canals, waterways, and lakes is not only perfect for you, but promises to be one Cape Town adventure experience you definitely won’t forget.
**Note: While Stand-up paddle boarding might look like a relatively easy and tranquil activity from the shore, when you stand up on those thick boards, essentially trying everything in your power to stay up-right (utilizing those abdominal and core muscles like you never have before), you realize just how much focus, control, and effort actually goes into staying out of the water while SUPing. However, regardless of putting in some good ol’ effort and core muscle power, going stand-up paddle boarding in Cape Town is a thrilling bucket-list experience in EVERY way!
#Visit the iconic Crystal Pools
Go on a thrilling and jam-packed adventure to one of the most sought-after and stunning natural gems in the Western Cape – The Crystal Pools!
Crystal Pools is one of Gordon’s Bay and Cape Town’s best kept secrets and bucket-list destinations. Located approximately 90 minutes outside of Cape Town, Crystal Pools boasts incredible hiking trails which lead to a series of mountain / rock pools situated within a beautiful valley known as the Steenbras River Gorge. Both the Steenbras River Gorge and the Crystal Pools form part of the renowned Steenbras Nature Reserve, with the hiking trail following the Palmiet River up the gorge.
Crystal Pools, the Steenbras River Gorge, and the Steenbras Nature Reserve offer avid hikers, keen adventurers, and anyone eager to explore the great outdoors the ultimate escape from the hustle and hype of the city.
Crystal Pools Hiking Trail:
- Staring point: The Crystal Pool Hiking Trail starts on the R44, just after you’ve crossed the bridge over the mouth of the Steenbras River
- Level of fitness required: Moderate
- Distance: +/ – 2km – The first pool is approximately 45 minutes from the start of the trail
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate – challenging | While 2km may seem fairly short, extremely do-able, and easy, your legs will beg to differ. Despite the Crystal Pools hiking trail starting out fairly easy, the hike / climb gets tougher and more challenging as you ascend
The Crystal Pools Hiking Trail starts on the R44, just after you’ve crossed the bridge over the mouth of the Steenbras River. Your permits will be checked upon arrival – it is crucial that you book your permits ahead of time.
Once you’re in, follow the little yellow footprints to ensure you stay on the designated path. The path starts out fairly gently, boasting lush green surroundings, indigenous fynbos, exceptional views, and large boulders along the route.
After a quick walk down to the valley floor, the trail persists to follow the river up the valley. The path is well-marked out, with short red pegs in the ground at regular intervals to guide you on your Crystal Pools hiking adventure. The trail does get more challenging as you ascend however, reaching the glorious Crystal Pools and all of its bucket-list worthy attractions and sights far outweighs the effort it takes to get there.
The first pool is located about 45 minutes from the start of the trail. You can stop here for a break, snack, picnic, moment of blissful relaxation in the shade, or a refreshing dip in the mountain pool waters.
If you’re eager to experience some serious swimming and kloofing opportunities, it’s best to hold out for the second pool, which is only a mere 10 – 15 minutes up the trail. The second pool also features a waterfall. Beyond being a stunning sight, standing below the cool flowing water of the waterfall may just be the best, and certainly the most memorable, open-air natural shower you’ll ever experience.
In addition to swimming and kloofing, going cliff jumping / jumping off of the rocks into the Crystal Pools is not only exhilarating, but one of the most adrenalin-inducing, bucket-list worthy experiences. Attracting adventure junkies and thrill seekers from around the world, Crystal Pools features some of the most exceptional, impressive, and down-right thrilling cliff jumps. Undoubtedly making it a real and highly sought-after Cape Town adventure and hiking hotspot.
If you’re feeling extra brave and daring, a great tip is to wait for someone else to jump / take the plunge before you. Among other things, this will give you some real and useful insight into where the best launching spots are. If you’re an inexperienced cliff jumper or kloofer, or if it’s your first time, it is best (and highly recommended) that you only do / attempt this with an expert hiker or professional guide who is vastly experienced and familiar with the route and the pools.
Hold on! Your Crystal Pools and Steenbras River Gorge hiking adventure isn’t over yet! If you’re still amped, eager, up for the challenge, with a super boost of energy left in your ‘hiking tank’ (fingers crossed), you should definitely keep hiking until you reach the third and final pool. Here you can enjoy more exhilarating swimming and kloofing adventures, as well as exciting cliff jumping opportunities – although not as top-notch as Crystal Pools’ second pool, it’s still incredibly worth it! Not to mention the superb panoramic views you’ll get to soak up and enjoy.
**Important Note: While you may jump (cliff jumping / rock jumping) with the necessary precautions and regulations in place, you are NOT allowed to dive into any of Crystal Pools’ mountain pools.
Once you reach the top of the hiking trail, take a moment, sit back, and relax as you look out over the Steenbras Dam and Dam Wall; All while admiring the panoramic view stretching across the glorious and vibrant False Bay Coastline to the renowned Cape Point in the other direction.
**Tip: This hiking trail is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit, however, it is slightly more challenging for those who are not in tip-top hiking shape. While the half-day hike takes you through rocky, but generally flat terrain, with an amazing waterfall at the top, it is quite a trek. Make sure you are well prepared and have plenty of snacks, water, and energy to get there.
~ Check out our ‘Crystal Pools’ blog for everything you need to know about Crystal Pools and all its incredible hiking trails, rock pools, exhilarating experiences, hidden gems, fauna, flora, and biodiversity, and exciting secret spots to visit. ~
