Local’s Top 10 Things To Do In Cape Town In Winter

#8 Chasing & Exploring Cape Town’s Waterfalls, Dams & Rivers

This is by far one of the most exhilarating, invigorating / ‘make-you-feel-completely-and-utterly-alive’ adventurous things to do in Cape Town for both the young and young at heart!

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If you’re an avid adventurer eager to discover and explore Cape Town’s vast, varied, and down-right incredible dams, rivers, and waterfalls, here are of some of the ultimate spots:

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#Silvermine Reservoir

• Distance from Cape Town: +/- 50 minutes
• Where to find it: Silvermine Reservoir in Table Mountain National Park (via M3)
• Opening times: Silvermine Gate 1: Daily, 8am – 4pm (May to August) | Daily, 7am – 5pm (September to April) | Silvermine Gate 2: All year round – 8am – 6pm
• Contact details: 021 712 7471 | 021 712 0527 | [email protected] (Table Mountain National Park)
• Dog-friendly: Yes, but dog walkers require a Level 1 My Activity Permit | Contact Tokai Plantation Office at 021 712 7471 for more information

Cost: Conservation fees (1 November 2021 – 31 October 2022): 

• SA citizens and residents with ID: Adult: R36 | Children: R18 | Additionally R25 per vehicle

Located in the Table Mountain National Park, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, the Silvermine Reservoir is a real fan-favourite all around.

Besides enjoying a refreshing swim in a stunning location, there are loads of picnic spots scattered around the reserve, making it the perfect place for enjoying a great day outdoors.

**Important note: As there are no lifeguards on duty, swimming in the Silvermine Reservoir is done at your own risk.

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#Klein River

• Distance from Cape Town: +/- 2 hours
• Where to find it: King Street, Stanford (via N2 and R43)
• Opening times: Always open
• Contact details: 028 3410 340 | [email protected]
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Cost: Free for swimming

Located in Stanford, this tranquil river passes through the Akkedisberg Pass and the lush meadows of Stanford on its way to the estuary (Hermanus Lagoon). Its calm waters are perfect for cooling down after a hot summer’s day filled with adventuring and exploring.

The Stanford Wandelpad walking trail meanders along the Klein River, and is easily accessible from several points. However, a map is available at the local tourism bureau just in case.

**Tip: The bottom of King Street is particularly convenient and an ideal location due to the nearby shaded lawns that make for an incredible picnic spot.

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#Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

• Distance from Cape Town: 1 hour
• Where to find it: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road (via N1), Stellenbosch
• Opening times: 1 May – 31 August: 8am – 4pm | 1 September – 30 April: 7am – 4pm
• Contact details: 087 087 4118 (reserve office) | 087 087 8250; [email protected] (permits)
• Dog-friendly: Pets are not allowed in CapeNature reserves
• Cost: R50 (adults) | R30 (children)

The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is one natural gem that should be on every nature lover’s bucket-list. Located close to Stellenbosch, the reserve includes the smaller Assegagaai Nature Reserve and is home to the imposing Jonkershoek Mountains as well as portions of the upper Jonkershoek Valley.

It boasts two popular and equally thrilling hiking trails, both of which offer beautiful views of the valley and wine farms below. Besides enjoying an exciting hike, taking a dip in the clear river water is by far one of the top highlights of visiting the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

**Important note: Only 80 people are allowed into the Assegaaibosch picnic area per day to help with conservation efforts. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis. No alcohol is allowed into the picnic area.

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#Crystal Pools Waterfall

• Distance from Cape Town: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Where to find it: Steenbras Nature Reserve (via N2 and R44)
• Opening times: 7.30am – 2.30pm (office hours) | 6.30am – 7pm (hiking trails may differ slightly according to sunrise and sunset)
• Contact details: 021 444 6927 | [email protected] (bookings must be done via email, at least 3 to 5 working days before your visit) | 021 957 4725 (emergency number)
• Dog-friendly: No
• Cost: R75 per person

If a trip to the legendary Crystal Pools Waterfall is not on your Cape Town adventure bucket list, go ahead and add it right away! Located approximately 90 minutes outside of Cape Town, the Steenbras Nature Reserve offers hikers, adventurers and anyone looking to explore the great outdoors the ultimate escape from the city.

The Crystal Pools Hiking Trail starts on the R44, just after you’ve crossed the bridge over the mouth of the Steenbras River. The trail features indigenous fynbos, beautifully lush surroundings, and incredible views throughout. The first pool is located just 45 minutes from the start of the trail.

In addition to taking an invigorating dip in the cool Crystal Pools water (which may be slightly challenging during Cape Town’s winter season – HOWEVER, if you’re up for it – go right ahead!), you can also enjoy a lovely picnic under the shade.

If you’ve got some extra energy left in your hiking ‘tank’, we highly recommend you continue your journey to the second pool. Boasting some seriously cool swimming and kloofing opportunities as well as a mesmerizing waterfall, it promises to be one exciting adventure you won’t soon forget!

**Important note: To ensure that the hiking trails don’t get too crowded, a maximum of 50 people are allowed per day. This is however subject to change. It is essential to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment as well as to be fully informed of any additional details, changes, or need-to-know information.

**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.  So make sure you are well prepared and have plenty of snacks, water, and energy to get there.

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#Krom River Trail

• Distance from Cape Town: +/- 1 hour
• Where to find it: Du Toitskloof (to the left after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel), Limietberg Nature Reserve (via N1), Paarl
• Opening times: Daily, 8am – 6pm
• Contact details: 021 871 1535 / 087 087 4145 (reserve office) | 087 087 8250; [email protected] (permits)
• Dog-friendly: Pets are not allowed in CapeNature reserves
• Cost: R50 (adults); R30 (children)

Located approximately an hour from Cape Town, the Limietberg Nature Reserve boasts some of the best hiking trails in the Western Cape – with the Krom River trail being a definite stand-out. This exhilarating hiking trail is a fan-favourite among avid adventurers and thrill-seekers as it guides you past waterfalls and deep, translucent rock pools that are clear enough to snorkel in.

**Important note: You will have to pay a fee to drive through the Huguenot tunnel to reach the Krom River Trail. You will also need a permit. Permits can be purchased at Du Kloof Trout Farm (just after the tunnel on your left) or from the CapeNature booking office. Only 24 permits are issued per day to prevent overcrowding, so it’s important that you plan ahead.

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#Suicide Gorge

Suicide Gorge is regarded as one of South Africa’s most thrilling and adrenalin-inducing hiking trails.

• Distance from Cape Town: +/- 90 minutes
• Where to find it: Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve (via N2 and R321), Grabouw
• Opening times: Daily, 8am – 4pm (1 November – 30 April) | Closed (May – October)
• Contact details: 028 841 4301/02 (reserve office) | 087 087 8250, [email protected] (permits)
• Dog friendly: Pets are not allowed in CapeNature reserves
• Cost: R325 per person (for Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend Route, cost of permit included)

The infamous Suicide Gorge is one of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve’s most thrilling hiking trails. While it offers hikers a bucket-list worthy hiking adventure and sensational panoramic views throughout, it is only to be attempted by hardy and experienced hikers. This exhilarating Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve hiking trail takes you high up into the mountains, and then right down through the gorge (hence the name).  As you’ll be getting sufficiently wet throughout your hike, we highly recommend you take the appropriate gear along, including lightweight hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and a change of clothes – just in case things get a bit wet and wild.

Much of the 16.2km hike involves slip-sliding your way along the natural waterslide. At certain points throughout your hike, you may be required to leap off cliffs (some as high as 14 meters) into the pools below. Thus making it one adrenaline-boosting, thrill-inducing, adventure experience to say the least – perfectly suited to experienced hikers and die-hard adrenalin junkies. However, if you prefer a less intense and daring experience, the nearby Riviersonderend Route offers a similar challenge, but with fewer drops – the highest drop being seven-meters. Whichever route you choose, it promises to be an exciting and unforgettable adventure nonetheless!

**Important Information:

• You must have a Special Use Kloofing Permit to go on this hike | Bookings & permits are essential: Tel: 087 087 8250 | Email:[email protected]
• This Kloofing route is not for the faint-hearted! When Kloofing at Suicide Gorge, hikers must be accompanied by a registered and experienced Kloofing Guide or someone who has knowledge and experience of the trail. You can contact CapeNature for information about guides | CapeNature Contact details: 021 483 0190
• Wear lightweight hiking shoes.
• A wetsuit is advisable (as the water is incredibly chilly).
• It is best to use a waterproof bag.
• The route can be exceptionally dangerous in extreme weather conditions and should therefore not be attempted during hazardous conditions.
• The Suicide Gorge Hiking Route is open from 1 November to 30 April.
• As the route is incredibly popular excursions on Saturdays and Sundays must be booked a month in advance. A shorter booking period is allowed for weekday excursions.
• The Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend Route may be closed at any time, at the discretion of the reserve management (due to inclement weather or other unsafe conditions).
• Hikers are advised to start early and may not set out from the starting point later than 9am. The entry gate closes at 4pm and all kloofers must exit before 7pm.
• No children under 12 are allowed on this trail.
• The reserve office is only open on weekdays, but a staff member will be on duty seven days a week.
• Maximum capacity for each kloofing route per day is 30 people.
• The Suicide Gorge Hiking Trail has little to no shade, and on a scorching hot day, things can get seriously uncomfortable!
• Access will not be permitted in these cases: After the start cut-off time of 9am | To clients without approved kloofing guides | No one is allowed to enter once capacity is reached | Access will not be permitted during high risk times (fire, flooding, etc).

**Additional Information:

• Reserve office hours are 8am to 4pm weekdays only.
• The entrance gate is open from 7:30am to 4pm.
• Emergency personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Check out our ‘Suicide Gorge Hiking Trail’ Blog for everything you need to know about this remarkable, and equally thrilling, natural wonder.

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Check out our ‘Best Dams and Rivers in Cape Town for swimming’ blog for everything you need to know about Cape Town’s best swimming spots.