Crystal Pools at Steenbras
Location: 6km south of Gordon's Bay on the R44. (See also Steenbras Ridge and Boskloof Ridge - two adventurous climbs on either side of the gorge.) OSM Map
Overview: A gorge with a magnificent set of pools. Ideal for a lazy summer day!
NB. For a year from 1 May 2011 the area was closed for rehabilitation.
Access: This is a City Council controlled area and permits (R60 pp) must be obtained in advance by emailing steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za Crystal Pools is very popular on summer weekends and numbers are limited. Advance booking is essential. The area is closed in winter (1 May to 31 Oct)
Route Description:
From the parking on the R44 (100m south of the bridge) it is an easy walk up the gorge, crossing the river three times before the bottom pool is reached in about an hour.
From there, take you pick (or find a free pool!) and explore up to the next 3 pools. The path does get steeper and there is some easy scrambling involved.
If you have the time, it is worth continuing up the gorge on the left (Grade 2) to the top pool, with breathtaking views of all the pools and waterfalls as one goes.
