Our pick of the best hike-and-swim combo outings of the Western Cape

Giving the beaches a bit of a berth? What better way to beat the heat of summer than with a hike through some spectacular and ecologically diverse terrain, followed by a refreshing dip in a rockpool or under a waterfall?  

The Cape is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes crisscrossed by excellent paths and trails that cater to all levels of hiker.

From leisurely farm rambles to invigorating cliffside adventures, here are some fantastic hikes in the Western Cape that have stunning waterfalls, tranquil rockpools and meandering rivers in which you can take a cooling dip after your hike.

Outing 1: Silvermine Reservoir

Silvermine Reservoir is one of Cape Town’s gems. Less than an hour’s drive from the city centre, the reservoir is surrounded by several hikes, including treks up to the Elephant’s Eye Cave, Silvermine Ridge and Sentinel View.

The large reservoir is popular for a post-hike swim, a picnic with the family and training for open-water swimmers. Dogs are allowed at the reservoir, but a level-one My Activity Permit is required.

Where: Silvermine Reservoir in Table Mountain National Park (via M3)

Contact: (021) 712-0527, tablem@sanparks.org 

Cost: Conservation fee (rates valid until 31 October 2021):
R35 (SA citizens and residents with ID); R15 (SA children two to 11 years)
R70 (Sadc nationals with valid passport); R35 (Sadc children with valid passport)
R140 (international visitors; standard conservation fee); R70 (international children; standard conservation fee)

Outing 2: Crystal Pools

The Crystals Pools hike is a popular adventure in the Steenbras Nature Reserve that involves a hiking trail that winds up the mountain and passes several rockpools along the way.  The half-day trail takes you through rocky but generally flat terrain, but you need to be reasonably fit to enjoy the walk.

The trail ends at a beautiful waterfall near the top of the mountain where you can relax with a picnic. Don’t forget your costume for this hike as you can swim in the rockpools on the way up and down. The trail is only open from 1 November to 30 April, and dogs are not allowed.

Where: Faure Marine Drive R44, Steenbras Nature Reserve

Contact: (021) 444-6927, steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za

Cost: R75 per person

Outing 3: Skeleton Gorge, Table Mountain

This hike begins in Kirstenbosch Gardens and ends at Maclear’s Beacon – the highest point on Table Mountain. The trail ascends steeply to Skeleton Gorge where you find lush forests of shady indigenous trees, endemic fynbos, streams and waterfalls, and some interesting rock formations.

If you want to avoid the steep climb to Skeleton Gorge, begin the hike in Nursery Ravine, which is an easier alternative route that joins up with the Skeleton Gorge trail at certain points. Both routes offer panoramic views of the city and Robben Island.

Important: This is a long hike with ladders to assist climbers to the top, and a rockfall to overcome, meaning you have to be extremely fit. Parts of the gorge can be slippery, even during summer. It’s recommended to avoid this route during and immediately after heavy rains.

Where: Kirstenbosch Gardens to Maclear’s Beacon

Contact: (021) 712-0527, tablem@sanparks.org (Table Mountain National Park)
(021) 799-8899, Kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za (Kirstenbosch)

Cost: Free

Outing 4: Cape Point Nature Reserve

Nestled within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is home to spectacular natural scenery and a diverse array of fauna and flora. Cited as the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, the reserve has several hikes ranging from two-hour to two-day trails that pass rugged rocks and sheer cliffs, vast stretches of empty beach, shipwrecks, and beautiful fynbos and fauna.

Depending on which route you walk, you can swim in the ocean or various tidal pools.

Where: Cape Point Nature Reserve

Contact: (021) 712-0527, Table.Mountain@sanparks.org
(021) 780-9010, info@capepoint.co.za (Cape Point)

Cost: Entry fees into Cape Point (valid until 31 October 2021):
R85 (SA citizens and residents with ID); R40 (SA children two to 11 years); R170 (Sadc nationals with valid passport); R85 (Sadc children with valid passport); R340 (international visitors; standard conservation fee); R170 (international children; standard conservation fee)

Outing 5: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve offers four challenging hiking trails with numerous rock pools and waterfalls to dip into along the way. Just a 15-minute drive Stellenbosch, this lush reserve is a fantastic place to spend the day exploring the landscape and swimming in the cool mountain waters.

The Swartboskloof Trail is a challenging hike that climbs to the top of Kurktrekkernek and passes a waterfall on the way back down where you can cool off. The  Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof hike is an easier adventure for beginner hikers. Dogs are not allowed in the reserve.

Where: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch

Contact: (021) 483-0190, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Cost: All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access its hiking trails. Contact CapeNature to book your permits or get them at the reserve office. A CapeNature permit costs R50 (adults) and R30 (children)

Outing 6: Krom River Trail

The Krom River Trail is a non-circular hiking route in the Limietberg Nature Reserve in Paarl that crosses two rivers before it reaches the Krom River waterfall and pool, where you can swim to your heart’s content.

Watch out for the painted white boot prints on the rocks along the ravine which will lead you into a fairytale-like indigenous forest and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. There are several other hiking trails in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, including a two-day trail.

Where: Limietberg Nature Reserve, 267 Main Street, Esterville, Paarl

Contact: (021) 808-5121 (Tweede Tol campsite) or (021) 483-0190, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (booking inquiries)

Cost: CapeNature permit: R50 (adults); R30 (children)

Important to Remember

Locals and tourists alike are urged to take the necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents can happen.

Those venturing into the Table Mountain National Park should have the following emergency numbers on hand: 086-110-6417/107 or (021) 480-7700.

Criminal incidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as possible.

@safetymountain is a free safety tracking service and an excellent resource for hikers. It 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.