Crystal Pools is a very popular hike close to Gordans Bay. It hosts a series of natural rock pools in a beautiful Valley known as the Steenbras River Gorge, it officially forms part of the Steenbras Nature Reserve, and the hike follows the Palmiet River up the gorge. 

Steenbras Nature Reserve includes the well-known Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools hiking trail which is a popular destination for abseiling, kloof jumping, and swimming in the rock pools, as well as two more hiking trails known as the Danie Miller hiking trail and the Klipspringer hiking trail. Other activities enjoyed along the beautiful coastline include whale watching, scenic drives, and coastal fishing.

The Steenbras Nature Reserve forms part of the greater Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The area is often referred to as ‘the heart of the fynbos.’ With more than 1 600 plant species, it boasts the greatest floral diversity per unit area than anywhere else in the world. The area supports five different vegetation types and is regarded as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

The area was originally proclaimed as a protected area in 1979 and was registered with UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) in 1998 and declared an area of international importance. The area was declared as Steenbras Nature Reserve according to the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 on 15 September 2017. The City of Cape Town’s portion of the protected environment is more than 8 500 hectares in extent.

The day begins with a quick drive around to pickup everyone. Great music, fresh coffee and tea are available on the vehicle. 

Once everyone has been gathered, we can start heading off to the beautiful Crystal pools. The drive is stunning. Here is the route that we will take 👇

We'll Drive out to Gordon’s Bay on the N2. At the stunning Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, we'll take the turn-off to Gordon’s Bay. We will reach a T-junction when we arrive at Gordon’s Bay — and then turn left onto the R44 (the coastal road that leads to Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay, and finally Hermanus). 

After 6.6km we will reach the PItstop Lodge: Grille shack, on the right-hand side of the road. Where we will check in for our Hike. 😍

Trip Highlights: 

1. Sir Lowry's Pass 

2.Sir Lowry's Pass Village

3. Gordon's Bay 

This is the beginning of a great adventure. So much to see! So much to do!

The Crystal Pools are such a fitting reward for an absolutely stunning hike.

The Crystal Pools Hiking Trail offers a 2-kilometer-long hike to a series of mountain pools in Steenbras River Gorge. The trail starts about 6 kilometers past Gordons Bay along the R44, just after you’ve crossed the bridge over the mouth of the Steenbras River. 

It starts out fairly easy but gets tougher as you ascend. Continue to follow the little yellow footprints to stay on the path. About 45 minutes from the start of the trail, you will come across the first pool. 🤸‍♀️

As we hike along, we'll come across 2 pools before getting to the main one. These stunning pools offer a time to quietly reflect, explore nature and connect with the outdoors. 

We'll take a few minutes at each pool just to soak it in. Feel free to join Chad for a breathing exercise and meditation for the ultimate connection with nature. 

When we get to the pool, we'll set out a table with a selection of fresh vegan treats and smoothies. You can dip in the wonderful pools, grab a snack or join Chad for a meditation/yoga session to stretch. 

You can choose to rest and take a dip in a pool of refreshing mountain water (which we highly recommend) or hike further to the second pool, which is just ten to fifteen minutes away. Further up is the third pool which offers more swimming, kloofing, and cliff jumping opportunities as well as stunning scenic views of the area. The main water source of the pools is the Steenbras River. 

The third pool is an ideal picnic spot. From the top, you can see the dam wall of the Steenbras Dam and panoramic views across False Bay to Cape Point in the other direction.

You know what they say "the walk back doesn't feel as long" 

After such an amazing experience, you'll feel motivated and energized to take the hike back. The pools close at 7 pm, so we'll make sure you are home by 630pm. .

Our party continues with an evening out exploring some of Cape Town's finest cuisine, beverages, and culture. So feel free to join in. This extended trip option begins from 7 pm to 1030pm.