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:
3. Gordon's Bay