Rock pools included

If you are anything like me you will spend at least one Saturday or Sunday over December in search of natural rock pools. often its an attempt at avoiding the masses at Cape Town beaches or just not being in the mood to swallow salty water or run after your umbrella. I have listed the few hikes with rock pools/dams below.

1. SILVERMINE

Just a before Noordehoek lies one of SANParks little gems. This hike is family friendly space combines a bit of exercise and chill. Some can get the fire going while the rest embark on a bit of walking and talking up to Elephants eye. With ample grass space in front of the dam, one could set up a picnic table and pack some balls for the kids to toss about.

Tips: Call to check if fires will be permitted before packing your wood. Go early to reserve a good spot near the dam.

Conservation fee: Adults, R40; children R20; free entrance for WILD Card holders

Opening times:

October – March (summer) 7 am – 6 pm, exit at 7 pm

April – September (winter) 8 am – 5 pm, exit at 6 pm

Contact: 021 712 7471

Directions: Right off Ou Kaapse Weg

2. PALMIET RIVER TRAIL

Within Kogelberg Nature reserve lies a relatively easy 3-hour lateral walk to a swimmer friendly dam. The route is clearly marked.

Tips: Make a reservation and payment with Cape nature before going. There is a park official at the entrance of the hike who checks. There are many swimming spots along the way but you will get your best swim on at the pool labelled "The Beach".

Conservation fee: Adults, R40; children R20; free entrance for GREEN Card holders

Opening times:

October – March (summer) 7 am – 6 pm, exit at 7 pm

April – September (winter) 8 am – 5 pm, exit at 6 pm

Contact: 021 483 0190

Directions: On the R44 between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, Cape Overberg

3. CRYSTAL POOLS

For the thrill seekers who fancy some cliff jumping. This trail is strenuous; +/-3 hours of uphill. The path to the rock pool is hidden behind some trees.

Tips: Do not jump off the cliff if you are even slightly hesitant. People do get injured.

Conservation fee: Adults, R65; children R35; free entrance for GREEN Card holders

Opening times:

October – March (summer) 7am – 6pm, exit at 7pm

April – September (winter) 8am – 5pm, exit at 6pm

Contact: 021 483 0190

Directions: On the R44 just after Gordons Bay

4. LIMIETBERG - HAPPY VALLEY TRAIL

"WOW"; That was the only word going through my mind when stumbling upon rock pool after rock pool.

Tips: Start at the campsite and pay the day visitor fee and then sneak through. The trail is technically only open to overnight campers.

Conservation fee: Adults, R40; children R20; free entrance for GREEN Card holders

Opening times:

October – March (summer) 7 am – 6 pm, exit at 7 pm

April – September (winter) 8 am – 5 pm, exit at 6 pm

Contact: 021 483 0190

Directions: Tweede Tol camp site , R301 Wellington

5. Fernkloof Hermanus

Who knew there was something other than Whale watching and surfing in Hermanus? Yip, this too has a young cliff jump. If you are brave enough you can basically jump off the dam wall. I sure was not. I did, however, attempt a baby rock jump.

Tips: There is not a lot of sitting space in front of the dam. It's best not to plan gourmet picnics for this one.

Conservation fee: Adults, R40; children R20; free entrance for GREEN Card holders

Opening times:

October – March (summer) 7 am – 6 pm, exit at 7 pm

April – September (winter) 8 am – 5 pm, exit at 6 pm

Contact: +27 (0)21 483 0190

Directions: Fir avenue just off R43 Hermanus

6. Maalgat Cederberg

The route to the pool starts from the Sandrift campsite. Day visitors are allowed through the campsite; but not over long weekends or school holidays. We found a few little streams and mini waterfalls along our route. Do yourself a favour and make a weekend of it. The rates at Sandrift resort are fairly reasonable. Visiting the Observatory in Cederberg is an added bonus.