Steenbras River Gorge

The pools are incredible. The 1st one in my opinion is the nicest. It has lots of space to sit on the rocks and enjoy the area. The second pool, further up, is better protected from the wind, however there is very little area to sit, and it is on soil, not rocks.The third pool is a significant walk from the second and you need to be confident to climb rocks. Very easy scrambling, not for everybody though.******Baboon Warning***********While we were there, two people had their bag stollen by baboons. Both were being careful. We had food snatched out of our hands by baboons, again, we were aware of the baboons and were being careful. In the way there a big make baboon blocked our path. Not sure why, however we had to wait for him to move on. At no stage did I feel that we were in danger. At the same time we did have to be careful.A suggestion is not to go up to the pools to picnic. Also, even if you don’t have food in your bag, don’t put keys and phones in your bag. Both people who we saw with their bags stollen had to get the bags back as they had car keys in them. It adds a lot of stress.

Beautiful hiking trail, incredible vistas for taking pictures. From the view of the ocean from the parking area to the top of the mountain. And the pools are awesome for a swim! Booking your permit well in advance is essential; only 50 people allowed in per day. Tranquil and beautiful!

Very beautiful and fun. It's a great hike and the pools are amazing. Nice places to jump into pools, if you arent afraid of heights. Really great to relax. Hike early in the morning since it has no shade, bring lots of water and sunscreen as well. Be careful there are baboons, but I didn't encounter them. Trail is marked well, just follow the footsteps. And most importantly enjoy the hike

A beautiful walk up to the first lot of main pools. The walk is well marked. The pools are gorgeous to swim in. Very natural and wild still. The hike up to the second pool area is a bit tougher and the last lot up to the very top waterfall is quite steep and high. I'm scared of heights but I managed. I wouldn't recommend taking children under 10 on this part of the hike as you need to do some climbing and scrambling using your arms. Well worth the hike. We spent 7 hours doing all 3 with swimming in between. So be sure to leave early , take lots of water and food.

Great hike providing for different levels of fitness. You need to be reasonably fit though and be fine with some scrambling. If you have good endurance, you can hike to the 3rd pool. Those who are exhausted earlier can remain at pool 1 or at pool 2. Swimming and jumping into the pools is great fun and refreshing.

Amazing just amazing, don’t carry food on your trek or the baboons will take your bag…seriously.Abseiling from the top makes the entire trip worth it.

Don't go during the day. I almost died in the heat. It's hectic. Go during the morning. We were also lucky and didn't have a permit, nobody was at the gate and we could just walk through. I didn't make it to the 1st or any dam. Started hiking at 1pm and turned around about 14:10. Decided to swim at the wonderful river down at the beach and eat our snacks there. Had a lovely time!!!

Short hike to great pools, and easy access to the sea as well! I've been here many times since 1988, and it is still one of the best river hikes in the western Cape. Great to see it is being looked after by the city council.

A must hike if you visiting the cape town area. Booking is essential as you will need a permit. Take a costume and swim in the many natural pools or hike up to the summit. This is not a hard hike, but come prepared with water, snacks, sunblock. Good shoes required, but does not have to be hiking boots. Recommended to do this as a group, or at least 2 people. It's quite easy to loose your path and get lost, so if you with a group that has not been up there, and ensure your phone is charged for Google maps.

Beautiful trial. Not too long. But good fitness levels needed. Lovely rock pools for swimming. Scenery is breathtaking. Perfect for a hot summer day. Go early and enjoy seclusion and privacy of your choice of 6 pools. Pools 3 onwards is a bit of steep climb to get to. So pack comfortable shoes. And loads of water