The Best Dams and Rivers for Swimming in the Cape

By The Inside Guide

Image credit: CapeNature

Enjoy an alfresco dip somewhere a little different (and away from the beach)

Cape Town is blessed with some wonderful dams and rivers where you can go for a quiet, scenic and exhilarating dip – sans the sand and the crowds. With summer on our doorstep, there’s no better time to take the plunge. Here are the reservoirs and rivers we found for some cool alfresco dipping; if you know of any others, please add them in the comments below.

Important note We have confirmed the safety of all listed rivers and dams, but if you are not sure, please contact the parks at the numbers provided to ensure conditions are suitable before visiting.

1. Silvermine Reservoir

 

Image credit: The Randomist

The large, glistening reservoir is open to the whole family, including your pooches. There’s a 1km trail around the water with a boardwalk that’s easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams. There are also loads of perfect picnic spots dotted around the reserve.
  Access Point Silvermine Reservoir near Muizenberg Opening times Daily, 8am –  5pm (May to August) Daily, 7am – 6pm (September to April) Cost R50 (adults) R25 (children, aged 2 to 11) Free (with My Green Card or SANParks Wild Card) Contact 021 712 7471 (reserve office)
021 712 0527, tablem@sanparks.org (Table Mountain National Park) Dog-friendly? Yes, but Dog walkers require a Level 1 My Activity Permit, which can be purchased for R225 from the Tokai Plantation Office, or at the specified Cape Town Tourism branches TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

2. Theewater Sports Club

 

Image credit: Rattle and Mum

This is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh water of Theewaterskloof Dam. The family-friendly venue is perfect for day visits, or overnight camping around the dam. Kite-sailing, boating, sailing, freshwater angling and canoeing are just some of the activities available to keep you entertained all day long. 
  Access Point Theewater Sports Club in Villiersdorp Opening times Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm Saturday & Sunday, 7am – 6pm Cost R55 (day visitors) Free (under 10) R50 (canoes/windsurfer/kitesurf/boards) R75 (any other craft) R200 (boat registration fee, valid for 1 year, January to December) Contact 028 007 0031, info@theewater.co.za Dog-friendly? Yes TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

3. Solms-Delta Picnic Spot

 
The Dwars River runs through this picturesque Franschhoek wine estate, along which is an enchanting forest that’s wooded and secretive. Families can enjoy a safe swim at one of the picnic spots dotted around the estate, or you could just relax and enjoy a delicious hamper prepared by Fyndraai Restaurant.

Access Point Solms-Delta Wine Estate in Franschhoek Opening times Daily, 11am – 5pm Cost Free (if you purchase a picnic basket) Contact 021 874 3937, michelle@solms-delta.co.za, ruan@solms-delta.co.za TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

4. The Berg River

 

Image credit: @campsa365 on Instagram

Only 60km out of Cape Town, the Berg River Resort is a clean, family-friendly venue that’s ideal  for swimming and leisurely canoeing. If river-dipping is not your thing, there are two swimming pools at the resort: a 3.5-metre-deep Olympic-sized pool and a smaller one that’s shallow enough for toddlers to splash around in, as well as a waterslide. Fancy staying overnight? There’s accommodation in comfortable chalets, as well as designated caravan and camping sites. 
  Access Point Berg River Resort in Paarl Opening times 8am – 5pm Cost R60 – R100 (day visitors, depending on season)
Free (children under 3)
R60 – R100 (per vehicle, depending on season) Contact 021 001 8805, info@bergriverresort.co.za Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

5. Crystal Pools Waterfall

 

Image credit: Chatterbox

This hiking trail is very doable for anyone who is reasonably fit, and slightly challenging for those who are not. The rockpools along the way, where you can cool down during your walk, make it well worth the slog. The half-day hike takes you through rocky, but generally flat, terrain, and all the way at the top is a wonderful waterfall, but it is quite a trek, so make sure you have plenty of snacks, water and energy to get there.
  Access Point Crystal Pools in Gordon’s Bay  Opening times 7.30am – 4pm (1 November – 30 April) Closed (May – October) Cost R60 per person, permits must be obtained ahead of time Contact steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za (Steenbras Nature Reserve, can only be contacted by email)
021 850 4057, Kogelberg.NatureReserve@capetown.gov.za (Kogelberg Nature Reserve) Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

6. Jonkershoek

 

Image credit: GoTraveller ZA

This pristine reserve lies between the Eerste River and Stellenbosch Mountain. The clear river water is too tempting not to dip into, and you can also enjoy a leisurely picnic along the riverbanks under the shade of ancient trees. It’s very popular with casual hikers – trails range from 3.5km to 5km. The various routes provide amazing views of the valley and beautiful wine farms below. 
  Access Point Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in the Stellenbosch region Note Only 60 people are allowed into the reserve per day to help with conservation efforts, and admission is on first-come-first-served basis. Opening times 7.30am – 4pm Cost R40 (adults) R20 (children) Contact 021 866 1560 (reserve office)
021 483 0190 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (for permits) Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

7. Groot Winterhoek Wilderness

 

Image credit: Hike South Africa

A mere 120km north of Cape Town, this small conservation area is well known for its rugged landscape and rich heritage. Among the interesting rock formations, exquisite fynbos and clear-water rockpools, you’ll find ancient rock paintings by the San and Khoi people. It is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, and there are plenty of places to stop for a refreshing swim with not a building in site.
  Access Point Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area near Porterville Opening times Monday – Friday, 7.30am – 4pm On weekends, follow the signs to the office, and ask for the officer on standby to grant you access to the park. Cost R60 (adults) R35 (children under 12) Contact 022 931 2860 (reserve office)
021 483 0190 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (for permits) Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Sharon Kariwo

8. Krom River Trail

 

Image credit: Pinterest

The Limietberg Nature Reserve, over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, offers some of the best hiking trails in the Western Cape. The Krom River trail stands out, as it guides you past waterfalls and deep, translucent rockpools that are clear enough to snorkel in. The water is ice cold, but that will probably come as a relief after the long hike. You’ll need to bring some cash, as using the Huguenot tunnel requires a toll. You’ll also need a permit, which can be purchased at the Trout Farm – just after the tunnel on your left, or from CapeNature. Only 30 permits are issued per day to prevent overcrowding, so plan ahead. 
  Access Point Limietberg Nature Reserve in Paarl Opening times Daily, 8am – 6pm Cost R40 (adults) R20 (kids) Contact 021 871 1535 (reserve office)
021 483 0190 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (for permits) Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Matthew Flax

9. Suicide Gorge

 

Image credit: sleeping-out.co.za

Recommended only for hardy and experienced hikers, the Suicide Gorge trail takes you high up into the mountains… and then downhill through the gorge that gives it its name. You’ll be getting wet on this journey, so bring the appropriate gear, including lightweight hiking shoes, a swimsuit, and a change of clothing – a wetsuit is also highly recommended. Much of the 17km hike involves slip-sliding your way along this natural waterslide, and at certain points you’ll be required to leap off cliffs – some as high as 15m – into the pools below. An adrenaline-boosting experience to be sure, but if you’d prefer a less intense adventure, the nearby Riviersonderend Route offers a similar challenge, but with fewer drops – the highest being a more manageable 7m.
  Access Point Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve near Grabouw Please note The Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend Route may be closed at any time at the discretion of the reserve staff (due to inclement weather or other unsafe conditions) . Please call ahead to confirm that the routes are open.
Hikers are advised to start early (no later than 9am), and must be out of the reserve by 7pm.
Groups must be guided by an experienced kloofer who has done the trail before.
No children under 12 are allowed on this trail.
Group size is limited to five or six people on weekends, and 12 to 15 on weekdays.
Weekend excursions must be booked a month in advance.
The reserve office is only open on weekdays, but there is a staff member will be on duty seven days a week.

You must have a permit to access this route. Permits can be acquired from CapeNature (contact details provided below) Opening Times Daily, 8am – 7pm (1 November to 30 April)
Closed from May to October Cost R325 per person (for Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend Route, cost of permit included) Contact 028 841 4301 (reserve office) 021 483 0190 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (for permits) Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Matthew Flax

10. Breede River Valley

 

Image credit: timberdesign.co.za

The Breede River flows east from the Ceres mountains in the Western Cape down into the Indian Ocean, watering the famous winelands of the Breede River Valley along the way. The Bontebok National Park, near the historic town of Swellendam, provides convenient access to the river. It’s a great spot for a picnic or braai, swimming in the calm waters, canoeing, or even angling if you have a permit.
  Access Point Bontebok National Park near Swellendam Opening Times 7am – 6pm (May to September) 7am – 7pm (October to April) Cost R37 (adults)
R18 (children)
R100 (conservation fee, for foreign visitors) Free (with My Green Card or SANParks Wild Card) Contact 028 514 2735, bontebok@sanparks.org Dog-friendly? No  TIG Reviewer Matthew Flax

11. Bainskloof Pass

 

Image credit: Love Exploring

High up in the Boland Mountains, the Bainskloof pass marks the point where the Witte River meets Route 301 before continuing down into the valley, forming a network of rapids and waterfalls along the way. The Bainskloof Corner Lodge lies at the top of the pass, just after the Bainskloof Trading Post, and offers easy access to the river, where you can relax in one of the calm rockpools, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Intrepid nature lovers, enquire at the lodge about the many hiking trails in the area –  you’ll need to purchase a permits and map (from the lodge) before you set off.
  Access Point Bainskloof Corner Lodge, near Wellington Opening times Daily, 8am – 6pm Cost R50 (adults) Contact 021 864 1159, 061 493 5887 (cell), cornerlodge@bainskloof.co.za TIG Reviewer Matthew Flax

12. Palmiet River

 

Image credit: CapeNature

The Palmiet River feeds the apple farms of Grabouw, before passing through the town of Kleinmond. Your best point of access is the Palmiet river trail in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve; a great spot for swimming, hiking and exploring the nearby sandy coastline.  
  Access Point Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond Opening times Daily, 7.30am– 4pm (gate closes at 7pm) Cost R40 (adults) R20 (children) Contact 028 271 5138 (reserve office) 021 483 0190 or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (for permits) Dog-friendly? No TIG Reviewer Matthew Flax