Crystal Pools - Nature Hike

Directions to Crystal Pools:

Fauna and Flora

As part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, The Crystal Pools is home to over 1,600 plant species and known for the most beautiful sandstone fynbos but also loved by troops of baboons. Beware of the baboons! They are always faster so do not try to run after them when they managed to steal your bag looking for food. Baboons are intelligent and know exactly when and how to approach when they think there is food. Keep food securely stashed away and to act respectfully and responsibly around these highly intelligent, opportunistic, mischievous animals. Fynbos mountain ranges in the Western Cape also hosts African wildcats, cape clawless otters, large spotted genets, caracals, cape foxes, and leopards, but most of the cats in this area are nocturnal, so not something you need to sweat over.

What to bring

Common sense. It is fun, but also dangerous so don’t take any chances if it’s your first time. General hiking safety tips apply, but make sure you have good hiking shoes, a sun hat, and sunblock—this hike is in full sun, which makes the pools all the more refreshing.

Pack enough water and some snacks for a lovely lunch by the pools. It’s a bin-free hike, so take an extra bag for your trash and pick up any litter you might spot along the way. Please don’t disturb the natural plant life or animals and act responsibly while on the reserve. Walk single file to avoid soil erosion and stick to the well-trodden footpaths.