River Gorge and Crystal Pools Closing for Winter

The Steenbras Nature Reserve’s River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking Trail will be closed as of 1 May 2015 during winter for general maintenance and to allow the vegetation to recover. In the meantime, visitors are urged to obtain permits early as the reserve is reaching its capacity for bookings for the remainder of the season.

Visitors have until Thursday 30 April 2015 to frequent the Steenbras Nature Reserve’s River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking Trail before the facility closes for its winter break.

Following the high visitor numbers during summer, the closure as of Friday 1 May 2015 will give the vegetation an opportunity to recover and allow the staff to attend to general maintenance.

The Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking Trail is found within the boundaries of Steenbras Nature Reserve, with the gorge starting at the Steenbras river mouth. It is one of 16 nature reserves and natural sites managed by the City’s Environmental Resource Management Department.

‘The City is making every effort to ensure that the popular Steenbras Nature Reserve remains in pristine condition so that its visitors can continue to enjoy its natural beauty and the diversity of plants, birds and small mammal species along the hiking trails which cater for both novice and more experienced hikers. Following a very busy summer season which has attracted many visitors, the closure of the facility over winter is needed to allow the vegetation to recuperate and for general maintenance to occur to get ready for the next influx of visitors.

‘Furthermore, the City is grateful that the majority of residents have honoured the permit system during the 2014/2015 season. The limitation of visitor numbers and more controlled access is helping to prevent degradation of the area and makes it safer for the visiting public. The City wants to thank the public for working with us by obtaining permits to ensure that the facility remains a well-loved space for all to enjoy. Together, we are building a sustainable city for our future generations,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning, Councillor Johan van der Merwe.

Bookings will resume from 1 October 2015. The reserve is scheduled to reopen on 1 November 2015.

Visitors who require permits, especially for hiking on weekends and public holidays, must contact the Steenbras Nature Reserve well in advance to secure a booking. All bookings and permits are administered via the e-mail to: steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za .No cash sales or issuing of permits are available at the gate.

For enquiries or information regarding this area please e-mail the reserve at steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za or visit www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves