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The City of Cape Town has announced that the Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking Trail is scheduled to reopen on November 1.

The trail was closed in May 2011 due to fire damage, soil erosion, vegetation degradation, uncontrolled access and visitor safety issues.

“The closure of this area to the public has given it an opportunity to recover. During this time, reserve management has worked on introducing a new management system which is based on similar areas managed by other conservation authorities,” said a statement by the city.

The new system will allow a maximum capacity of 50 people per day to enter the area.  Visitors must be in possession of a pre-booked and paid permit in order to enter the area. No permits will be issued at the entrance to the gorge.

Important information:

• Steenbras River Gorge is only open from November 1 until the end of April and will be closed during the winter period.
• In the interests of visitor safety, a minimum of three and maximum of 10 persons per group will be allowed.
• No children under the age of 12 will be allowed to walk in this area.
• Hikers need to be fit to complete this trail.
•  There will be a tariff of R60, 00 per person, as per the City’s tariff document.

Until an electronic booking system is in place, bookings can be made at the Helderberg Nature Reserve main gate during operating hours.

For more information Email: steenbras.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za or visit their website.