Steenbras dam

[Ming]

Cut between the Hottentots Holland Mountains and the stark Kogelberg range is the large sheet of water and known as the Steenbras dam. The Dam is basically a reservoir of water for the Metropolitan area of Cape Town. But it's setting is far from basic. It could be a postcard scene from Scandinavia, with crisp edge Islands, pine forests that rise like dominoes from the water, and white sandy banks that catch metre high waves in windy conditions.

The catchment area is 19,000 ha in extent, of which 1000 ha is under pine plantation cultivation. Much of verse is out of bounds to the public, but there's a large recreation area near the dam wall. It is a popular fishing spot, well stocked with trout. Fishing is the only recreational activity allowed. It must be done from the banks, no wading is permitted. There are 21 bungalows in the recreation section, each sleeping for people accommodation is strictly functional and visitors must supply the own bidding crockery, cutlery, cooking, including appliances and lighting. No camping or caravanning is allowed, but there are several picnic sites.

One of the great attractions is the magnificent gardens in the recreation area. Behind the dam wall, for example, in the deep gully that stretches down to the Indian Ocean is a shady terrace garden with sandstone foot paths.

The main conservation trust, is the preservation of fyndos endemic to the area. day permits are required to into the area and these are available from the Cape Town city council. Reservation forms and permits for use of the bungalows are available only from the Civic Centre.

The game including accommodation is open to all, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. Areas accessible to the public are served by Todd roadstead wind around them and the pleasantly shaded by flowering plants. The dam attracts a wide selection of birds such as the giant Kingfisher, the Egyptian geese and occasional Fish Eagle. Several species of antelope, have been cited in official stationed in the pine forests are spotted leopards tracks.

The steenbras dam is reached by taking the N2 highway from Cape Town to Caledon. One can either use the northern entrance or the coastal road through Gordons Bay were signs on the left of the road guide to the dam.

[Abri]

Hi Ming,

Thanks for this article. I was fortunate enough to enter at the gate on Gordon Bay's side 3 years ago. It truly is exactly as beautiful as you described it. I recently tried to go there again to show my girlfriend the beautiful scenery she's been missing out on and I was told that it's not open to the public anymore and they won't be opening in the near future. Do you know anything about this or is there another way of accessing the dam?

Best regards,
Abri

[YAAA]

Prior to 2001 the Steenbras Dam was a popular resort. Tourists and nature lovers from all over South Africa visited the dam in large numbers to enjoy the extremely beautiful scenery and unique location of the dam situated at an elevation of about 288 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range, overlooking False Bay. For generations it was an easy accessible and enjoyable picnic and recreation area for the residents of Gordons Bay.
Without any consultation with ratepayers or any other effected role players the city closed this tourist resort with its existing “braai” and recreation areas and chalets to the public.
On 22 March 2007 the GBRPA management committee met a delegation of the Bulk Water Directorate of the city together with Ward Councillor Johan Middleton and made strong and compelling representations for the reopening of the dam to the public.
A comprehensive report by the Bulk Water Directorate in this connection was recently considered by the Helderberg Sub Council. The report recommends that an Environmental Impact Assessment be undertaken and that its terms of reference must include, inter alia, identification of sites ( for hiking, overnight camping, touring activities), limiting or restricting number of visitors, maintenance of roads, restrictions on number and types of vehicles, etc..
The GBRA welcomes this recommendation as a positive step forward in promoting ecotourism in our area. We must ensure that the Environmental Impact Assessment is undertaken expeditiously and that all role players participate.

[NATALIE]

I Would Like To Know The Price To Camp At Steenbras Dam?

[Unregistered]

Who can i contact to get info on the camping grounds and if it's still possible to go there.

Coz i was part of the Boy Scouts about 5 years ago when we camped there and it was awsome but i've joined Land Service now and want to show them the beautiful place.

[happy camper]

where can i get info for camping at the Steenbras dam?

please help me if you can.

[Unregistered]

If someone find out how we can go Camp there please contact me.

[Unregistered]

Cut between the Hottentots Holland Mountains and the stark Kogelberg range is the large sheet of water and known as the Steenbras dam. The Dam is basically a reservoir of water for the Metropolitan area of Cape Town. But it's setting is far from basic. It could be a postcard scene from Scandinavia, with crisp edge Islands, pine forests that rise like dominoes from the water, and white sandy banks that catch metre high waves in windy conditions.

The catchment area is 19,000 ha in extent, of which 1000 ha is under pine plantation cultivation. Much of verse is out of bounds to the public, but there's a large recreation area near the dam wall. It is a popular fishing spot, well stocked with trout. Fishing is the only recreational activity allowed. It must be done from the banks, no wading is permitted. There are 21 bungalows in the recreation section, each sleeping for people accommodation is strictly functional and visitors must supply the own bidding crockery, cutlery, cooking, including appliances and lighting. No camping or caravanning is allowed, but there are several picnic sites.

One of the great attractions is the magnificent gardens in the recreation area. Behind the dam wall, for example, in the deep gully that stretches down to the Indian Ocean is a shady terrace garden with sandstone foot paths.

The main conservation trust, is the preservation of fyndos endemic to the area. day permits are required to into the area and these are available from the Cape Town city council. Reservation forms and permits for use of the bungalows are available only from the Civic Centre.

The game including accommodation is open to all, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. Areas accessible to the public are served by Todd roadstead wind around them and the pleasantly shaded by flowering plants. The dam attracts a wide selection of birds such as the giant Kingfisher, the Egyptian geese and occasional Fish Eagle. Several species of antelope, have been cited in official stationed in the pine forests are spotted leopards tracks.

The steenbras dam is reached by taking the N2 highway from Cape Town to Caledon. One can either use the northern entrance or the coastal road through Gordons Bay were signs on the left of the road guide to the dam.

Good Morning cab you please send me a quote to camp at steenbrasdam for a weekend. We are 6 adults and one child of one year old. And more information of what we should have. Anastasha

[Unregistered]

Good Morning
I would like to know if you can give me quote to camp at steenbrasdam for a weekend. We are six adults and one child of one year of age.
Anastasha

[EVANS]

Hi
I Would Like To Know If We Could Camp @ Steenbras Dam For A Weekend,could You Please Give Me A Quote?