Western Cape: Clarence Drive reopening for one-way traffic!

The Western Cape Government yesterday (11 December 2023) announced that the Clarence Drive, a key tourist route connecting Gordon’s Bay with the coastal towns of Rooi Els, Betty’s Bay, and Pringle Bay, has been reopened. Repairs to the road have progressed to the point that one-way traffic can be accommodated. Clarence Drive was closed after it sustained significant damage following the severe rainfall and subsequent flooding that hit the Western Cape on the weekend of 22 – 25 September 2023. However, several restrictions remain in place for reasons of public safety. Based on construction requirements, there is a high likelihood of extended closures which will either be for set times during the day or for several days at a time. According to the Western Cape Government, closures during the peak festive season are unlikely.

“There are 6 stop-and-go points on Clarence Drive and one at Palmiet Bridge, bringing it to a total of 7 stop-and-go points between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond which will add to your travel time. I urge road users to factor in additional travel time when using this route. I further ask road users to be patient and to be courteous towards pointsmen and -women. While the additional travel time may be frustrating, our teams are diligently working to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety on these vital routes.” said provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers.

Current indications are that repairs to this route will cost approximately R80 million. This cost includes repairs to the Palmiet Bridge, which also sustained significant damage.

Cape Town: Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools hiking trail closed for this hiking season!

The City of Cape Town has announced that the Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools hiking trail will remain closed for this hiking season. The storm over the long weekend (22 – 25 September 2023) resulted in severe flooding of the Steenbras Nature Reserve and along Clarence Drive near Gordon's Bay. Rivers have been diverted and entire sections of the Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools hiking trail have been washed away, and will take some time to repair.
The free of charge Klipspringer hiking trail remains closed due to no public access given severe damage to Clarence Drive. The free of charge Danie Miller hiking trail in Gordon's Bay is open, but should be used with caution due to strong flowing streams and loose, slippery rocks. Bookings for the Steenbras River Gorge are usually open from 01 October annually. According to Alderman Eddie Andrews, City of Cape Town's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, tt will take considerable time to do the necessary repairs. We'll keep you posted!

Western Cape: Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking Trail to reopen in November 2012

The Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking Trail, which forms part of the Steenbras Nature Reserve (Gordon’s Bay - 8km along the R44) and is also part of the greater Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, is scheduled to reopen on 01 November 2012. The hiking trail was closed in May 2011 due to fire damage, soil erosion, vegetation degradation, uncontrolled access and visitor safety issues.

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Cape Town's Environmental Resource Management Department has introduced a new permitting system and rules and regulations for the trail that will improve visitor safety and management of the area. According to the news system, only 50 people per day will be allowed to enter the area and 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.
Until an electronic booking system is in place, bookings can be made at the Helderberg Nature Reserve main gate during operating hours. The gate hours are 07:30 – 20:00 from December to February; 07:30 – 19:00 in March and October; and 07:30 – 17:30 from April to October.
The following information is imperative to visitors planning a hike in the Steenbras Nature Reserve:

• Steenbras River Gorge is only open from 01 November to the end of April and will be closed during the winter period
• A maximum carrying capacity of 50 persons per day will be permitted to enter the area
• 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