Table Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and breathtaking landmarks in South Africa. With its towering peaks and stunning vistas, it attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year. While many opt for the popular trails that lead up to the summit, there is another hidden gem waiting to be explored – the Dams Hiking Tour.

Muki Venture, a renowned adventure tourism company, offers a guided tour that takes you on a unique and unforgettable journey through the dams of Table Mountain. This tour not only allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area but also provides insights into the historical significance of the dams.

The adventure begins at the base of the mountain, where the experienced guides from Muki Venture will greet you with enthusiasm and provide a safety briefing before embarking on the trail. The hike initially follows a gentle incline, allowing you to warm up while taking in the lush surroundings. The scent of fynbos, a unique flora endemic to the Cape region, fills the air as you meander along the path.

As you ascend, the trail leads you deeper into the heart of the mountain, revealing picturesque dams along the way. These reservoirs have been strategically placed to supply fresh water to the Cape Town region, making them vital to the city's infrastructure. As you learn about the history and engineering marvels behind the dams, you can't help but appreciate the importance of preserving this precious resource.

Along the route, the guides will regale you with fascinating tales of the challenges faced during the construction of these dams. From early settlers digging trenches to contemporary technological advancements, you will gain insight into the triumphs and struggles that shaped the development of Cape Town's water infrastructure.

Another highlight of the tour is the opportunity to witness the incredible biodiversity found on Table Mountain. The area is known for its rich animal and plant life, and you may encounter various species, including dassies, lizards, and even rare bird species. The guides are experts in the local flora and fauna, and they will gladly share their knowledge and answer any questions you may have.

As you reach the highest point of the hike, a breathtaking panoramic view awaits you. From this vantage point, you can gaze upon the city below, marvel at the vastness of the ocean, and appreciate the stunning landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is a moment of pure awe and a reminder of the incredible natural wonders that this world has to offer.

At the end of the hike, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a well-deserved picnic while reflecting on the beauty and adventure you experienced throughout the day. Muki Venture ensures that each tour is personalized, catering to your needs and preferences, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure on Table Mountain, the guided dams hiking tour by Muki Venture is an experience not to be missed. So lace up your hiking boots, embrace the spirit of adventure, and discover the hidden treasures that lie within the dams of Table Mountain.



Dams on Table Mountain | How to get there

If you're planning to hike the Table Mountain dams, consider taking a guided trip with MUKI VENTURE. We can give you more information about your options and help plan your itinerary.

Table Mountain Dams: How To Get To The 

To get there by foot, one can take the Table Mountain cable car up and then hike across the mountain to reach Boulders. Hiking directly up , Skeleton Gorge or Kasteelspoort are all good options depending on where you plan to visit first.

The Table Mountain dams have a long history in Cape Town.

When drought hit Cape Town in the early years of settlement, citizens had to find a new source of water.

A tunnel was built to bring water from the Disa Stream, via the Twelve Apostles. Although the initial plan was for water to be channeled from the reservoir to the city centre via a pipe running along what would become known as Pipe Track,

it soon became clear that this wasn’t enough when demand grew faster than expected.

They would solve the problem by building five new dams capable of supplying water to all residents. 

Table Mountain's Woodhead Dam is located at the top of the mountain. | 277 m long by 50 metres high

The hike up SKELETON GORGE, the first of Table Mountain's five reservoirs, leads directly to Woodhead.

The project's scale was immense, but it had to be undertaken nevertheless. When construction began in earnest, workers climbed TABLE MOUNTAIN and carried building materials on their backs. Later—once the need for speed became clear—"a small steam-driven cable car" was built to facilitate things further down the line anyway!

The construction of the dam required workers, materials and locomotives to be transported from the cable car station. Work on the Woodhead dam was completed by 1897.

Table Mountain's Hely-Hutchinson Dam

Hely-Hutchinson Dam, which lies just below the summit of Table Mountain, can be reached on foot by HIKING up the Twelve Apostles.

Woodhead Dam was built in the late 1960s.

Soon after its completion, people began to discuss building a second dam on Table Mountain.

Hikers who follow the Kasteelspoort trail to the top of the Twelve Apostles will find themselves only a short walk away from Hely-Hutchinson dam.

The Hely-Hutchinson dam and reservoir were built in order to provide a steady supply of water to the growing city of Cape Town.

In the early 1900s, a dam was built and named after British governor Walter Hely-Hutchinson.

Advice on Being Safe While Climbing Table Mountain

Hiking to the dams on TABLE MOUNTAIN is a great experience. The hike will be rewarding in itself, but once you get there and see how spectacular they are, it’ll all have been worth it!

If you are hiking to Woodhead and Hely-Hutchinson dams, be sure to stop by the Waterworks Museum. This museum contains original equipment–and even materials!—which were used in their construction.

If you're planning to hike the Table Mountain dams, consider taking a guided trip with MUKI VENTURE. We can give you more information about your options and help plan your itinerary.