As Spring heats up toward summer here on the southernmost shores of Africa, I have managed to find some awesome pools for swimming. The coast is dotted with swimming spots for all styles, from surfers to divers and in between, which is where we find ourselves today.
Just on the shores of the mighty dark continent, I have tracked down some of the most rare and epic magical pools of warm Indian ocean water to take a bath. This region known as the Garden Route, has something for everyone who loves the outdoors.
My particular taste is for isolated coastal rock features where one can find natural rock baths carved out of the continental shelf. And wherein sea life as well as warm still tubs await.
The tide and breaking waves are more dangerous on this western side of the Robberg peninsula marine sanctuary. Fortunately these pools are safe despite the crashing waves that pound the rock just a stone’s throw away.
You can find good surf at the white sandy beaches on the eastern side of the peninsula. Today we are exploring the lesser know section where hardly any locals what to speak of tourists actually explore.
It takes a lot more climbing to reach these hidden pools so you are some of the rare privileged few to have ever set eyes on them. I usually have the place all to myself down on this particular stretch of the shoreline.
If you ever wish to come and find them for yourselves then it’s easy to find by following the pin on the map. Special Robberg peninsula coastal corridor hiking trail tours are regularly taking visitors along this rare and delicate stretch of coastline.
The route can be explored over several days, and allow one to inspect the local indigenous Fynbos floral kingdom that grow here endemically along these shores. It’s an awesome place to come and explore while basking in the natural environment and floral habitat.
I relish the watering pools for my swimming pleasure. The combination of wild and powerful crashing raw ocean waves juxtaposed with a tranquil and translucent bath tub made of stone makes for a really special place and feeling.
Any time of the year is fine for a visit, since we are in the “goldilocks zone” where its actually the most temperate place on the planet. The temperature variation is one of the least in the world, second only to Hawaii, although much milder of course.
Now, as summer approaches we are leading up to the best time of the year and the start of the busier tourist season. What a pleasure it is to see people flock from all parts of the world to this little-known and well kept secret of a paradise on earth.
Now that you know where you too can get a piece of paradise for only the price of a ticket and some time off, be sure to make your way to the Garden Route on the south Cape coast of Africa, and particularly to the exquisite Plettenberg Bay. Once you arrive, you may never want to leave.
(photos my own)