Hike from the Ebb and Flow Camp along the Giant Kingfisher Trail to this lovely swimming spot. Part of the route has a well maintained boardwalk.
It has two tiers of rock pools, with a waterfall tumbling into the top pool and water spilling into the lower one. The pools have formed from eroded quartzite and the water is dark brown to tea colour stained by tannin from the forest floor layers of humus and fynbos on the mountain slopes. A great place to picnic, tan on the rocks and paddle in the lower pool or enjoy the waterfall pool’s Jacuzzi effect.
Careful as the rocks can be slippery!
As this in on SANParks land, a conservation fee is paid at the camp office.
Alternative Route: Hire a canoe from Eden Adventures, paddle 40 mins to the hiking stop, then hike a further 40 minutes to the waterfall.
Tannins
As vegetation decays, tannins seep into the ground water or drain into lakes and streams, making a transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling tea. Because of this, these rivers typically have a lower (more acidic) pH level.
Tannins are found commonly in the bark of trees, wood, leaves, buds, stems, fruits, seeds, and roots, and help to protect the individual plant species. For example, tannins stored in the bark of trees protect the tree from being infected by bacteria or fungi. Similar properties are extended to the waterways as it seeps into the river.
Tannins are also found in wine, tea, and berries, and are safe for human consumption. Historians note that early colonists and mariners would fill casks from tannin stained rivers. In the days before treated water sources, it was a safer, healthier alternative. They didn’t understand that this water carried fewer microbes because of its chemical makeup, but they knew it worked.
Many rivers along the Garden Route have tannin stained waters.
Some Nearby Listings
Half Collared Kingfi..
Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, Waters...
Eden Adventures..
Fairy Knowe Hotel, 1 Dumbleton...
Serendipity Restaura..
Freesia Ave, Wilderness, 6560...
