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Steenbras Dam Accommodation, Cape Town
South African Tourism

Steenbras Dam Accommodation

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(As the crow flies. Road distance will differ.)
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Steenbras Dam located in the ''Hottentots-Holland Mountains'', near Gordons Bay, Cape Town, South Africa © Olga ErnstLicense
Steenbras Dam with Gordons Bay in the foreground © Hansueli Krapf, License

Steenbras Dam

Steenbras Dam is a striking mountain reservoir tucked into the Hottentots Holland Mountains above Gordon’s Bay, surrounded by rugged peaks, fynbos and sweeping valleys. Although primarily an important water-storage facility for Cape Town, its spectacular setting makes the surrounding landscape one of the more memorable corners of the southern Cape.

The dam takes its name from the Steenbras River, which flows through the surrounding mountains towards False Bay. ‘Steenbras’ is an Afrikaans name traditionally used for the steenbras fish, a species found along South Africa’s coastline. The name reflects the close relationship between the Cape’s inland landscapes and its maritime heritage.

The Steenbras system has played an important role in Cape Town’s water supply for decades. The main dam was completed in the 1970s as part of the city’s expanding network of reservoirs, while the earlier Steenbras Dam was constructed in the 1920s. Together, they form part of a major water-storage and management system serving the metropolitan area.

The surrounding mountains are particularly attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking routes in the broader Hottentots Holland landscape lead through spectacular fynbos, with spring bringing colourful displays of indigenous flowers. The rugged terrain also provides excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

Steenbras Dam is also associated with one of South Africa’s most unusual engineering projects: the Steenbras Pumped Storage Scheme. Water is pumped between reservoirs at different elevations, allowing electricity to be generated during periods of high demand. The scheme was one of the country's pioneering pumped-storage facilities.

The dam lies in the Cape Town region, close to Gordon’s Bay and the gateway to the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Scenic mountain roads around the area provide spectacular views towards False Bay and the surrounding valleys.

Access to the dam and its infrastructure is controlled, so visitors should check local access arrangements before planning a visit. Even from the surrounding roads and viewpoints, however, the dramatic mountain setting provides an excellent taste of the wild landscapes lying just beyond Cape Town’s southern suburbs.

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(As the crow flies. Road distance will differ.)
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Steenbras Dam Accommodation, Cape Town
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