Admiral's Waterfall
A hidden gem in Simon's Town, this waterfall offers stunning winter flows and panoramic harbor views after a short, scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Admiral's Waterfall
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in Simon's Town, this waterfall offers stunning winter flows and panoramic harbor views after a short, scenic hike.
"The waterfall is quite amazing to watch at the moment, especially after the recent rain."
🎯 Visit in Winter for Flow
The waterfall is most impressive after rain, especially in winter. Summer visits may see only a trickle.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be slippery and has uneven rocky steps. Good grip is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Admiral's Waterfall
Simon's Town
A stunning cascade framed by rocks, especially vibrant after rain. Offers panoramic views of the harbor.
Panoramic Harbor Views
Upper trail sections
Breathtaking vistas overlooking Simon's Town harbor and the surrounding coastline. Perfect for photos.
Fynbos and Rocky Outcrops
Trailside
The short hike winds through beautiful fynbos vegetation and interesting rocky formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Peak Flow
Navigating the Trail & Baboons
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Visit in Winter for Flow
The waterfall is most impressive after rain, especially in winter. Summer visits may see only a trickle. 
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be slippery and has uneven rocky steps. Good grip is essential. +1
🐒 Beware of Baboons
Baboons are common. Keep food secure in your car or bag, and do not feed them. +1
🗺️ Ask Locals for Directions
Parking is limited and the route can be tricky. Locals are helpful with directions. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit in Winter for Flow
The waterfall is most impressive after rain, especially in winter. Summer visits may see only a trickle.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be slippery and has uneven rocky steps. Good grip is essential. +1
🐒 Beware of Baboons
Baboons are common. Keep food secure in your car or bag, and do not feed them. +1
🗺️ Ask Locals for Directions
Parking is limited and the route can be tricky. Locals are helpful with directions. +1
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Simon's Town harbor are stunning, especially from higher points.
💧 Trail Can Be Slippery
Be cautious, especially after rain, as the rocks and path can become very slippery. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Admiral's Waterfall, especially during winter when it's flowing powerfully. The easy-to-moderate hike offers stunning panoramic views of Simon's Town harbor. While generally safe and free to enter, caution is advised due to slippery trails and the presence of baboons.
"Most beautiful outing to the waterfall. After the downpours it's flowing like crazy. Quite an easy trek up, a bit slippery in the wet weather. The waterfall baboon troop were in the area, they are quite harmless.
Dogs allowed on a leash. The views from up here are quite stunning. You can see the whole of Simonstown harbour. Very soothing to sit down and just listen."
Sybz Solomons
"A beautiful experience. Not for little kids as the trail is very narrow with a steep drop and no railings for protection. No Parking available. Great spot to see baboons. Beautiful views as its really high up. The waterfall isn't much of a waterfall when there hasn't been rain. The route to get to the trail is a bit tricky so you have to ask the local people for directions. Always be safe and be careful. The rangers that were keeping people safe from the baboons are very helpful and kind. Trail is about 30 min to an hour. Free entry"
Jermaine Arron
"A beautiful waterfall in winter. It is so stunning the way it is flanked by rock face on either sides. Then you look upwards and see another waterfall. The other waterfall has a longer drop. The whole area is beautiful, the gorgeous river below the falls, the view of Simonstown way down below. The walk to the falls is easy but it will be a challenge for the elderly. There is a fairly steep set of rocky steps which are uneven in places. The full length of the walk from the parking area, is very short. Watch out for baboons!"
Michelle Macleod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Admiral's Waterfall is located in Simon's Town. Parking is very limited, so consider arriving early or asking locals for the best route and parking spots. Some suggest incorporating it with other Simon's Town attractions like Signal School Steps. +1
Parking is described as very limited. It's advisable to arrive early or explore parking options in Simon's Town and walk to the trailhead. +1
The route can be a bit tricky to find. Many visitors recommend asking local residents for directions, as it's considered a bit of a local secret. +1
While not explicitly detailed, Simon's Town is accessible by train. From the town center, you would likely need to walk or arrange local transport to the trailhead.
Yes, Admiral's Waterfall is a great addition to a day trip to Simon's Town, offering a short, rewarding hike with beautiful views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Admiral's Waterfall is free. There are no admission fees to access the trail and enjoy the waterfall.
There are no official opening or closing hours as it's a natural trail. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No booking is required for Admiral's Waterfall. It's an open-access natural attraction.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops directly at the waterfall or along the trail. Amenities are available in Simon's Town.
Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash at Admiral's Waterfall, making it a pet-friendly hiking spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the falls is generally short, estimated to take about 30 minutes to an hour round trip from the parking area. +1
The trail is considered easy to moderate. It involves some steep, uneven rocky steps and can be slippery when wet, posing a challenge for the elderly or very young. +2
The waterfall is most spectacular during the winter months (June-August) and after heavy rainfall when it flows strongly. In summer, it may be reduced to a trickle. +1
You can expect stunning panoramic views of Simon's Town harbor, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. +1
Yes, baboons are frequently seen in the area. Visitors are advised to be cautious, secure food, and not to feed them. Rangers are sometimes present to help manage interactions. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the waterfall offers dramatic shots, especially when flowing. Higher points on the trail provide excellent panoramic views of the harbor and coastline.
Yes, drone footage can capture the impressive scale of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape, offering unique aerial perspectives.
Morning light can be beautiful for the waterfall itself, while late afternoon might offer softer light for the harbor views. Consider the angle of the sun for your desired shots.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and the expansive views. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet rocks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
The panoramic views of Simon's Town harbor from the higher points are also a major draw, providing stunning vistas for landscape photography. Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Waterfall's Seasonal Charm
+2In contrast, the summer months can see the waterfall reduced to little more than a trickle. While the dramatic flow is absent, the trail still offers a pleasant walk through fynbos and provides stunning panoramic views of Simon's Town harbor. Even in its drier state, the unique geological formations flanking the falls remain a point of interest.
Therefore, planning your visit around the rainy season is key to experiencing Admiral's Waterfall in its full glory. Checking local weather reports and recent rainfall can help you time your visit for the most dramatic display.
Navigating the Trail and Safety
While the path is manageable for most, it's noted as potentially difficult for the elderly or very young children due to the steep drop-offs and lack of railings in some sections. Safety is paramount, and caution is urged, particularly when venturing close to the water's edge where rocks are more prone to being slick.
Beyond the trail's physical demands, visitors must be aware of the local baboon population. These primates are known to frequent the area and can be bold. It's crucial not to feed them and to secure all food items, preferably stored in the boot of your car, to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Rangers are sometimes present to assist with baboon management and ensure visitor safety.
The Allure of Simon's Town's Hidden Gem
The panoramic vistas from the upper sections of the hike are a significant draw. Overlooking the bustling Simon's Town harbor and stretching out to the coastline, these views provide a perfect backdrop for photography and a moment of serene contemplation. The sound of the rushing water, when present, further enhances the tranquil atmosphere, creating a peaceful escape from the everyday.
This combination of a rewarding short hike, stunning scenery, and the unique charm of being a 'local secret' makes Admiral's Waterfall a highly recommended spot for those exploring the deep south of Cape Town.
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