Refreshing pool
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Meiringspoort Waterfall

4.7
·2k reviews·, South Africa

A stunning 60m cascade into a deep rock pool, set within the dramatic Meiringspoort Pass. A perfect, refreshing stop on any South African road trip.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

Warmer and better light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Refreshing pool

Meiringspoort Waterfall

Best Time

Afternoon

Warmer and better light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning 60m cascade into a deep rock pool, set within the dramatic Meiringspoort Pass. A perfect, refreshing stop on any South African road trip.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful and quiet. I was a solo adventurer and I felt safe!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pit Stop Perfection

A must-stop on the N12 for a quick refresh and stunning views .

🏊‍♀️ Take a Dip!

The natural pools are cold but incredibly refreshing. Perfect for a quick swim .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meiringspoort Waterfall

Meiringspoort Waterfall

Meiringspoort Pass, Western Cape

A breathtaking 60m cascade into a 9m deep pool, offering a refreshing dip and stunning natural beauty.

Meiringspoort Pass Drive

Meiringspoort Pass Drive

The scenic drive through the Swartberg Mountains offers spectacular views and is a highlight in itself .

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

While Meiringspoort Waterfall is a stunning stop year-round, consider visiting in the afternoon. Mornings can be chilly and lack light for photos.Reddit The short walk to the falls is manageable, but be prepared for some stairs.Reddit

Accessibility and Amenities

Meiringspoort Waterfall offers free entry and basic facilities like bathrooms and an information kiosk.Reddit It's a convenient pit stop on the N12, perfect for a refreshing break during a road trip.Instagram

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
Warmer and better light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer
Why
Ideal for a refreshing dip
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

My first elephant hug 😭❤️ #southafrica #buffelsdriftgamelodge #elephants #fyp #traveltiktok #safari #oudtshoorn
@madelaineposthumu
129.5K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Pit Stop Perfection

A must-stop on the N12 for a quick refresh and stunning views.Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Take a Dip!

The natural pools are cold but incredibly refreshing. Perfect for a quick swim.Reddit

Meiringspoort Waterfall. Always nice to make a quick pit stop there. #flexadventures #meiringspoort #instagramreels #explore #landcruiser #alublack #infanta4x4 #terraintamer @wayne.scott.5811 @ewanvisser @the_runawayblonde
vanventuressa
215 likes • 2.9K views
What a gem, the beautiful Meiringspoort waterfall outside De Rust. Make sure to stop at the waterfall on your next visit. 📽 Mariska Koortzen #Meiringspoort #derust #Oudtshoorn #kleinkaroo #gardenroute #Route62 #swartbergmountains #viewsfordays #openspaces #waterfall #roadtrip
oudtshoorn_derust_tourism
88 likes • 1.7K views

📸 Capture the Beauty

Visit in the afternoon for better light and fewer crowds.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

A short walk from the parking lot to the falls, with some stairs.Reddit

Welcome to Meiringspoort Falls 💦 This is the perfect place to stop when you make your way to the Garden Route. Located just outside of de Rust; the drive itself is spectacular. It is a popular spot that only requires a short walk that leads into the ravine. The waterfall drops down a 60m rock into a 9m deep rockpool. FUN FACT: A pathway was made to the waterfall back in 1925 when the Prince of ...
_mariska_k
0 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pit Stop Perfection

A must-stop on the N12 for a quick refresh and stunning views.Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Take a Dip!

The natural pools are cold but incredibly refreshing. Perfect for a quick swim.Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

Visit in the afternoon for better light and fewer crowds.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

A short walk from the parking lot to the falls, with some stairs.Reddit

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Enjoy a picnic with magnificent mountain backdrops.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Meiringspoort Waterfall as a beautiful and refreshing stop, often calling it a 'hidden beauty' and a 'wonderful short stop'. The free entry, easy access, and stunning natural scenery are frequently praised, though some note the water can be quite cold. It's a highly recommended, quick break on road trips.

"A short stop to enjoy the freshness of the waterfall (although not necessary in winter). Some stairs to climb, but all in all easily accessible. You might want to go in the afternoon, it gets quite cold in the morning and there is not a lot of light as you can see."

Stanislas T

"Shortest hike to a waterfall ever, the incline isn't too bad.

Absolutely beautiful and quiet. I was a solo adventurer and I felt safe!

People come to collect fresh water and it's quite a beautiful process"

Amy Wagenaar

"Hidden beauty, many zip pass but truly a wonderful short stop.
A short walk from the car park to the falls.

Facilities includes bathrooms and an information kiosk."

Hassen Mahomed

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall and pools
Free entry and easy access
Refreshing dip

What People Dislike

Water can be very cold

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Meiringspoort Waterfall is conveniently located along the N12 highway, making it an easy stop for road trippers. The drive through Meiringspoort Pass itself is spectacular, offering stunning mountain views.Instagram+1 It's situated between De Rust and Prince Albert, a popular route for those traveling to or from the Garden Route.Instagram

While not directly on the coast, Meiringspoort Waterfall is a popular and scenic stop for travelers exploring the Garden Route region, often accessed via Route 62.Instagram+1

The N12 is a major national road in South Africa that passes through the Meiringspoort Pass, making the waterfall easily accessible for those driving this route.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Meiringspoort Waterfall is free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly stop for all travelers.Reddit

Meiringspoort Waterfall is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible at all times. However, for the best experience with light and warmth, visiting in the afternoon is recommended.Reddit

As there is no entrance fee, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Meiringspoort Waterfall.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The walk from the car park to the waterfall is described as very short and easy, with some stairs involved.Reddit It's a quick and rewarding excursion.

Yes, you can take a dip in the natural rock pools at the base of the waterfall. The water is known to be very cold but incredibly refreshing.Reddit

Facilities include bathrooms and an information kiosk, providing basic amenities for visitors.Reddit

Yes, it's a great spot for families. The short walk is manageable for most, and the opportunity to cool off in the water is a hit with kids.Instagram

One visitor mentioned feeling safe as a solo adventurer at this beautiful and quiet spot.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For the best photographic opportunities, aim for the afternoon when the light is softer and the waterfall is well-illuminated. Mornings can be quite cold and dim.Reddit

You can capture stunning shots of the 60m waterfall cascading into the deep rock pool, as well as the dramatic landscapes of the Meiringspoort Pass.Instagram+1

Consider capturing the scale of the waterfall by including people in your shots, or focus on the textures of the rock face and the spray from the falls. The surrounding mountain pass also offers incredible vistas.Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Meiringspoort Waterfall is a fantastic family-friendly stop. The short, easy walk to the falls means even younger children can manage it, and the chance to splash in the cool rock pools is always a hit.InstagramReddit It's a great way to break up a long car journey and let the kids burn off some energy in a beautiful natural setting. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic surroundings.Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those on a road trip along the N12 or exploring the Garden Route, Meiringspoort Waterfall is an ideal and convenient pit stop.Instagram It requires minimal time commitment but offers maximum reward in terms of natural beauty and a refreshing break. The drive through Meiringspoort Pass is a scenic highlight in itself, making it a perfect addition to any day trip itinerary.Instagram+1

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

Nature photographers and lovers of scenic landscapes will find Meiringspoort Waterfall and its surroundings captivating. The dramatic rock formations of the pass, the cascading waterfall, and the clear rock pools offer diverse photographic opportunities.Instagram Visiting in the afternoon provides better light for capturing the vibrant colors and textures of this natural gem.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Meiringspoort Pass

The drive through Meiringspoort Pass is an experience in itself. This dramatic mountain pass, part of the N12, cuts through the Swartberg Mountains and offers breathtaking vistas at every turn.Instagram+1 The road winds through rugged rock formations and diverse fynbos vegetation, making the journey as memorable as the destination. Many travelers highlight the scenic beauty of this drive, often stopping multiple times to soak in the views.Instagram

Experiencing the Waterfall and Pools

The Meiringspoort Waterfall itself is a striking sight, with water cascading approximately 60 meters down a rock face into a deep, 9-meter rock pool.Instagram While the water is known to be very cold, taking a dip is a popular and refreshing activity, especially during warmer months.Reddit The short, accessible walk from the parking area, complete with some stairs, leads you directly to this natural wonder.Reddit It's a perfect spot for a quick, invigorating break on a long road trip.

Community Insights and Hidden Gems

Travelers often describe Meiringspoort Waterfall as a 'hidden beauty' and a 'wonderful short stop' that many zip past without realizing its charm.Reddit It's a place where people collect fresh water and enjoy picnics with magnificent mountain backdrops.Reddit The accessibility, free entry, and the sheer natural beauty make it a highly recommended pit stop for anyone traveling through the region.Instagram

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