Hely-Hutchinson Dam

The beach at the top of Table Mountain can only be reached after a four-hour strenuous hike up Skeleton Gorge which begins at Kirstenbosch Gardens. The beach is at the far end of the Hely-Hutchinson Dam. This dam holds nearly a billion litres of water. You can dig your feet in the sand. However, swimming is not allowed.

Hely Hutchinson was the Governor of the Cape colony from 1901 to 1910. He was born in Dublin and educated at Harrow and Cambridge.

. This is a man-made beach which is the by-product of the dams that were built there in the late 1800s. The water in the dam is a clear shade of brownish orange because of tannins from the fynbos that leach into the water.

Important numbers to have when visiting Table Mountain National Park venues

• Emergencies:021 480 7700
• Medical emergencies from a cellphone:112
• Table Mountain National Park: 021 957 4700/ 0861 106 417
• Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 948 9900