Woodhead dam and tunnel
The Woodhead Tunnel, which is 640-metres long was constructed between 1888 and 1891. It connects Orange Kloof and Slangholie Ravine on Table Mountain. The tunnel was built to divert the Disa Stream, a tributary of the Hout Bay River, to supply water to the Molteno reservoir. in Oranjezicht.
By 1870, Cape Town’s rapid growth necessitated new water infrastructure. Scottish engineer Thomas Stewart was hired to design the project. To meet the demand, the Woodhead Dam was built between 1894 and 1897. A temporary cableway transported men and materials to the site, but before its completion, long lines of porters carried supplies up Kasteelspoort Ravine.
Over time, additional dams were built:
- The Hely-Hutchinson Dam (1904), upstream of Woodhead.
- Alexandra and Victoria Dams (1903) on the Disa Stream.
- De Villiers Dam (1907), downstream of the earlier dams.
While the Woodhead Tunnel is abandoned, its entrance at Orange Kloof is accessible to the public, providing a glimpse into Cape Town’s water history.
Today, these dams supply less than 1% of Cape Town’s water but remain popular hiking destinations. Trails like Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge from Constantia Nek offer scenic routes to explore the area. The trails are well signposted. See other trails
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
- CITY Mountains, caves and other features, Rivers and Dams, Walks, Hikes and Trails
