The Palmiet River

The Palmiet River is an important river within the Western Cape Water Supply System. The catchment area however is only 500 km2. The river is named after the plant Palmiet (Prionium serratum). It has five irrigation and hydro-power dams along its length, and it provides water for agricultural and industrial use through the Elgin Valley as well as for the city of Cape Town. The Palmiet is a tributary of the Keurbooms River.

The river flows more strongly in winter after rainfall but it is unclear why there has been an apparent increase in flow over the last 30 years.

Dams along the Palmiet River are:

• Arieskraal Dam
• Eikenhof Dam
• Kogelberg Dam
• Rockview Dam
• Transpalmiet Dam

Tube ride

Tube down the Palmiet River in an inflatable “geko with Absolute adventures (074 620 1525)The River tumbles through the Fynbos-covered mountains of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. This pristine natural environment forms the backdrop to the Tubing Experience. A friendly stream during the summer months, winter rainfall turns the river into an exciting white water adventure. This trip is designed so that clients have an exciting experience in both seasons and is run almost all year round (excluding late summer when the river is too low). Ages: 12 years and upHours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm