Magical rock pools and hidden caves on the south Cape coast of Africa

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Today’s hiking trail along the southernmost shoreline of Africa has brought me to some epic and inviting rock pools for swimming. With the Equinox upon us, Spring has arrived and air temperatures are looking up by the day. On top of that the Indian ocean is generally warm enough to bathe in at any time of year.

A calm pool fed by the rougher sea just other side of the rocky boundary provided by nature with epic arch in the distance.

As a result the hidden rock pools dotted along today’s stretch of coastline are looking more appealing after a few hours hiking in the sun. This is one of my favorite swimming places, though there are numerous of differing sizes and shapes, which is what adds to the variety along my hiking trail.

Water pours in from the ocean to fill the pool.

Depending on which section of the coast I’m exploring, perfect little pools crop up at intervals. Today’s stretch is back at the steep cliffs just to the west of Robberg Peninsula. It’s a deserted and unknown part of the shoreline in the Plettenberg Bay region of the African south coast.

Here you can see just how steep the cliff side is as it meets the Indian Ocean.

The sea water is a lovely aquamarine color today, thanks to the clear sunlight. A little bit of mist or haze in the distance adds a muted and softened horizon and the rocky pools are full since the waves are pumping from the extra swell. Usually the sea along this stretch is difficult if not impossible to actually access. It’s too rough and wild with too many rocks at the shoreline.

Fascinating foam build-up as the ocean churns in the swell among the rocks at the shoreline.

The only way to enjoy the sea here is by finding one of the beautiful rock pools that occur where the land meets the sea and creates the ideal setting, like these sheltered pools. Here one can recline in the clam bath-like setting while the rougher waves and sea swell are kept at bay just outside the protective ring of boulders.

One of my meditation caves - a perfect shelter from the wild world exploding around us.

With a pair of goggles it’s possible to see all the various sea life that swims around the pool, like little fish, crabs, octopus, snails, urchins and so on. The slight murky effect from the rougher than usual sea swell makes visibility a bit less optimal than usual, though generally it’s still decent. And at the bottom of some pools one can see the only traces of pure white beach sand on this particular stretch of the coastline.

View from inside the cave, where time stands still.

Other than that, there is no sea sand here, only rock and pebbles as far as one can see. Add to that the steep massive cliff face that meets the ocean head on, and you have something like a mountain cliff side colliding with the vast almost unending appearance of Indian Ocean. It’s an awesome setting to really connect with the pure vitality of nature in its most original and rugged form.

A retreat sanctuary to escape the outside world, with an awesome view of the Indian Ocean.

Currently my sunny South Africa has returned to what is called stage six power blackouts, which means ten hours of power cuts daily. It is the worst level possible before total blackout. The country is losing something like ZAR10 billion a day in revenue. The mind boggles at how the economy can survive such a situation.

A two-room cave apartment for the communal hermit.

On the positive side, it inspires me to take more time out and to spend more time outdoors hiking along my trails surrounded by the beautiful natural environment here on this epic coastline. Fortunately I don’t run a daily business that is dependent on electricity, although the rest of the economy may not have it so easy.

Epic ochre rocky landscape at the shoreline with tenacious indigenous succulent in the foreground.

And with power off, the internet is naturally also off for such extended periods. This makes work from home or online activity quite tricky. Nevertheless, half of my lifestyle as a travel blogger and digital nomad is about exploring outdoor natural wonderlands. The other half is writing about them and uploading my blog posts online.

A smaller private bathing pool if you prefer.

So there is plenty of time for both departments, despite ten hours of power cuts daily. I simply go for longer hikes and take more photos of my beautiful surroundings to share with you, dear readers. And then I grab the opportunity to post this blog when the power happens to be on. Being a digital nomad teaches one flexibility and adaptability, since conditions are constantly changing.

A nature paradise and playground for those who have the legs to attain it.

For now summer is on its way here in the deep south of the planet, so power is not a matter of life or death, as it might be in the EU as winter approaches and power cuts may be arriving there too under the reduced natural gas supply conditions. If it gets too cold up north, you can always pop down here to sunny South Africa and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle in the sun and fresh air by the sea.

A place for some serious fun in the sun, with the author as digital nomad.

And if you make it to these southernmost shores then be sure to visit this region called the Garden Route, particularly the tourist hotspot of Plettenberg Bay. It is a picturesque little hidden gem which you night like so much that you may not want to leave in a hurry. At least not until winter in the north is over and the snow is gone. I can’t think of a better way to follow the sun and make the most of your time. If it can work for me then it will work for anyone.

(photos my own)

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