Visitors to Phillipskop love to head to the Lily Pond to cool off on a hot day. This picturesque dam, fed by a mountain stream, is situated just 300m from our self-catering accommodation, on the western edge of the reserve. As the name implies, blue waterlilies abound here, but there is still space for a cooling dip whilst enjoying the views of the mountains towering overhead. Lily Pond offers you a rustic, close-to-nature swimming opportunity – if you are lucky you might see dragonflies darting amongst the water lilies, or even meet the occasional frog.
Those who enjoy exploring can carry on upstream from Lily Pond to Nerine Pool. This is a beautiful mountain stream pool situated in a small steep-sided kloof. Although it is not deep enough for swimming (except for small children) it is a pleasant place to cool off on a hot day as there is nearly always some shade. In March or April you may be lucky enough to see the bright red of Nerine sarniensis on the slopes above you. Nerine Pool is a gem to be discovered by the more adventurous – although it is only 150 m upstream from Lily Pond, the route requires a bit of boulder hopping upstream and you should expect to get your feet wet.
Our eastern valley leads to the waterfall and rock stacks. Do not expect to be able to swim along this route but you can enjoy small mountain pools that will at least cool the lower half. The area below the waterfall is sandy and good fun for kids to dig and make channels. It is particularly worth going up there after a heavy rain storm.
Our overnight guests have the privilege to make use of our natural swimming pool just below the cottages. This concrete pool has a filtration pond beside it through which the water is pumped. This means that there is no need of chlorine as the water plants clean the water naturally. For more information on the natural swimming pool please follow this link.
Parents are responsible for their children, who should be supervised at all times. Please also keep away from the edge of the dam wall and to be careful on the rocks going upstream to Nerine Pool.
