Woodhead Dam, Cape Town

Name: Woodhead Dam
Address: Cape Town, South Africa

#32 among attractions in Cape Town

Nature, Lake, Natural attraction

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Facts and practical information

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Cape Town's mountainous landscape lies the serene Woodhead Dam. This historic reservoir is a testament to the city's rich engineering heritage, playing a crucial role in quenching the thirst of the local population. Constructed in the late 19th century, Woodhead Dam was one of the first major endeavors to harness Cape Town's natural water resources.

The dam is situated within the majestic Table Mountain National Park, an area renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse flora and fauna. The Woodhead Dam, alongside its sibling, the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir, forms part of the Table Mountain water collection system. This system has been instrumental in providing water to Cape Town residents for over a century.

As a lake, Woodhead Dam presents a picturesque setting that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Hikers often traverse the surrounding trails, rewarded with the sight of the tranquil waters juxtaposed against the backdrop of rugged mountain slopes. Although primarily a functional piece of infrastructure, the dam has become an integral part of the natural landscape, contributing to the area's ecological diversity.

Despite its utilitarian origins, Woodhead Dam is not just a cornerstone of the city's water supply system; it is also a destination for outdoor recreation. The dam's proximity to the city makes it an accessible escape for those seeking tranquility away from the urban bustle.

Visitors to Woodhead Dam can enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the dam wall, where the sheer engineering prowess of the Victorian era is on full display. The historical significance of the dam, combined with its environmental importance, makes it a site of interest not only to those with an inclination towards engineering and history but also to individuals passionate about conservation and natural beauty.

Opened: 1897 (127 years ago)Length: 909 ftHeight: 164 ftReservoir area: 32.12 acres (0.0502 mi²)Elevation: 2385 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 33°58'38"S, 18°24'15"E

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Table MountainCape Town South Africa

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Day trips

Woodhead Dam – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Theatre on the Bay.

1.3 miN
Natural attraction, Cliff
Table Mountain, Table Mountain National Park
33 min walk • Table Mountain, a prominent landmark towering over the city of Cape Town, South Africa, is a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. This flat-topped mountain is not only a significant tourist attraction but also a symbol of the city, often featured...
1.6 miE
Nature reserve with mountain views
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
42 min walk • Nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is not only a verdant retreat but also a world-renowned botanical showcase of South Africa's unique flora. Established in 1913 to preserve the country's indigenous plant life...
1.7 miN
Aerial tramway
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Town
43 min walk • Rising majestically above the vibrant city of Cape Town, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers a unique perspective of this breathtaking corner of South Africa. This aerial tramway, first opened to the public in 1929, has since become an iconic feature of the...
2.2 miNW
Theater, Concerts and shows
Theatre on the Bay, Cape Town
56 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque suburb of Camps Bay, Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, is a beacon of culture and entertainment. This intimate venue, with its exceptional location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Table Mountain, offers a diverse...
2.4 miN
Park
Statue of Maria van Riebeeck, Cape Town
62 min walk • In the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, stands a tribute to an influential woman in the city's early history – the Statue of Maria van Riebeeck. This notable sculpture, crafted by the artist Dirk Wolbers, pays homage to the wife of Jan van Riebeeck, who was the...
2.8 miN
Park, Playground, Art Nouveau architecture
De Waal Park, Cape Town
71 min walk • De Waal Park is a public park and heritage site in the Oranjezicht suburb of Cape Town. The park, which contains over 120 species of trees, is popular with dog walkers. The park is roughly rectangular. Molteno Dam borders the park to the south, with the other three sides bordered by roads.
~1300 ftNE
Museum, Science museum
Waterworks Museum, Cape Town
7 min walk • The Waterworks Museum is located on the northern side of Table Mountain, between the Woodhead and Hely-Hutchinson Reservoirs, in Cape Town, South Africa. The museum was founded in 1972 by Terence Timoney, a retired waterworks engineer.
2.7 miNE
Tower, Park
Disa Park, Cape Town
70 min walk • Disa Park is one of the best-known pieces of architecture in the Vredehoek area of Cape Town, South Africa.
2.2 miNW
Area
Camps Bay, Cape Town
57 min walk • Camps Bay is an affluent suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, and the small bay on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula after which it is named. In summer it attracts many South African and foreign visitors.
2.7 miN
Dam, Reservoir
Molteno Dam, Cape Town
70 min walk • Molteno Dam is a small but historic dam, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain in Western Cape, South Africa. Still in service, it was established in 1877 and is now located in the suburb of Oranjezicht, Cape Town.
2.2 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Forest
Newlands Forest, Cape Town
56 min walk • Newlands Forest is a conservancy area on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, beside the suburb of Newlands, Cape Town. It is owned and maintained by the Table Mountain National Parks Board, along with the City Parks Department of Cape Town, and includes a Fire Station, Nursery and Reservoir.