Rhodes Memorial quarry is the swimming hole of dreams

When you don’t want to dip your toes in the cold Atlantic Ocean, and avoid rent-a-cops telling people they’re not allowed on certain public beaches, in the shadow of the Rhodes Memorial is where Capetonians really go to swim.

As a non-Capetonian, you often miss the hidden gems, especially when time in the city is limited, and trekking out to the winelands becomes near impossible due to tight budgets that doesn’t allow for a car rental.

But with a powerful MyCiti bus card, a backpack and a quick stop at the De Waterkant Spar, a boozy day, sans beach, is one of those unexpected experiences much better than Clifton 4th or hiking up Lion’s Head.

The Rhodes Memorial quarry is the swimming hole of dreams. The secluded spot is a haven for families, cannabis smokers and people really just looking to chill.

Rhodes Memorial quarry. Picture: Adriaan Roets

My adventure started with a friend asking me to join him before my flight back to Johannesburg. “It’s on the way,” he said.

With my suitcase packed, snacks and a bottle of MCC in hand, we took the 700m climb to the quarry entrance. There, we found an odd place with dashes of Nirvana and danger.

The familiar smell of festivals (weed), mixed with lush forest trees and a green body of water, and throwing your arms around friends already pouring you a drink is a heady mix of delight. But once settled on a blanket on the banks of the dam, true euphoria settles in.

On the banks you hear every accent, see every person and even a variety of species, as dogs take a dip and families of Egyptian ducks quack around. There’s giggles as a few tweens splash around.

A few giggles as people, likely high, laugh at their own conversations. Cans get popped. Some groups play J Balvin, others opt for Drake. Sho Madjozi’s Huku swims through the air.

“I accepted my dad bod,” Christo says as he disrobes down to his swimming trunks, joint in the mouth, heading to the water. “It’s warm,” he says as we all rush down to chat as he floats around.

Rhodes Memorial quarry. Picture: Adriaan Roets

Cape Town is a lucky packet – you can visit in winter and sweat the day away, or visit peak summer and get blown away by that nasty southwestern.

A place like the quarry is where you can visit year round. Secluded from the wind and perfect to attract the sun’s heat, this pool of water is for everyone.

Of course, a few drownings have happened, so there’s that rush of danger as you float around. There’s also the ducks. Children drop crisps or pieces of bread, only to find out the ducks aggressively beg for more, waddling around reminding you you’re in their house.

It’s funny that at the bottom of Herbert Baker’s Rhodes Memorial there’s a space unphased with the travesties of South Africa’s ongoing evolution to become a pluralistic state. People here are simply there for a good time, making this swimming hole a holy experience.

Info

• To get to the quarry, walk along the left side of the fence from the entrance of the memorial. It’s the first path on the left side;
• The quarry doesn’t have any ablution facilities;
• SANParks have previously said there’s some danger of petty theft here – so travel in pairs and leave valuables at home; and
• Entrance is absolutely free

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