Newlands Spring, Cape Town, South Africa

## Overview Newlands Spring is one of Cape Town's most beloved natural water sources, nestled in the leafy suburb of Newlands at the foot of Table Mountain's eastern slopes. Fed by rainfall that filters through the ancient sandstone and granite of Table Mountain, this spring has been a gathering point for locals and visitors for generations. The Newlands area takes its name from the fresh springs that have flowed here for centuries — long before European settlement, the indigenous Khoisan people are believed to have used these waters. The spring flows year-round, though water volume can vary seasonally, with the strongest flow typically during and after Cape Town's winter rainy season (May–September). The water emerges naturally from the mountain aquifer and has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community. Visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and fresh, and it remains a popular spot for Capetonians to fill up bottles and containers. ## Directions 1. Head to **Springs Way** in the Newlands suburb of Cape Town (GPS: 33°58'28"S, 18°27'28"E). 2. From **Kildare Road**, turn right onto **Springs Way**. 3. The spring collection point is located along Springs Way — look for the stone drain structure fitted with PVC pipes. 4. Parking is available along the road. The spring is accessible directly from the roadside. ## What to Expect The spring water is channelled through a **stone drain fitted with PVC pipes approximately 15 cm in diameter**, making it easy to fill bottles and larger containers. The setup is simple but functional, and during busy periods — especially on weekends and during Cape Town's dry summer months — you may encounter queues of residents filling up jugs and drums. The spring is **open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week**, so you can visit at any time. The surrounding Newlands area is green and shaded, with tall oaks and indigenous vegetation lining the streets. The local Liesbeek River, one of Cape Town's historic waterways, usually receives water directly from the same mountain source. Newlands Spring became especially well-known during Cape Town's severe drought and water crisis of 2017–2018, when thousands of residents queued daily to collect spring water as municipal supplies dwindled. The spring continued to flow even as dam levels dropped critically low, underscoring the remarkable resilience of Table Mountain's natural aquifer system. Visitors should bring their own containers for filling. The area is generally safe during daylight hours, and the spring is a well-known local landmark. If you're exploring Cape Town's natural heritage, Newlands Spring offers a wonderful, accessible connection to the mountain's ancient water cycle.