Hiking to the Lookout hut in Silvermine

The hike to the Tokai lookout hut is a great shorter hike if you are limited for time, or are introducing someone to the pleasures of hiking. Walking at a reasonable speed you can be back at your car in less than 2 hours.

Park your car at the top car park beside the dam in Silvermine North. (you need a wild card or to pay R15 entry fee at the gate) The take the path signed to elephants eye cave. Initially a small shaded path you join with a jeep track after50m. Continue on a small incline for about a kilometer. At a T junction you take a left turn up a much steeper hill for 20m then take the small path to the left. Although steep, this path cuts out a large switchback on the jeep track.  Once you rejoin the jeep track you are already at a height of 550m. Stop here and admire the view over False Bay and the Muizenberg Mountains for a while.

The jeep track

Once on your way again take the first path to the right. . This path leads you on a relatively flat route around Steenberg Ridge and above Tokai Forest. During the winter you cross many small streams and it is slippery in a couple of areas, so take care. After a further 500m you take the left turn at a trail head and begin a small final climb to the hut.