Hiking in Silvermine National Park
Silvermine National Park is an area within the Table Mountain National Park between Cape Town and Cape Point. It offers some really wonderful trails, both strenuous and easy with amazing views and flora.
On the left side of Ou Kaapse Weg (travelling towards Noordhoek) you turn into the reserve and do need to pay an entry fee (if you don’t have an activity card – dogs can only be walked here if you are in possession of an activity card) Here you can choose beween: The river walk, a stroll around the dam, elephants eye cave or the full Noordhoek peak circuit.
The River walk is a wonderful non strenuous stroll following a small stream from the entry gate to the reservoir. It takes you about an hour to reach the dam wall. The route is along a small path with boardwalks in places with plenty pf places to stop along the river side for a picnic or for quiet contemplation. Its a perfect route for dogs as loads of places to jump in and splash around.
The river walk is a beautiful gentle amble
The return journey can either be made along the same path or along a path roughly parallel to the river walk but a little further South. When you reach the jeep track turn left and then almost immediately left again onto a bike trail. After 5 minutes you carry on straight where the cyclists turn left and continue through the veld with now amazing views of False Bay. This route is slightly longer than the river walk so allow an hour and a half to get back to you car.
The reservoir walk is a gentle stroll than a walk along a very well maintained boardwalk around the reservoir. Beware weekends and public holidays as this area can become very crowded with families as there are braai areas around one side of the dam.
Crossing the Silvermine Dam
Elephants eye cave is a real family favourite. The return hike should take you 2 to 3 hours and is strenuous in places. However the cave and the views make it all worthwhile.
The view from the back of Elephants eye cave
Noordhoek Peak. The jeep track that starts at the reservoir follows a circular route that takes you past Noordhoek peak. This entire circuit should take 3 to 4 hours and is moderately strenuous in places. It shares many of the views with the elephants eye route but also allows you to look over onto the Atlantic side. A hike of fantastic views especially if you take a small detour to the look out point above Hout Bay.
The view point overlooking Hout Bay
These trails are by no means the only hikes in the Silvermine area. There are several more, and of course you can combine a couple of shorter trails to mean you can spend the whole day in the area.
Contact us for more information on hiking in the Cape Town area.
