Silvermine Nature Reserve can be found in the heart of Table Mountain National Park, and according to many hikers, it offers some of the best trails the province has to offer. The reserve encompasses both sides of the mountain, stretching from the scenic Ou Kaapse Weg to ocean-facing areas near Noordhoek and Fish Hoek. It is the perfect place to go when you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Mother City life. Seeff explores some of the activities on offer here, including hiking, biking and picnicking, among others.
Go for a hike - or take your dog for a walk
The east and west side of the reserve both offer a variety of walks with varying levels of difficulty to suit everyone from novices to experienced hikers. Beginners and families with small children can take a short stroll on a wooden boardwalk around the reservoir. This walk will take about 20 minutes, although it may take slightly longer if you stop to admire the Egyptian geese in the area.
There are a variety of longer hikes such as the Noordhoek Circuit, which is a must for Instagrammers. The trail, which starts below the dam wall, will reward you with breathtaking views of Long Beach, Noordhoek Valley and the fynbos that's endemic to the region.
One of the most popular hikes in Silvermine is Elephant's Eye. You'll start this one from the reservoir's parking lot and head out onto a path that will lead you to a dirt road. The hike (there and back) will take around two and a half to three hours, and the Elephant's Eye for which the hike is named is a cave that boasts great views and an ideal spot to have a break, enjoy some snacks and take loads of pictures.
If you're taking your dog for a walk, you'll need to be aware that there are only certain parts of the reserve where dogs are allowed. If you're taking your dog along, you'll also need a My Activity Permit, which you can buy from SANParks.
Fantastic mountain biking opportunities
Mountain bikers can show off their skills on the Silvermine Dam Loop, a 9.4 km trail that follows a rough jeep track in the direction of Elephant's Eye Cave. The trip gets a bit technical, with a steep zigzag section. There are concrete strips to help with traction in the toughest section. Cyclists will need a My Activity Permit before hitting the trails.
Go for a swim - or a picnic
The sparkling Silvermine reservoir is open to everybody - including your furry family members. With water slightly warmer than the nearby Atlantic Ocean, this spot is a favourite for open water swimmers training for their next race. There are no lifeguards at Silvermine, so we recommend swimming in a group. There is an array of over 40 Instagram-worthy picnic spots dotted around the reservoir. Find a spot under a tree with a great view of the dam and the fynbos and let the stresses of life fade away. Silvermine is also listed as one of the Cape's best braai spots, but due to fire risks, braaiing is only allowed from June to November.
Trust the reviews
To get a glimpse of how great Silvermine Nature Reserve is without leaving your couch, look no further than its TripAdvisor reviews. The reserve is described as "well marked and maintained", "great for kids" and "well-signed and clean". In the words of one visitor who hiked to the reserve's Elephant Eye Cave, "the route is well mapped...and offers lots of photo opportunities." TripAdvisor users also reiterate the importance of staying safe by hiking in numbers.
Proximity to Table Mountain National Park and Silvermine Nature Reserve is one of the many things to love about living in Cape Town. Contact Seeff and let us help you find your family's future home in the Western Cape.
Image credit: Photo: China Crisis | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0 | https://bit.ly/3n382dq