The stunning Silvermine Nature Reserve - Part 6 of the TMNP series

Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the spectacular Table Mountain National Park range and is situated among the slopes of the Capes’ Deep South. The river of Silvermine which runs from the reserve through to Clovelly where the Silvermine Wetlands can be found. Originally named Silvermine in 1675 when shafts were built as it was believed there was silver hidden within the reserve; this turned out not to be true but nonetheless the name stuck.

It was declared to be a part of the TMNP back in 1998 and is divided into 2 parts by the curving road of Ou Kaapse Weg, meaning Old Cape Road.

Just a mere 20 minute drive from the city centre of Cape Town it offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Why not go triumph one of the various hiking trails on the mountain or relax with a lovely picnic around the reservoir? There are also mountain-biking trails to be braved.

The Silvermine Circuit around the reservoir.

Some of the well-known hikes, but not limited to, are that of Peers Cave Hike where there was the famous discovery of a large skull which can be traced back to be about 12 000 years old, the cave is situated above the sand dunes of Fish Hoek. The 3 hour hike to and back from Elephants Eye cave can be reached from either Silvermine Nature Reserve or from the forest area of Tokai. The Noordehoek Peak circuit is a hike taking 3 to 4 hours to complete, offering views of the Atlantic and Hout Bay.

There are braai areas for the South African family and friend tradition of cooking meat over flames. People can also take a dip in the dark-water dam, or feed the little fishes bits of bread, which is very cute to watch!

A popular spot for bird watching and to check out the indigenous flora of the Cape. There are an estimated 900 species of Fynbos to be seen on the reserve. Dogs are more than welcome to enter the reserve accompanied by their owner.

A boardwalk which offers accessibility for those in wheelchairs or babies in prams is in place for a wheel about or walk around the dam’s edge. It is an easy 20 minute stroll which circles around the family friendly reservoir, appropriately named the Reservoir circuit.

The reserve is open from 08h00 till 19h00 everyday to explore and there is a small entrance fee which goes towards the conservation of the area. Ample parking for cars can be found, at both of the 2 entrances into this magnificent reserve. 

A fire broke out in the month of March (2015) and spread throughout the Southern Peninsula leaving parts of the Silvermine Nature reserve burnt. The extravagant Silvermine tented camp was left damaged. The Capes indigenous Fynbos however will recover from the fire as the plants greatly benefit from being burnt. 

Enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the Silvermine National Park. 

Protea found in the Silvermine Nature Reserve.