Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa. It covers the section of the Cape Peninsula mountain range from the Kalk Bay mountains through to Constantiaberg. The Ou Kaapse Weg main road runs through the reserve, cutting it into a northern and southern section. The Silvermine reservoir, on the northern side, was built in 1898 to supply water to Cape Town. 

Apart from splendid views from several vantage points in the reserve, it is a significant conservation area for the indigenous fynbos vegetation occurring there, forming part of the Fynbos Floral Biome which has World Heritage Status and is known as the world’s ‘hottest biodiversity hotspot’ for the rich biodiversity in plant species it contains which are threatened. A variety of ericas such as the Constantia Heath (erica abietina constantiana), Winered Heath (erica abietina atrorosea), Sticky White Heath (erica physodes), all endemic to the Peninsula, as well as several Proteacea species, such as the magnificent King Protea (protea cynaroides) and Brownbeard Sugarbush (protea speciosa), naturally occur in the area.

The hike starts from the Silvermine Dam Parking Area taking the Crags trail up towards Elephant’s Eye Cave. From there we continue towards the high saddle at the top of Blackburn ravine, where we enjoy the magnificent views across Hout Bay and Karbonkelberg across the bay. We follow the Panorama trail which contours around, with beautiful views across Silvermine dam all along the way and end back at the parking area, where there is an opportunity to swim in the dam. 

• DISTANCE - 10 km

• ELEVATION GAIN - 370 m

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - 1.5A - Easy to moderate on-trail hike, no exposure and no use of hands required

• DURATION - Up to 5.5 hours is the standard duration for this hike

• LOCATION - Cape Town, South Africa

This hike can be booked as a PRIVATE GUIDED HIKE, find the price list HERE