Outdoor enthusiasts can once again enjoy some of Cape Town’s most popular hiking and picnic spots, as more areas of Silvermine have officially reopened.
As of 1 September, Silvermine Gate 1 on the western side of Ou Kaapse Weg began welcoming back visitors, offering access to the Silvermine Dam, the Elephant’s Eye trail, and the Silvermine Riverwalk.
This reopening forms part of the second phase of recovery following the devastating April fire that destroyed about 2,800 hectares of land.
The fire left a trail of damage, destroying infrastructure, ablution facilities, and boardwalks, and forcing SANParks to carry out large-scale rehabilitation and safety works before the public could be allowed back.
Visitors returning to the area will notice ongoing restoration, with certain paths and facilities still under repair.
In July, the first reopening took place on the eastern side of Ou Kaapse Weg. Silvermine Gate 2, which includes routes such as the Waterfall and Kalk Bay trails, Echo and Spes Bona Valleys, Boyes Drive, and the Steenberg Plateau, was made available to the public. Upper Tokai also reopened at that time, although Levels 4 and 5 remained closed during the winter months because of unstable terrain.
READ MORE: SANParks: Silvermine and Tokai hiking trails to open in July
But, not everything is back in use yet. Donkey Trail and the Level 1 & 2 Jeep tracks remain closed. The uThango braai area is also closed but is scheduled for reopening in December.
SANParks has urged all visitors to follow signage, stick to designated trails, and take note of ranger instructions.
