Silvermine Nature Reserve
The Basics
The Silvermine Nature Reserve is well known for its fynbos ecosystem, a heathland of unique indigenous plants that extends throughout South Africa’s Western Cape. It's a popular spot for Cape Town residents to picnic, hike, mountain bike, or simply enjoy the scenery on a sunny day. One end of the reserve has some interesting caves to explore, and guided hiking tours of the reserve are available from Cape Town.
Things to Know Before You Go
Silvermine Nature Reserve is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.
Hiking in Silvermine Nature Reserve is less strenuous than walking up Table Mountain.
There is an admission fee to enter the reserve.
Facilities include picnic tables and barbecue areas.
The boardwalk around the reservoir is wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Silvermine Nature Reserve is roughly a 50-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center. There are two entry points, both with parking areas. No public transportation can get you there, so if you don’t have a car, booking a guided tour is recommended.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Set out for Silvermine Nature Reserve early in the morning if you wish to embark on a hike—it can get uncomfortably hot around midday. The reserve opens from 7am to 6pm in summer and 8am to 5pm in winter.
Bird-Watching
Keen bird-watchers should bring their binoculars and look out for orange-breasted and malachite sunbirds, rock kestrels, kites, jackal and common buzzards, and peregrine falcons. With luck you may also spot a Verreaux’s (or “black”) eagle. The variety of habitats in the reserve means that many different bird species thrive here.