Silvermine Nature Reserve — Attraction in Cape Town Ward 71

The dam is a great place to swim, especially in summer. International visitors worry about the brown water but it's not contamination. It's tea. Really. Tannins from the fynbos leached into the soil and washed into streams colour most mountain streams. My folks called it Coca-Cola water. I wouldn't drink it though.

This little dam doesn't provide drinking water to the city - it's too small. Cape Town's biggest dam on the mountains you can see on the other side of the cape flats, is called Theewaterskloof - old Dutch for "tea water gorge". Most of our drinking water comes from there. The water is the same colour. Once it's goes through the purification system it looses the tea colour.

Loads of easy walks. Hike to see the nesting pair of Vereaux Eagles or picnic in the Elephants Eye cave. Hike here are little more accessible for smaller kids and a great place for the whole family to hike together - even the kids over 65.

Best place to start rock climbing. There are professional guides who can take you or join a club. Not something to start on your own. Most routes are single pitch sport routes with well bolted and maintained protection. Pitches are roughly 20 meters. Online route guides are pretty good but they tend to leave out the easier routes. Better to get a guide book like Tony Lourens' Western Cape Rock.

All round a fantastic spot. R40 for SA adults is cheap but you can get a Wild Card and it's...

Silvermine Nature Reserve is a true gem nestled within Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park. Offering a range of hiking trails for all fitness levels, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. I explored the popular Elephant’s Eye Cave trail—an easy 5 km round-trip hike through beautiful fynbos vegetation that ends at a large cave with sweeping views over False Bay. The path is family-friendly and perfect for a casual morning adventure.

For a more strenuous option, the Noordhoek Peak circuit offers a rewarding 7 km loop with incredible vistas of Hout Bay and the Atlantic coastline. The trail is well-marked and quiet, offering a real sense of escape.

One of Silvermine’s standout features is the tranquil reservoir, ideal for swimming and picnicking. There are also well-maintained braai spots, making it a great place to spend a whole day. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, with birdlife, baboons, and stunning fynbos all around.

It’s advisable to hike in groups, especially on quieter paths. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as shade can be limited. Overall, Silvermine is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy Cape Town’s natural beauty without venturing too far...

There are various entry points from different parts of the city for hiles and walk. Hikes for all levels of complexity. Well maintained picnic spots and a lovely board walk all around the dam. Swimming is permitted in the dam. Only certain areas are pet friendly. Beautiful proteas and other Fynbos can be seen along the path. There is an entrance fee so check the website door latest prices. Use your Wild Card, Activity Card or Green Card membership. Take good hiking shoes, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and snacks or eats . There's not much shade and there are no shops in the reserve. Note also that there is hardly any...