Table Mountain’s Silvermine Gate 1 and Trails Reopen, Welcoming Hikers Back After April Fires
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the eagerly awaited second phase of reopening at Table Mountain National Park’s Silvermine area, bringing renewed access to some of Cape Town’s most beloved hiking and nature trails. This follows the successful reopening of Silvermine Gate 2 and parts of Tokai in July, after devastating fires in April 2025 affected approximately 2,800 hectares of the park’s central section.
From Monday, Silvermine Gate 1—located on the western side of Ou Kaapse Weg—will officially welcome visitors again. This area includes the scenic Silvermine Dam, the popular Elephant’s Eye trail, and the tranquil Silvermine Riverwalk, all renowned for their beautiful fynbos landscapes and panoramic views. The reopening is a significant milestone for the park, restoring access to some of the best hiking experiences in the region.
In addition, Upper Tokai will reopen on 1 September 2025, including Levels 4 and 5, which had been closed due to unstable terrain during the rainy season. However, SANParks has cautioned that a section of the road from the Silvermine boom gate to the Level 4/5 junction will remain inaccessible to cyclists as rehabilitation work continues. The Donkey Trail from Silvermine to Upper Tokai and the Level 1 and 2 Jeep tracks for horseback riders will also remain closed until further notice due to severe rain damage.
Visitors will find temporary ablution facilities at the entrance gate and near the western side of the dam, as reconstruction of the burnt facilities is still underway. The popular uThango braai area will remain closed, with reopening expected in December 2025, pending ongoing restoration efforts.
SANParks has emphasized that, although some trails may appear visually unaffected, certain areas remain restricted to ensure user safety and support ecological restoration. Public safety is the top priority, and all trail users are urged to strictly adhere to signage, area closures, and instructions from rangers. Visitors must remain vigilant and stick to designated paths at all times to protect both themselves and the recovering environment.
To support the safe reopening, SANParks is conducting Safety Awareness Campaigns as it welcomes visitors back. The organization has expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and cooperation during the restoration process, highlighting the importance of responsible recreation in preserving the park’s natural beauty for future generations.
The phased reopening of Silvermine’s trails and facilities is a testament to the resilience of Table Mountain National Park and the dedication of conservation teams working to restore the area. For Africa’s travel sector, this development signals renewed opportunities for guided hikes, nature-based tourism, and outdoor recreation in one of the continent’s most iconic urban parks. As the region recovers, travel professionals are encouraged to keep clients informed about current trail conditions, safety protocols, and the importance of respecting park rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
