Cape Town - SANParks recently allowed local visitors free entry into the majority of their parks as part of the annual SANParks week.
The idea is to "cultivate a culture of pride in all South Africans in their relationship with the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage"
Here Traveller24 reader Tarin James shares some pics of her hiking the Elephants Eye Cave in the Silvermine Nature Reserve.
"It was so great to see so many Cape Townians exploring the outdoors and spending time with family and friends," James said.
(Tarin James, Traveller24 reader)
If you're planning on going, note that there are two sections with formal parking:
Gate One: Turn right off Ou Kaapse Weg coming from Cape Town. This area offers mountain biking tracks and a selection of hikes ranging from easy to challenging. Hikers can walk to the top of the Constantaiburg Mountain for perfect views of Hout Bay or simply stroll around the reservoir's wheelchair friendly boardwalk. There are also picturesque braai/ picnic sites available.
Gate Two: A few hundred metres past Gate One, turn left into the car park. From here you can hike over to Kalk Bay or simply do a circuit route. This section of the Park includes Afromontane Forests, waterfalls and very interesting geology.
Opening times:
October – March (summer) 8am – 6pm, exit at 7pm
April – September (winter) 8am – 5pm, exit at 6pm
Conservation fee: Adults, R25; children R10; free entrance for WILD Card holders
Beside all your hiking essentials such as water, sunblock, sunhat and picnic snacks don't forget to pack a swimsuit, otherwise you'll miss the opportunity to take a dip in the Silvermine Reservoir. It is also possible to overnight at the Silvermine Tented Camp - contact +27 (0)21 422 2816 to arrange.
(Tarin James, Traveller24 reader)
(Tarin James, Traveller24 reader)
(Tarin James, Traveller24 reader)
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