Update: Trails opening 1 September
SANParks has announced the reopening of Silvermine Gate 1 and most of the Silvermine trails from 1 September 2025, following the April fire that affected over 2,800 hectares. The reopening includes the Silvermine Dam, Elephant’s Eye trail, and the Silvermine Riverwalk, with some areas still restricted for safety and ongoing rehabilitation.
Update: Trails opening 1 July 2025 – Tokai and Silvermine East (including Kalk Bay, St James, Muizenberg mountains and the Steenberg Plateau.)
The Silvermine picnic site and boardwalk around the dam and as well as the riverwalk and other trails will remain closed at this time.
SANParks will reopen trails in Tokai and Silvermine in phases from 1 July following the April 2025 fire that affected approximately 2,800 hectares in the area.
Silvermine Gate 2, located on the eastern side of Ou Kaapse Weg, which includes the Waterfall, Kalk Bay trails, Echo and Spes Bona Valleys, Boyes Drive, and Steenberg Plateau trails, will reopen on 01 July 2025. Likewise, Upper Tokai will reopen on the same date, excluding Level 4 & 5, which will remain closed due to unstable terrain during the rainy season.
Silvermine Gate 1, on the western side of Ou Kaapse Weg, including the Silvermine Dam, Elephant’s Eye trail, and the Silvermine Riverwalk, will remain closed. The targeted reopening for hiking trails in this area is September 2025, while the Silvermine Dam and Riverwalk are expected to reopen in December 2025, pending ongoing infrastructure restoration.
Although some trails may appear visually unaffected, access is being managed to ensure user safety and support ecological restoration. Public safety remains our priority, and SANParks urges all trail users to strictly adhere to signage, area closures, and instructions issued by rangers.
We extend our sincere thanks to the SANParks Honorary Rangers and TokaiMTB for their continued support in the rehabilitation efforts across Silvermine and Tokai.
To support the safe reopening of these areas, a Safe Hiking Campaign will be launched at various sites, aligned with the phased reopening schedule.
SANParks apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work towards safely restoring access to these areas.
Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)
– Originally posted 28 April 2025
Fire Updates – Upper Tokai/Silvermine
Following the recent fire in Upper Tokai and surrounding areas that started 27 April, several sections of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) remain closed until further notice. Firefighting operations have successfully contained the blaze, but mopping-up is still underway and multiple areas continue to pose safety risks to the public.
Closures and Public Safety Notice
The following areas are closed due to hazardous conditions including smouldering logs, unstable slopes, and residual heat:
- Upper Tokai: All hiking trails, horse riding tracks, and mountain biking tracks
- Silvermine East and West, including:
- Gate 1 (Dam)
- Gate 2 (Waterfall)
- All trails leading to Silvermine
- Echo Valley, Peck’s Valley, Ou Kraal, Old Boyes Drive, and the Kalk Bay trails
The public is strongly advised to avoid these zones while closures remain in place. Entering these areas not only poses a personal safety risk, but can also hinder ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Impact on Wildlife
The fire has significantly impacted local wildlife. Many animals are now vulnerable due to a lack of cover and forage. Dogs and human activity in restricted areas can further threaten their survival. Please respect the boundaries to give nature time to recover.
What Remains Open
While some areas remain restricted, several trails are open and safe for use, including:
- Elsie’s Peak
- Trappieskop
- Peers’ Cave
- Lower Tokai
- Noordhoek Beach
- Northern and southern sections of Table Mountain National Park
Firefighting Operations Ongoing
Although the fire has been contained, flare-ups remain possible. Crews continue to monitor the situation, with:
- Volunteer Wildfire Services
- Three helicopters
- A spotter plane
- TMNP ground teams
- City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services
Smoke may still be visible on the mountain as part of the normal mopping-up process.
More Updates to Follow
Burnt area assessments and rehabilitation planning are currently underway. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. For the latest trail closure information, please visit SANParks – Table Mountain National Park
Investigation Into the Cause
Authorities are still investigating the origin of the fires. Early indications suggest they may have been started deliberately. We urge anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Further updates will be issued as the situation develops.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support the firefighting efforts:
- Donate directly to Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) at https://vws.org.za/vws-support/
- Or SMS your name to 41006 to donate R25
Every contribution makes a difference — and because resources are needed throughout the year, your donation will continue to have an impact long after the current fires are contained.
