South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the phased reopening of popular hiking trails in the Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town following a devastating wildfire in April 2025 that burned approximately 2,800 hectares of natural landscape.
As of 01 July 2025, the following areas have officially reopened to the public:
- Silvermine Gate 2 (eastern side of Ou Kaapse Weg) – This includes the:
- Waterfall Trail
- Kalk Bay Trails
- Echo and Spes Bona Valleys
- Boyes Drive Trails
- Steenberg Plateau
- Upper Tokai Trails – Most of this area is open, except Level 4 and 5, which remain closed due to unstable terrain, especially during the winter rainy season.
The following areas remain closed for now due to ongoing safety assessments and restoration efforts:
- Silvermine Gate 1 (western side of Ou Kaapse Weg), which includes:
- Silvermine Dam
- Elephant’s Eye Trail
- Silvermine Riverwalk
Hiking trails in Silvermine Gate 1 are expected to reopen by September 2025, while Silvermine Dam and the Riverwalk may only reopen in December 2025, subject to the completion of infrastructure repairs.
While some areas may look visually untouched by the fire, access restrictions remain essential for public safety and ecological rehabilitation. SANParks emphasizes that visitor safety is a top priority, and urges all trail users to respect closure signs, follow ranger instructions and avoid entering off-limits zones.
If you're planning a hike in Table Mountain National Park, especially in the Tokai or Silvermine sections, make sure to check the latest updates from SANParks and stick to officially open trails.
Your cooperation supports both safety efforts and the long-term recovery of this iconic Cape Town natural space.
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