News

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.