3 days ago
SANParks provides update on Tokai and Silvermine hiking trails
SANParks has confirmed that the trails currently closed in Tokai and Silvermine East (including the Kalk Bay/St. James/Muizenberg mountains and the Steenberg Plateau) will reopen on 1 July 2025.
However, the Silvermine picnic site and boardwalk around the dam, as well as the riverwalk and other trails, will remain closed, as all the infrastructure at Silvermine West has been damaged and the ablution blocks have been burnt down.
In a statement, SANParks said infrastructure repairs will take some time, and it will not be able to open the picnic area while there are no toilets.
The trails were closed after a fire in late April 2025 burned approximately 2 800 hectares.
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is currently conducting post-fire hazard removal, clean-up, and rehabilitation in these areas to ensure safety, as fire damage included the destruction of boardwalks and other support structures, which resulted in the exposure of dangerous objects such as nails and metal.
SANParks expressed its appreciation for the assistance from volunteer groups such as Tokai MTB as well as SANParks Honorary Rangers in these repair efforts.
SANParks apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closures and added that it appreciates the public's understanding as it carries out this work. Repair efforts will proceed as speedily as possible, but may be affected by winter weather.
The statement added that: 'Although some trails may appear unaffected by the fire, it is not feasible to reopen certain trails while others remain unsafe. Allowing access to specific trails could lead to difficulty controlling which paths people use. Additionally, it is not reasonable to allow access to some user groups, such as mountain bike users, and not others.
'SANParks also closed Silvermine and Tokai from an ecological perspective, as there has been a flush of vegetation regrowth post the fire. These newly germinated fynbos plants need time to grow without human and dog impacts (e.g. footprints and trampling,) potentially disrupting this delicate and sensitive rejuvenation.
'We will assess the regrowth of vegetation and determine whether any further closures or restrictions are needed.'
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