Silvermine East is one of the most suitable places on the whole Table Mountain Range for a family fun day to introduce children and inexperienced hikers to the Table Mountain phenomenon.
For relatively little effort, Silvermine East offers fantastic rewards that are bound to hook anyone with even a passing interest in the great outdoors and natural beauty that is the Cape Peninsula. Especially at this time of year. The stream flows after rains and the Silvermine Waterfall is well worth a visit.
On top of that, fewer visitors enjoy this side of Silvermine compared to the western portion with its dam, picnic spots and popular mountain-biking trails. The entry fee for Silvermine East is R5.
Silvermine is also "relatively" safe for the whole family and even the most unfit people - as long as you are cautious, don't do silly things, and behave in a responsible, environmentally friendly manner. It is perhaps one of the few places you could go as a completely inexperienced family and be able to find your way around on the jeep tracks and main paths. The large number of paths that circle and criss-cross Silvermine East mean everyone should be able to tailor a route to their needs and fitness levels, whether you simply walk to the waterfall and back or try something longer and more adventurous.
Peter Slingsby's Silvermine Map would be a wise aid and going with someone responsible who knows their way around will add lots of value and greatly enhance the experience for all.
Instead of taking the main jeep track when you leave the path from the car park, take the path that leads left around the front of Wolfkop. This leads up towards Higher Steenberg Peak and, although not too challenging, will give novices a small taste of what hiking on Table Mountain entails.
The views from Higher Steenberg Peak over the southern suburbs towards Table Mountain are rewarding enough, but you can mix and match climbs of other peaks in the area depending on how unfit you are, or how little legs are managing. Lower Steenberg Peak, Muizenberg Peak and St James Peak all offer great views across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains and False Bay. From any of these peaks it is just a short walk back to the jeep track and then down to the car park.
If the stream is flowing, don't miss the opportunity to visit Silvermine Falls. A short, sharp descent takes you to the base, or walk along the rock shelf at the top of the falls.
For fitter people, a climb up Klein Tuinkop is worth the effort. There are many fantastically sculpted and shaped rocks that are a delight for children and look like the walls of ruined hobbit homes.
There are also scores of caves in this area, but these are best avoided unless accompanied by an experienced guide or hiker. However, the large Muizenberg Cave is easily accessed and worth a visit.
Remember not to let children wander alone into the many smaller tunnels, and keep dogs leashed in all caves.
Take adequate water and snacks for each person, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and take a warm and/or waterproof jacket.
Reprinted by arrangement with Full Circle Magazine. For more on this and previous issues, go to www.fullcirclemag.co.za
