Muizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town)

Silvermine East boasts a vast network of trails and paths leading to peaks, pools, caves, forests and more. This route was selected as a first day’s training route for its minimal altitude gain with a relatively long non-technical distance over a mix of gravel, rocks and some sand, a perfect way to get a first in a while feel for a heavy multiday backpack. This recording was completed during a gap in the rain during one of the rainiest June months in Cape Town which I can remember. As a result of all the rain the path was soggy and even flowing like a stream in some parts, the Silvermine East Waterfall which is usually a small relaxing waterfall in summer, turned into a raging torrent which one willingly would not venture too close to. If you decide to attempt this trail in similar conditions in Winter, consider hiking boots which are waterproof up to ankle height to avoid a whole day out with wet feet. The route begins and ends at the parking lot near the boom of Silvermine East’s entrance. Here there was sufficient parking, but the reserve can get busy, with that said it never seems to get as busy as the Western side of the Silvermine Reserve. At the parking lot there are ablutions and signboards with maps of the trails throughout the reserve. A good idea to take a photo of this board if you choose not to use a GPS or phone for navigation as there are many paths and shortcuts in the reserve which can disorientate one. The trail heads off along the dirt road in a Southeasterly direction, after a short while the waterfall will come into view with the path to get to the top and bottom of the falls a few paces along. If you decide to venture down to the bottom of the falls then the uphill will likely be the steepest and most challenging of the whole route so that knowledge should provide some in your party with comfort. After the waterfall the route crosses the concrete bridge and then keeps left at a fork onto the single track. Following this track takes one around a peak above and into a kloof known as Klein Tuinkloof. Here the trail begins ascending gradually upward until one reaches the summit of Echo Valley. From here one has the option to descend to Kalk Bay if needed or continue as our group did on to the amphitheater. From here the path continues up over the ridge to the top of Spes Bona Valley before heading a short way up to Kalk Bay Peak. After the peak the trail descends towards Kalk Bay and the views become more impressive. This spot was a good option for a lunch break as the view over false bay was the best of the whole hike. The trail then winds back inland and continues to Nelly’s pool which is a poplar spot for a swim in summer albeit small. After Nelly’s Pool a short distance to the North is the split in the path amongst some large boulders which leads to Muizenberg Cave. The cave is impressive and has a stream flowing right through it. You can walk into the cave and view it from the inside. Please consider the rules of no fires or graffiti and report any offenders to the rangers to discourage any of this destructive behavior. After the cave the trail passes a balancing rock which resembles a bird with an egg before it heads back to the dirt road Jeep track, here one has the option of following the road all the way back to the parking lot at the start of the trail. Our group opted to take the single track which splits from the road, runs parallel to it, and then rejoins it further along. Thereafter the familiar Waterfall is passed and the parking lot appears a short distance thereafter. In summary the trail is a good option if you are looking to cover some distance with a relatively small amount of elevation gain, Ou Kaapse Weg takes a lot of the work out of the equation. The trail, in my opinion, would fall somewhere between easy and moderate for experienced hikers used to covering some distance. The scenery of the surrounding peaks, false bay and the views in general are great especially under good sunny weather conditions. There are interesting sightlines through to Noordhoek, Simonstown, Fishhoek etc. and beyond. The reserve and the path were mostly well maintained and in good condition. This trail had no areas of exposure to heights and only one small technical section over a rocky descent above Spes Bona Valley. Take sunscreen and a hat during summer and make sure to have something warm in your pack for all months as the wind can create a chill. The reserve is managed, and one might be required to pay an entrance fee if arriving after a certain time. Wildcards will grant you free entrance and activity cards may be required for dogs. Security was present at the entrance of the reserve and a welcomed sight, that being said, the reserve is vast and has a couple of entrance and exit points. Incidents have occurred in the past, although statistically very unlikely take the necessary safety precautions here by walking in a group and leaving any valuables at home. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities but do not let security concerns deter you from deciding to attempt this trail.