Hiking the Noordhoek Peak Circuit in Silvermine

An easy 7km trail that is kid and dog-friendly

My love affair with Silvermine Nature Reserve, part of the Table Mountain National Park, started four years ago when we hiked the Noordhoek Peak Circuit. I absolutely fell in love with the place - so much so that almost every Sunday, come rain or shine, you can find us exploring one of the Reserve’s trails. 

Naturally when we got Kygo, our exuberant Rottweiler, we took him along on our hikes. Kygo was built with adventure hard-coded in his DNA. He absolutely loves water, swimming and outdoor adventures, and Silvermine offers all of this. 

Kygo and I at the Noordhoek Peak Circuit looking out over Hout Bay

About the Noorhoek Peak Circuit

The Noordhoek Peak Circuit is a 7km hike that you can comfortably complete in about 2 and a half hours. With an elevation of 754m at the Peak, it offers spectacular views of some of Cape Town’s most amazing beaches. This hike is incredibly beautiful and as you are walking there are so many different aspects to admire. It is a great hike to do with the entire family, including your fur child.   

What you can observe on the trial

In summer we start early as the Reserve opens at 7am. Every hike starts with a dip in the Silvermine Dam where Kygo gets to wet his undercarriage. This is fun but also keeps him cool during the hike.

A King Protea in full bloom

Although we hike here almost every week, each experience is different. The reserve is home to the most beautiful fynbos and indigenous flowers, including South Africa’s national flower the gorgeous King Protea. 

If I were to describe Silvermine as a canvas then nature had fun with this painting. The brightly coloured orange and yellow pincushions pop against the standstone rocks and the greenery of the fynbos. 

There are always different varieties of proteas blooming every season with their own speciality. It is lovely to watch the Cape Sugarbirds fly with their long tails flapping in the air and drinking the nectar of the flowers. 

An absolute treat is spotting the Verreaux’s Eagles soaring above. The Reserve is teeming with wildlife which is one of the reasons it is so popular.

The popping pincushions

Hiking the Noordhoek Peak Circuit

If you are in the parking area of Silvermine Dam, there are two paths that lead to the Dam. A wooden boardwalk with a ‘no dogs allowed’ sign and another to the left which is the dog-friendly trail.

At the Dam, the Noordhoek Peak Circuit trail starts to your left. Because it is a Circuit, this hike could be done in reverse as well, with the alternate starting point at the parking area. 

The Noordhoek Peak Circuit is a gravel road, which comfortably allows you to pass other people (including cyclists) and dogs on the trail. It is a dog-friendly Reserve and you are allowed to take your dog off lead. Be careful of cyclists who are travelling at full speed, as there are some blind spots on the trail. We usually keep Kygo on lead for the parts where we can’t see around the bends. 

Depending on your pace, the first 45 to 60 minutes of the trail is a steady incline. As you climb, you will see Muizenberg and the Zandvlei Estuary to your left. On a clear day, you can see all the way around the coast to Gordon’s Bay. Be sure to look at the view of the Dam behind you too. 

Can you spot Zandvlei Estuary?

The view of Silvermine Dam if you turn around

The trail will curve to the right and as you continue to ascend it, you will see Fish Hoek beach on your left. And as you climb higher still, you will have a view of Simon’s Town, Clovelly and Long Beach Mall. Noordhoek Beach with its iconic long stretch of white sand will appear on the left, and towards the furthest end of the beach you’ll spot the Slangkop lighthouse in Kommetjie. 

Noordhoek Beach with Slangkop lighthouse in the distance

The path loops to the left slightly and if you continue another 300m, there is a small pathway to the right of the trail, which we’ve named ‘Kygo’s pool’. This is a small catchment area where the water collects. Kygo usually takes a refreshing dip here and then runs around excitedly through the fynbos.

Nothing like a fresh mountain puddle

A happiness high

If you continue on the trail, it will snake around a few bends until you feel the trail has plateaued. There is a path on your left that will lead to the Noordhoek Peak. A large stone cairn (a pile of rocks) will indicate that you’ve reached your destination. 

A stone cairn indicates your arrival at the Noordhoek Peak

The view from the Peak

Kygo enjoying the view

This Peak is the highlight of the trail. We usually enjoy our breakfast here, while taking in the stunning views that overlooks Hout Bay in the distance and the incredible Chapman’s Peak Drive just below. To the right of where you are is the Eagles Nest Lookout point which you can also explore. 

As you climb down from the Peak, you will be able to rejoin the road the same way you came in or take the inside paths that eventually joins up with the circuit road as well. The saying “What goes up, must come down” is true because from here on it is smooth sailing… and all downhill.

The hike is a good workout and it is extremely relaxing to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh air. 

What do you need?

This is a moderate to slightly difficult walk, depending on your fitness level. Come prepared for lots of hilly inclines in the first half of your hike! Dress appropriately, according to the weather. I always wear a hat and sunscreen. Take lots of water and fruit or snacks. In Summer, I usually carry 4.5 litres for the three of us and Kygo’s collapsible bowl. 

Scoop the poop

There are poo bins at the start and end of the trail so don’t forget to take poo bags. SANParks encourages you to dig a hole and bury the bundle instead. It is a great way to reduce your use of plastic, while still being a responsible pet parent and being kinder to the environment.

How to get there

If you are travelling on the M3 towards Muizenberg, turn right at the traffic lights at the end of the highway and continue onto Ou Kaapse Weg. As you ascend the incline, the road will take a sharp right and the road to Silvermine Nature Reserve Gate 1 is on your right. When you’ve paid at the entrance, proceed through the boom and continue straight along the road until you get to the parking area. This is where many of the routes start.

What does it cost?

The entry fee is R40* for an adult and R20* for a child. It is R90* for an adult accompanied by a max of three dogs. There's no charge if you have a SANParks My Activity dog walking permit. Unfortunately, they only accept cash at the gate. SANParks Green Cards and Wild Cards will also give you free of charge entry. 

What is the SANParks My Activity dog walking permit?

A SANParks My Activity Card level 1 dog walking permit is R360*, for couples an additional card (called a Level 1 multiuser additional member) costs R140* per year. It allows you and two dogs unlimited access to any of the trails in the Table Mountain National Park (where dogs are permitted) for one year from the date of issue. This includes Silvermine Nature Reserve, Constantia Nek and the Lower Tokai Park, among others. For more info on the My Activity dog walking permit click here.

You can buy a permit, as well as a Green or Wild Card at the SANParks office at Tokai Manor House.

Remember to take along:

• your South African identity document (Smart ID or green barcoded ID)
• 2 x ID photos and 
• a proof of your address (like a municipal account)

They do accept card payments at Tokai Manor House. 

If you've enjoyed reading this blog, feel free to leave a comment and send the link to someone you think may enjoy it too.

You can also follow our adventures on Kygo's Instagram or Facebook.

*prices are subject to change and was updated on this blogpost on 23 December 2023.

Happy hiking!

Imtithaal