Hiking to Elephant’s Eye

Essential information about permits, starting points, dogs and more

Last updated: 11 February 2026

This child-friendly, dog-friendly, low-effort, high-reward trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Cape Town. Your reward is the Elephant’s Eye cave; the outcrop resembles an elephant’s head from a distance, and the cave is perfectly located where the eye would be. Scroll for all the details on the routes, starting points, permits and more. 

Can you see the elly? (It’s facing to the left, and the downward slope is its trunk). Credit: Anita Froneman

ELEPHANT’S EYE HIKING ROUTES & STARTING POINT 

There are two ways to reach Elephant’s Eye Cave, with the most popular one being from within Silvermine Reserve. This is the easiest trail, as it gives you the advantage of climbing most of the height by car up Ou Kaapse Weg. 

Alternatively, start your hike from Tokai Arboretum. It's a slightly more difficult route, but still easy enough for the kids to enjoy. 

ELEPHANT’S EYE: SILVERMINE (EASY)

Turn right off Ou Kaapse Weg coming from Cape Town. You will enter the reserve via Gate 1, and leave your car in the parking lot near the dam. From there, you will pass the dam and follow the gravel road that crosses a small stream (called the Prinzkasteel Stream). Then, just continue on the clearly marked trail. 

Large parts of the trail are on a wide, flat jeep track, making it accessible for beginner hikers. The trail is out-and-back style, meaning you’ll go back the same way you came. The distance totals around 6km, but with minimal incline, except for the last part nearing the cave. 

Your reward for the hike is definitely the cave at the top. The cave roof is partly covered in green ferns. It's mystical. From here, you can view the dark green forests and vineyards of Tokai and Constantia. 

Duration: Approximately two hours total (longer if you picnic at the top)

Conservation fee: You can pay the entry permit at the gate (R44 per adult and R22 per child with a valid SA ID).

Dog walking: Silvermine Nature Reserve is dog-friendly, but you will need a Level 1 Activity Permit from SANParks. The cost is R403 per year. You can buy a permit here. 

ELEPHANT’S EYE: TOKAI ARBORETUM (MODERATE)

Take the M3 towards Tokai, take the Tokai Road off-ramp, and turn right under the M3 bridge. Follow Tokai Road all the way to the end, passing the Tokai Forest picnic area, and turning left to the Arboretum when you reach the T-junction at the Manor House. Sign in at the thatched gate. 

The path is clearly marked with signs bearing an elephant. This is quite a long climb up to Elephant's Eye, but it makes it a more challenging hike when you start at Tokai Arboretum. 

Duration: It is a comfortable two-hour walk up to the cave, so plan 4.5 hours at least to include a picnic.

Conservation fee: You can pay the entry permit at the gate (R44 per adult and R22 per child with a valid SA ID).

Dog walking: Silvermine Nature Reserve is dog-friendly, but you will need a Level 1 Activity Permit from SANParks. The cost is R403 per year. You can buy a permit here. 

The Silvermine Dam is perfect for a dip or swim after your hike. You’ll find loads of shady spots along the banks. Credit: Anita Froneman

WHAT TO SEE IN SILVERMINE NATURE RESERVE 

This is fynbos heaven. You’ll spot proteas, ericas, and restios like dazzling red bottlebrushes, delicately yellow proteas, and vibrant orange pincushions.  

Silvermine Nature Reserve is also brimming with animals. You might see baboons, porcupines, tortoises, Cape Sugarbirds with their distinctive long tails, and reptiles like the “bloukop koggelmander” with its striking sapphire-coloured head.

Keep an eye out for native fynbos like the pink watsonia, which is endemic to the Western Cape.Credit: Anita Froneman

WHAT TO BRING ON ELEPHANT’S EYE HIKE

• Cash. There are no card facilities at the gates, so remember to bring cash (exact amount for ease).
  
  

• SANParks WILD Cards. If you have a WILD Card, you can enter for free. If you would like one, you can purchase them online via sanparks.org.
  
  

• Water and picnic. Always take enough water when going on a hike, even in winter, to avoid dehydration.
  
  

• Garbage bag. There are only dustbins in the car park. Keep it tidy and leave no trace.
  
  

• Hats and sunblock. There are patches of shade for you to rest in, but the majority of the walk is exposed. It’s a good idea to get an early start to avoid the midday sun.
  
  

• Swimsuit. After your hike, you can have a picnic and a swim in Silvermine Dam.
  
  

• Emergency Numbers. Call the emergency number if you get lost or injured: 086 110 6417.
  
  

The views of False Bay from inside the cave are extraordinary! Credit: Lindria Oosthuizen, CC via Wikimedia Commons

FOR MORE INFO ON SILVERMINE 

Silvermine Nature Reserve is open: 7am to 7pm (September to April) and 8am to 4pm (May to August).
Find it: Take the M3 towards Muizenberg, then turn right at the traffic lights at the end of the highway and continue onto Ou Kaapse Weg. Look out for a Silvermine sign on your right.
Contact on: 021 780 9002

By Anita Froneman

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FOR MORE HIKES & OUTDOORS  

Here are more ways to stay active in Cape Town.

Discover 5 gems of Green Point Urban Park.  

Snorkel, swim, chill, and braai in a hidden paradise cove, Oudekraal.  

Plan your weekend with one of these 7+ Things To Do This Week(end). 

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