|
The Silvermine Nature Reserve forms a part of the Table Mountain National Park, a protected conservation area, located approximately ten minutes drive from the city centre. The park straddles the mountain, from the winding Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) on the Tokai, Constantia and Westlake side of the mountain, over the peak of the mountain, and into Noordhoek, Sun Valley and Fishhoek, overlooking the ocean.
Approaching the reserve from the City side of the mountain, along Ou Kaapse Weg, it is possible to view most of the greater Cape Town area, up to the Tygerberg Hills and beyond on a clear day, laid out like a patchwork quilt below. Continuing further along the road, which winds directly over the top of the mountain itself, takes one on a scenic trip through the Fynbos, where thousands of plants, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom can be seen.
Attractions within the Silvermine Nature reserve range from popular and well marked mountain bike trails, to bird watching and hiking, and the Silvermine reserve is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, particularly on weekends, when many city dwelling families make the short trip to the reserve. Following one of these hikes, a relatively short trail, will lead to a viewing point, where the view encompasses a panorama stretching from False Bay, all the way around to Cape Point, the famed meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
|
