South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the second phase of the reopening of Silvermine Gate 1 and most of the trails in the Silvermine area on 1 September 2025.
This follows the successful reopening of Silvermine Gate 2 and areas of Tokai on 1 July, after the fire in late April 2025 that affected approximately 2 800 hectares in the area.
‘Unstable terrain’
Upper Tokai will also reopen on 1 September, including Levels 4 and 5, which were previously closed in July due to unstable terrain during the rainy season.
However, a section of the road from the Silvermine boom gate to the junction of Level 4 and 5 will remain inaccessible to cyclists, as rehabilitation efforts are still ongoing.
The Donkey Trail from Silvermine to Upper Tokai and the Level 1 and 2 Jeep tracks for horseback riders will remain closed until further notice due to severe rain damage.
Silvermine Gate 1, located on the western side of Ou Kaapse Weg, which includes the Silvermine Dam, the Elephant’s Eye trail, and the Silvermine Riverwalk, will be officially open to the public.
New ablution facilities
SANParks confirmed in a statement that maintenance work will continue in certain areas, including the construction of new ablution facilities.
Visitors will be able to make use of the ablution facilities located at the entrance gate and near the western side of the dam until the burnt facilities near the dam parking can be reconstructed.
The uThango braai area will remain closed and is expected to reopen in December 2025, pending ongoing restoration of the infrastructure.
Although some trails may seem visually unaffected, access is being restricted in specific areas to ensure user safety and support ecological restoration efforts.
“Public safety is our top priority. Therefore, SANParks urges all trail users to strictly adhere to signage, area closures, and instructions from rangers. Visitors must remain vigilant and stick to designated paths at all times,” the statement added.
SANParks extended its heartfelt gratitude to the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the Mapula Trust Fund, Tokai MTB, and all the other stakeholders and volunteers for their unwavering support in the rehabilitation efforts across Silvermine and Tokai.
The Sugarbird Project has also commenced its alien invasive plant clearing initiative in collaboration with various stakeholders and volunteers. We sincerely appreciate everyone involved in this vital rehabilitation work.
To ensure the safe reopening of these areas, SANParks is conducting Safety Awareness Campaigns as it welcomes visitors back. SANParks appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work towards safely restoring access to these important areas.
Will you soon be visiting the Silvermine area to see the new growth?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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