Elephant's Eye Cave
Hike to a massive cave with stunning panoramic views, offering a rewarding adventure through diverse terrain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Elephant's Eye Cave
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a massive cave with stunning panoramic views, offering a rewarding adventure through diverse terrain.
"The Elephant Eye hike was an absolutely beautiful experience, totally doable and so rewarding!"
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the park entrance fee; card payments are not accepted.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail has varied terrain, including rocky sections. Good hiking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Elephant's Eye Cave
Summit of the hike
A massive, breathtaking cave offering stunning panoramic views from within its natural shelter.
Panoramic Vista Point
Near the cave entrance
Soak in sweeping views of Constantia Nek, False Bay, and the surrounding natural beauty.
Varied Hiking Terrain
The trail itself
Experience a dynamic trek through gravel, rock, and sandy patches, with a touch of scrambling.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Hike Smart, Hike Safe
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Elephants Eye Hike
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the park entrance fee; card payments are not accepted.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail has varied terrain, including rocky sections. Good hiking shoes are a must.
What day hikes would you recommend around capetown for a tourist visiting your city?
Great hikes that for beginner hikers?
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's limited shade on the trail, so carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Allow time for photos, especially from the cave and viewpoints.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the park entrance fee; card payments are not accepted.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail has varied terrain, including rocky sections. Good hiking shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There's limited shade on the trail, so carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Allow time for photos, especially from the cave and viewpoints.
🚶♀️ Hike with a Buddy
For safety, consider hiking with others, as there are often other hikers around.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and the rewarding nature of the Elephant's Eye Cave hike. The varied terrain and the impressive cave itself are major highlights. While generally accessible, some find the final ascent steep. The need for cash payment at the entrance and limited shade are minor drawbacks.
"This was a wonderful hike, as you start there's some.shade but for the most part there's none. I would suggest starting early, it's kid friendly and dog friendly. We went on a Sunday and the park only opens at 7am. The entrance fee has gone up and they only accept cash, Kids are R21 and adults R42. I would highly recommend it, the views are amazing."
Devendri Adari
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Elephant Eye hike was an absolutely beautiful experience! I’m not the fittest or the most experienced hiker, but the trail was totally doable with regular breathing breaks, and it was so rewarding. The terrain is really interesting—it transitions from gravel paths to rocky sections, sandy patches, and even a bit of rock climbing near the top. The variety makes it such an exciting and engaging hike!
Reaching the top is an incredible accomplishment, and the cave itself is breathtaking. It’s massive, and you can climb into it to enjoy stunning views from inside. The greenery growing within the cave adds to its charm, and it’s such a peaceful spot to relax. I’d definitely recommend bringing some food for a little picnic while soaking in the views.
I hiked alone but made sure there were other hikers around me for safety, which is something I’d recommend for South Africans or anyone concerned about hiking solo. Luckily, there were plenty of people on the trail (I went on a Saturday), but it never felt overcrowded. There’s a wonderful camaraderie among the hikers—everyone greets each other, and you’re met with congratulations when you reach the top.
This hike is perfect for small or large groups, and even families with kids. I saw younger children managing the trail impressively, though it might be a bit more challenging for them. For seasoned hikers, this will likely be a breeze, but for the rest of us, it’s an incredible experience that leaves you feeling accomplished. Highly recommend it to everyone!"
Jess SA
"Note entry fee to the park is cash only- no signal out there. A have to do for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Safe parking with Hernry the parking security guy. Ablutions a short walk from car park.
Beautiful walk- you will break a sweat but awesome.
Photography of note- believe me. Really beautiful. Between 35 to 60 min walk.....depends on you and your stops. The cave is stunning. Spend time just admiring that scenery."
Mark Myburgh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elephant's Eye Cave is located within the Silvermine Nature Reserve. You can drive to the reserve and park near the trailhead. The hike starts from the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park.
Yes, there is safe parking available near the trailhead. Look for Hernry, the parking security guy, for assistance.
Driving is the most common method. The reserve is accessible by car, and the trailhead is well-marked within Silvermine.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to the trailhead. Driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
The drive from Cape Town to Silvermine Nature Reserve typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the park has increased. Adults are R42 and children are R21. It's important to note that they only accept cash for entry.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the park.
The park typically opens at 7 am. It's advisable to check the official SANParks website for the most current opening hours.
While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, SANParks reserves often accept Wild Cards. It's best to confirm this with park officials beforehand.
The entrance fee is per person, with different rates for adults and children.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
A reasonably fit individual can complete the round trip in about 90 minutes, including time at the cave. The walk itself can take between 35 to 60 minutes one way, depending on your pace and stops.
The hike is considered doable for most fitness levels, with the first part being easier and the last part becoming steeper. It involves varied terrain and some scrambling near the top.
Yes, the hike is generally considered kid-friendly, though younger children might find the steeper sections more challenging.
Wear comfortable hiking attire and sturdy shoes with good grip. Bring a hat and sunscreen as there is limited shade.
Yes, there are ablution facilities a short walk from the car park.
Yes, the Silvermine Dam is a perfect spot to cool down after your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave itself offers dramatic interior shots with greenery. The panoramic viewpoints provide stunning landscapes of the surrounding mountains and False Bay. Don't miss the old cottage ruins on the outcropping for unique shots.
Absolutely! The elevated position offers breathtaking vistas, especially during sunrise or sunset (though check park hours). The varied terrain also makes for interesting foreground elements.
Early morning light can be beautiful for the landscapes, offering softer light and fewer crowds. Midday can be harsh due to the lack of shade, but the cave itself provides interesting light conditions.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. If you plan on commercial photography or videography, it's best to inquire with SANParks.
The contrast between the dark cave interior and the bright exterior can be challenging. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to manage glare and enhance colors in the landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the rocky and sometimes steep sections. The park also has ablution facilities, which are convenient for families. The camaraderie among hikers often extends to families, with a welcoming atmosphere on the trail.
💰 Budget Travelers
Your main expenses will be the entrance fee and any provisions you bring. Packing your own food and water is highly recommended to save money and ensure you have what you need. The stunning natural beauty and the rewarding hike offer immense value for the minimal cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elephant's Eye Cave Hike Experience
Many visitors recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures. The park opens at 7 am, and an early start ensures you have ample time to complete the hike without feeling rushed. While the hike is generally considered kid-friendly, parents should be aware that some sections might require extra attention for younger children. The entire round trip, including a break at the cave, can take around 90 minutes for reasonably fit individuals.
Upon reaching the cave, you're greeted with a massive natural shelter offering spectacular panoramic views. It's a fantastic spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, and admire the scenery stretching towards Constantia Nek and False Bay. The greenery within the cave adds a unique charm, making it a peaceful place to rest before your descent.
Navigating Silvermine Nature Reserve
It's crucial to be prepared for the reserve's conditions. There is limited shade on the hiking trails, making hydration and sun protection essential. The park operates on a cash-only policy for entrance fees, so ensure you have enough cash on hand before you arrive, as there is no signal for card transactions.
Beyond the Elephant's Eye Cave hike, the reserve offers other attractions, including the picturesque Silvermine Dam, which is a perfect spot to cool off after a hike. The natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a prime location for photography, with opportunities to capture stunning vistas and unique flora.
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