Klein Tuinkop via Dassieskasteel Traverse - Silvermine Hike

Dassieskasteel Traverse - Silvermine hike to Klein Tuinkop

The Dassieskasteel Traverse is an adventurous Silvermine hike off Dead Man's Path in Lower Silvermine, located in the Silvermine Nature Reserve in Cape Town’s South Peninsula. This Silvermine hiking trail forms a moderately challenging circular route around and up Klein Tuinkop, featuring easy rock scrambling and a final ascent through a natural hole in the cliff face.

Start Begin from Silvermine Gate 2 in the Silvermine Nature Reserve, hiking past the Silvermine Waterfall and onto Dead Man’s Path. Turn left toward the cliffs to start the Dassieskasteel Traverse.

Traverse Section The route curves back toward Ou Kaapse Weg, wrapping around the front of Klein Tuinkop and passing Ystervarkgrot. A short scramble leads through a hole in the cliff to reach the top of Klein Tuinkop and join the main trail.

Return Continue past The Stone Holes (optional detour), head toward the "helicopter pad", then take the left path to descend via Bertie’s Balcony before returning to the Gate 2 parking area.


πŸ“ Meeting Point  Boom at the furthest end of the parking area, Silvermine Gate 2

πŸ“Œ Meeting Spot   Google Maps

⏱️ Hiking Time  4hrs

πŸ“ Distance  7.9km

⛰️ Elevation  317m

🟠 Grade  Moderately Strenuous with some easy scrambling (no exposure)

🐾🐾 — Not dog friendly


Route Notes   An adventurous Silvermine hike with easy scrambling, including a short crawl through a wide cave. Route-finding skills are required, especially after rounding the front of Klein Tuinkop. Follow cairns carefully and climb through the hole in the cliff to reach the top, or use an alternative easy ascent further toward the Kalk Bay side. The path can be difficult to follow — going with a guide is recommended.

Klein Tuinkop Silvermine hike elevation profile


Looking for more Silvermine hikes? Explore our full list of Silvermine Hiking Trails in the Silvermine Nature Reserve, including ridge walks and scrambling routes.

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