Vlakkenberg from Price Drive - Constantia

This out-and-back hike begins with a long, steady ascent through a stunning Silver Tree forest. On reaching the top, the trail levels off, offering a few light scrambles and a final brief uphill section. It’s a great route that provides some protection from the south-easter.

Meeting Point: Parking area at end of Price Drive off Constantia Main Rd.

Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location

Hiking Time: 2hrs 30min

Distance: 4.29km

Elevation: 353m

Grade: Moderate

🐶 Dog friendly

Route Notes: An easy to follow steep path that zig zags through the Silver Tree forest.

Hiking Map: Vlakkenberg AllTrails Map or download GPX Route

More info: Scaling Vlakkenberg

The Silver Trees

The genus Protea, and the family Proteaceae, were originally named after the Silver Tree, by the Swedish Botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, as Protea argentea. The tree was later reclassified as Leucadendron argenteum.

The term Leucadendron originates from the Greek words leukos, meaning "white," and dendron, meaning "tree." The species name argenteum comes from Latin, signifying "silver," which refers to the tree's striking silver foliage.

Silver Trees are endangered and primarily found on cool, eastern, and southern slopes of Table Mountain, typically at elevations of 100-150 m.

The leaves' distinctive silver sheen results from thousands of fine hairs that cover them, helping to protect the plant from drying out and being eaten by herbivores.

This sheen’s intensity changes with temperature, being most vibrant in hot, dry conditions, when the hairs lie flat. During wet weather the hairs stand more erect allowing free circulation of air around the leaves and the leaves are relatively drab. (Refs: South African National Biodiversity Institute; Protea Atlas Project)

The Silver Tree - Leucodendron Argenteum