Sirkelsvlei - Cape Point

Experience the natural beauty of Cape Point on the Sirkelsvlei loop, starting from Olifantsbos and passing through colourful fynbos and rocky terrain to reach the region’s largest freshwater pan, with optional swimming in the vlei.

Trailhead — The hike starts at the Olifantsbos parking area. From here, follow the left fork that ascends the coastal embankment towards the inland plateau.

Plateau Section — Once on the plateau, the trail winds through open fynbos, passing indigenous shrubs and wildflowers.

Sirkelsvlei Approach — The trail runs beside the freshwater body of Sirkelsvlei, where the unique plateau environment allows the vlei to maintain water year-round. 

Return — After completing the loop beside the vlei, the trail circles back toward Olifantsbos, descending the embankment to the starting point.

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Important Note —  Cape Point payment is credit card only and ID is required. For more info, visit the official Cape Point Website

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📍 Meeting Point — Olifantsbos Parking area

📌 Meeting Spot — Google Maps

⏱️ Hiking Time — 3hrs

📏 Distance — 8.0km

⛰️ Elevation — 172m

🟡  Grade — Moderate

🐾🐾 — No dogs allowed in the reserve.

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Route Notes — This is a relatively easy hiking trail with minimal scrambling. The path at the beginning section after ascending the embankment is a little unclear but is marked with cairns.

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Sirkelsvlei

Overview — Sirkelsvlei is the largest freshwater body of water in Cape Point, extending over 6.3 hectares and with a maximum depth of 1.4 metres.

Paradoxical Pond — It is a paradoxical pond, situated on a plateau higher than the surrounding landscape, which offers only the tiniest of catchments. There is no obvious inflow, apart from surface trickle in winter, and yet Sirkelsvlei rarely dries out.

Water Source — The secret is thought to lie in underground springs or in water fed from the adjacent marshes, channelled by the two sandstone ridges between which the vlei lies. (Source: Between Two Shores, Michael Fraser and Liz McMahon, New Africa Books 1994)

Sirkelsvlei in Cape Point