Sirkelsvlei - Cape Point

This hike in Cape Point starts at the Olifantsbos parking area. From there, the trail heads inland, ascending the coastal embankment to the plateau and winding through the fynbos toward Sirkelsvlei. The trail then runs beside Sirkelsvlei before looping back to Olifantsbos.

Note: Cape Point payment is credit card only and ID is required.

Meeting Point: Olifantsbos Parking area.

Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location

Hiking Time: 3hrs

Distance: 8.0km

Elevation: 172m

Grade: Moderate

🐶 No dogs allowed in the reserve

Route Notes: This is an easily followed hiking trail with no scrambling.

Hiking Map: Sirkelsvlei AllTrails Map or download GPX Route

Info on Cape Point: Cape Point

Sirkelsvlei

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. 

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

The secret, it is thought, lies in underground springs, or in water fed from the adjacent marshes and 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