The Stone Holes of Klein Tuinkop
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The Stone Holes of Klein Tuinkop is a quieter alternative to the more popular Kalk Bay hiking trails. The route explores the slopes of Cave Peak before continuing to the unusual rock formations on Klein Tuinkop. Highlights include numerous cave entrances beneath the cliffs, the Stone Holes—a cluster of naturally weathered sandstone formations—expansive views across False Bay, and the cool Afromontane Forest of Spes Bona Valley.
Start — From Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay, ascend to the saddle between Kalk Bay and Clovelly. Turn towards Cave Peak and continue up the mountain to the base of the cliffs.
The Climb — Traverse left along the base of the cliffs for a few hundred metres until you reach a broad cleft in the rock face. Scramble up the steep path, using a simple root-assisted pull-up near the top, then continue onto the upper slopes of Cave Peak.
Dead Man's Path to Klein Tuinkop — The route joins Dead Man's Path, which heads towards Noordhoek. Follow it for a short distance until you reach a faint cairn-marked path climbing towards Klein Tuinkop. This path heads onto Klein Tuinkop before crossing a circular clearing known locally as the "helicopter pad" and reaching another indistinct track on the right leading to the Stone Holes, an excellent picnic spot.
Forest Return — Retrace your steps back across the helicopter pad until you reach a winding path on the left which eventually descends to the upper edge of Spes Bona Valley. Continue through the beautiful indigenous Afromontane Forest before joining the Echo Valley Path, which descends to Boyes Drive.
📍 Meeting Point — Godfrey Road, Kalk Bay
⏱️ Hiking Time — 3 hr 30 min
📏 Distance — 6.3 km
⛰️ Elevation — 469 m
🟠 Grade — Moderately Strenuous
🐾🐾 — Dog friendly
Route Notes — This is a quieter route that follows less-frequented paths. The ascent includes a short, straightforward scramble with a single easy root-assisted pull-up.
The Stone Holes of Klein Tuinkop
When you’re walking across the top of Klein Tuinkop, keep an eye out for a small cairn marked turn-off to a faint side track that leads to one of the ridge’s most interesting features: a network of stone holes and arches.
Numerous hollows and passages wind between large sandstone blocks, making this an engaging place to stop, explore and have a break.
These formations form part of the Cape Fold Mountains. The bedrock consists mainly of Table Mountain Group sandstone, with older Malmesbury Group rocks beneath. Long-term weathering and erosion along natural fractures have created the caves, tunnels and overhangs.
To visit the Stone Holes, turn off the main path at this location marker and head for a short distance diagonally to the left in the direction of the Silvermine Parking.
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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