Tokai Forest

About Tokai Forest

In the heart of Cape Town in the Southern Suburbs, amidst family homes and wide tree-flanked roads, is the magnificent retreat that is the Tokai Forest.

Did you know? The tall trees and the trails that wind through their dappled shade are all part of the greater Table Mountain National Park of the Western Cape.

In 1885, 1 555 trees were planted in this area by Joseph Storr Lister. He was the forest conservator for the Cape Colony that had been established by settlers. Today, these tree stand tall and proud over the visitors to Tokai. They include the likes of oak, giant Californian redwood, pine and cypress trees. Sitting below them and looking up at their massive canopy is a humbling experience.

Today, the Arboretum is the base of the Tokai Forest. There are a number of hiking trails that can be explored from here. Along these, you will listen to the sweet chirping of the birds as you walk past the bubbling streams and their cool mountain water.

The trees that were planted more than a hundred years ago loom overhead, bathing the forest floor in shade. There are also a number of mountain bike trails through the forest, which are particularly popular on a cool weekend morning. Cyclists and dog walkers will need to get a permit from SANParks.

Lister's Place is a charming tea garden at the Arboretum, nestled within the prettiness of the forest. In addition to getting a hot cup of coffee or a cool juice here, the tea garden is accessible to those in a wheelchair.

The braai and picnic area is fantastic for groups of friends or families, perched right on the edge of the Tokai Plantation. Each of the picnic or braai sites is spacious and shaded, and promises a gorgeous setting in which to relax.

Tokai is a little more than 20 kilometres from the City Bowl of Cape Town; including the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the Bo-Kaap. In the opposite direction, Simon's Town is about 30 minutes drive away.