Tokai Forest

Whereas Rondevlei and Bracken Nature Reserves, along with 24 other sites, are run by The City of Cape Town, Tokai Forest forms part of the Table Mountain Heritage Site and is run by Sanparks (South African National Parks).

At the lower end of the Tokai Forest, on your right hand side, are picnic spots and braai (barbecue) areas. If however, you are looking for something more tranquil, or if you are fond of hiking, continue up Tokai Road until you reach the Tokai Manor House (built in 1795). Turn left past the manor house and follow the road to the parking lot at the arboretum. The arboretum was established in the 1880s by Joseph Storr Lister to determine which trees would fare well in this location.

On your left hand side close to the entrance you will find Lister's Place tea garden.

Wheelchair access at Tokai Forest

Lister's Place tea garden is perfectly accessible to wheelchairs, as well as the toilets in the same building.

The trail leading up the arboretum is rather steep and the terrain is rough. However, if you have strong arms or a strong friend to help you push, you will be well rewarded – hundreds of trees from across the globe make for a magical experience. It is also a wonderful trail if you are trying to burn some calories.

Of course, it does mean that coming down the mountain again is a breeze.

Beware fires & baboons

A word of caution – please read the signboard at the entrance to the arboretum. This is a strictly no picnicking, no, braai-ing, no smoking area. For your own safety and the safety of the forest, it is essential that you stick to the rules.

A further word of caution, there are baboons in the forest. Treat them with respect, and above all adhere to the signs that prohibit taking food into the forest. Baboons are powerful animals and will not hesitate to attack you in order to relieve you of any food or drink you may have with you.

Contact

• Name: Tokai Forest Reserve
• Tel: +27 217127471
• Email: tablem@sanparks.org
• Web: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain
• Opening hours: 7.30am-5pm (7 days a week)
• Entrance fee: none
• Directions: From the city, follow the M3 until you reach the Tokai turn-off, turn right into Tokai road, which will take you directly to the forest.