Newlands Forest is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered; it is tucked away on the peaceful foot of Table Mountain, right beside the beautiful suburb of Newlands. It's the perfect spot for enjoying a picnic, taking a relaxing stroll, hiking, or even cycling.
A favoured site for many tourists looking for the best nature setting, it offers accessible trails, with simple paths interconnecting and crossing streams. These paths lead to the main Contour Path, a scenic route encircling Table Mountain's base from Tafelberg Road to Constantia Nek and sweeping Newlands vistas.
Learn about the rich fauna and flora
As you explore Newlands Forest, you'll find a unique fauna and flora that reflect a fascinating past into the forest's history. Newlands Forest bridges the delicate balance between endangered Granite Fynbos and Peninsula Shale Fynbos. Initially, the area thrived with expansive indigenous forests. However, the late 1800s witnessed the clearing of these forests and fynbos to establish the pine plantations.
Pine and Gum plantations in Newlands Forest, Cape Peninsula, originated as commercial ventures, introducing Pinus and Eucalyptus species. Their rapid growth and invasive nature disrupted indigenous ecosystems, necessitating ongoing management. Leaf litter alters soil pH, transforming areas into monocultures and impacting biodiversity. Thinning practices attempt to restore the balance between these non-native species and local flora.
Nestled along the forest's edges, the Peninsula Granite Fynbos is exclusive to Cape Town. Flourishing within the Cape Granite Formation, it boasts a diverse array of Protea and daisy species, including the iconic Silvertree.
Splendid Protea, Erica, geophytes, and daisies are also within the Peninsula Shale Fynbos. Each exploration will teach you more about the thriving plant community, highlighting the delicate balance between preservation and discovery.
Have an enjoyable day outdoors
Spend as much time as possible outside in the beautiful forest. The trails are easy to access and offer various activities, like hiking and picnicking. Bring along necessities such as bottled water, food, an appropriate outfit, sunscreen, and a fully charged phone.
On the paths, pets are permitted, but not in the areas designated for braaing. For outdoor activities welcoming four-legged friends, you can get a day permit for R60 or an annual pass for R320 at the Tokai Plantation office. When it comes to parking, mornings and afternoons are the best times.
See the Newlands Forest Nursery
Pay a visit the Newlands Forest Nursery for a delightful experience. Four large greenhouses and an extensive cultivated area are dedicated to nurturing native species. The conservation efforts contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
You can enjoy tranquillity of this location without breaking the bank. Entry is free, and vehicle parking comes at a modest R25. Reconnect with nature at the picnic area for just R36 (adults) and R18 (children). Affordable options are available for SADC residents at R72 (adults) and R36 (children), while foreign nationals can enjoy the experience for R144 (adults) and R72 (children).
Settle in Newlands
Newlands is an idyllic suburb with various high-quality homes set among stunning natural scenery. With its tranquil Newlands Forest and convenient location, Newlands will provide an enjoyable living experience. It's a great place to raise a family, with excellent schools and fun activities. Discover the vibrant Newlands lifestyle with Seeff, browse our properties in Newlands or get in touch with us today.