This wooded section of Table Mountain National Park, south of Constantia, is a favourite spot for picnics, mountain biking and walks. The most challenging walk is the 6km hike up to Elephant’s Eye Cave , within the Silvermine section of the park; the zigzag path is fairly steep and offers little shade as you climb higher up Constantiaberg (928m), so bring a hat and water.
At the walk’s base you’ll find the Tokai Arboretum , a planting of 1555 different trees representing 274 species, begun in 1885 by Joseph Storr Lister, the conservator of forests for the Cape Colony. Here, too, is the pleasant Lister’s Place Tea Garden and the self-catering accommodation Wood Owl Cottage .
To reach the forest, take the Tokai exit from the M3 highway and follow the signs.
