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Your Ultimate Guide For Your Cecilia Forest Hike
- Getting to Know the Cecilia Forest
- How to Get to Cecilia Forest
- By Car
- By Public Transit
- Hiking Trails in Cecilia Forest
- Cecilia Waterfall Trail
- Cecilia Forest Contour Path
- Cecilia Forest to Kirstenbosch Trail
- Cecilia Forest to Devilliers Dam Trail
- Cecilia Forest to Constantia Neck Trail
- FAQs on Cecilia Forest Hike
Cape Town’s Cecilia Forest is a beautiful place to hike, attracting researchers, tourists, photographers, and hikers from all over the world.
The forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including proteas, fynbos, and Cape chameleons. You may even spot some of the forest’s resident monkeys!
The Cecilia Forest Trail is also a great way to experience the natural beauty of Cape Town. Here’s everything you need to know about this forest trail:
Getting to Know the Cecilia Forest

Cecilia Forest is a beautiful and secluded forest located in the Constantia area of Cape Town.
The forest is actually a section of the Table Mountain National Park on the lower eastern slopes of Table Mountain, located just to the south of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
It was previously used for commercial logging and is also known as the Cecilia Plantation, but has now been given protected status and integrated into the National Park.
From towering trees and vibrant wildflowers to chirping birds and curious wildlife, Cecilia Forest showcases the rich biodiversity of the region. It serves as a habitat for numerous plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the area.
It goes without saying that protecting and preserving this natural treasure is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem’s delicate balance and ensuring its availability for future generations.
Moreover, Cecilia Forest holds historical and cultural significance as part of the Cape Peninsula’s heritage. The forest has been appreciated by locals and visitors alike for centuries, serving as a source of inspiration and tranquillity.
How to Get to Cecilia Forest

You can either get to the Cecilia Forest in Cape Town through your own private vehicle, a rented one, or through public transit.
Don’t worry, it’s not hard to find at all! Just follow these general directions:
1. By Car
If you have access to a car or are renting one, you can easily drive to Cecilia Forest. The forest is located near Constantia Nek, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the city centre of Cape Town.
From the city centre, you can take the M3 highway southbound and then take exit 14 (Bishopscourt/Muizenberg). Continue on Rhodes Drive until you reach Constantia Nek, where you can find parking areas near the entrance to Cecilia Forest.
2. By Public Transit
While there is no direct public transportation to Cecilia Forest, you can take a combination of public transportation and then walk to reach the forest.
- Option 1: Take a MyCiTi bus or a minibus taxi to Hout Bay from Cape Town city centre. Get off at Constantia Nek, and then proceed to walk to Cecilia Forest.
- Option 2: You can take a ride-sharing service like Uber or a traditional taxi to Constantia Nek, and then walk to Cecilia Forest.
Hiking Trails in Cecilia Forest

There are several official hiking trails to get around Cecilia Forest. Each has a varying distance and difficulty level from another, so some welcome beginners and some might be fitter for regular hikers.
You can explore each below:
1. Cecilia Waterfall Trail
Difficulty | Moderate |
Distance | 4.7km |
Duration | +/- 2 hrs |
This is the most popular trail in Cecilia Forest, and it leads to a beautiful waterfall. The course starts at the Cecilia Forest Parking lot opposite Hohenort Avenue along Rhodes Drive in Constantia.
It follows a mostly gentle uphill path through the forest, with some steeper sections near the waterfall. The waterfall is best visited after a few rainy days – when it is flowing at its fullest.
2. Cecilia Forest Contour Path
Difficulty | Easy |
Distance | 2.7km |
Duration | +/- 1 hr |
This easy loop trail winds its way through the forest, offering stunning views of Table Mountain and the surrounding mountains. The trail starts and ends at the Cecilia Forest Parking lot opposite Hohenort Avenue along Rhodes Drive in Constantia.
It’s an excellent option for amateurs, families with young children, or for people who want a leisurely hike.
3. Cecilia Forest to Kirstenbosch Trail
Difficulty | Moderate |
Distance | 6.4km |
Duration | +/- 3 hrs |
This trail connects Cecilia Forest to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. It’s a moderate hike that follows a scenic route through the forest and along the Cecilia Stream.
The trail starts at the Cecilia Forest Parking lot opposite Hohenort Avenue along Rhodes Drive in Constantia and ends at the Kirstenbosch Visitors Centre.
4. Cecilia Forest to Devilliers Dam Trail
Difficulty | Easy |
Distance | 4.2km |
Duration | +/- 2 hrs |
This easy trail leads to Devilliers Dam, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The trail starts at the Cecilia Forest Parking lot opposite Hohenort Avenue along Rhodes Drive in Constantia.
It follows a gentle path through the forest, passing by several waterfalls along the way. The trail ends at the Devilliers Dam picnic area, perfect for relaxation and refreshing snacks after the hike.
5. Cecilia Forest to Constantia Neck Trail
Difficulty | Moderate |
Distance | 7.6km |
Duration | +/- 4 hrs |
This trail connects Cecilia Forest to Constantia Neck, a historic pass that offers stunning views of the Cape Town city bowl. The trail is a moderate hike that follows a scenic route through the forest and along the Cecilia Stream.
The course starts at the Cecilia Forest Parking lot opposite Hohenort Avenue along Rhodes Drive in Constantia and ends at the Constantia Neck car park.