A walk in Cecilia Forest, a beautiful part of Constantia, offers a few enchanting hours out in nature.
There are various hiking routes which begin at the Cecilia Forest car park where Hotenhort and Rhodes Drives meet.
Constantia Nek route
Walk through the forest and up along Constantia Nek in this easygoing path. If you prefer to avoid the sunlight and heat on a hot day, this route is ideal. The easy walk passes along a gravel road and some single tracks. The route turns back just before Constantia Nek and follows a lower trail back to Cecilia Forest. The walk sometimes features fresh mountain water streams but take water and snacks along with you, too.
Waterfall route This popular hike, either from the Cecilia Forest car park or Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens will get you to the waterfall. From the car park, stay on the contour path through to Newlands Forest. Go along the main jeep track into the forest. Keep right – you want to pick up the signposted trail as you reach the top corner of Kirstenbosch. Follow the uphill path marked Rooikat Ravine (Rooikat Kloof). It leads you around Cecilia Ridge into Cecilia Ravine, where you will find Cecilia Waterfall.
De Villiers Reservoir
This trail passes through the Cecilia plantation and indigenous forest patches which means it’s cool and shady. The route goes up Spilhaus Ravine to the Bridle Path, which takes you up to the De Villiers Reservoir. This tough hike features stunning views of False Bay and the Peninsula, which make it worth the effort. The path isn’t well signposted, so you may reach a plantation road where you could ask local horse riders and dog walkers to point you in the right direction.
OF NOTE
Where The Cecilia Forest car park on Rhodes Drive (opposite the road that heads to the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel)
Contact [email protected]
Photography courtesy Cape Hike
