Newlands Forest Hiking Trail

Hiking in Newlands Forest is a calming, comfortable, and safe experience. You can walk, hike, run, or picnic at your leisure. If you’re looking for a challenge, look no further Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine are great choices and will definitely get your heart rate up. Dogs are welcome, there are two coffee stands with snacks, and parking attendants are on site. Entry is free (but note: no biking). Newlands Forest has numerous trails, so you can choose what suits your time and fitness. Wander along the Jeep track, explore the interlinking paths through the forest, or head up to the contour path. From there, you can continue toward Rhodes Memorial and beyond, or go in the opposite direction toward Kirstenbosch Gardens and on to Cecilia Forest. A popular halfway stop is "The Breakfast Table," just before Skeleton Gorge a perfect place to rest, chat, and refuel. As you walk, you’ll feel the tranquility, peace, and gentle energy of the forest. Shaded spots for relaxing are everywhere. Whether you want to reconnect physically, emotionally, or spiritually or simply get outdoors Newlands Forest is an ideal and highly recommended option. So get out there, explore, experience, and grow. Nature’s Wi-Fi is free connect and enjoy, together or on your own. Yours in conservation.

Newlands Forest is absolutely beautiful easily one of my favorite places in Cape Town. The views are incredible, and the whole area is full of lush South African greenery, huge trees, ferns, and endless natural beauty. There are even caves you can explore that open up to astonishing viewpoints. When I was volunteering in South Africa, I used to come here all the time to run. The network of trails is huge there are so many different routes with different levels of incline, and even after going countless times I still never managed to explore them all. You also pass old ruins, which adds such a cool, historic feel to the trail system. Whether you’re a runner, a hiker, or just someone who loves being outdoors, this place is perfect. And it would be an amazing spot to bring your dog. If you’re not a runner, it’s still a fantastic hike with plenty of incline and beautiful scenery the whole way. #ruins #views #capetown

Awesome walking/hiking trail with free parking and no entrance fees. Peaceful and calm, great to have such magnificent nature scenes in the city. Great coffee 'van' at the finish/start with very friendly owner and staff. Kids and dogs friendly, safe trail with easy to moderate paths. Perfect for family or friends outing. Will return many more times!!!

Beautiful trail, very clean, most amazing views. Gets very busy around 9am so I'd advise an early start and a nice big group of people. It is dog friendly too

A very popular walk in Cape Town. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city. We thoroughly enjoyed the peace and tranquility. Best time to go is between 09h00 and 16h00. Earlier or later we recommend going in groups more than 5. The trails are moderate if you keep to the lower parts and not go up the Mountain.

A beautiful forest with several trails. It's dog friendly but you must have a permit otherwise you at risk of getting fined when the wardens do checks. Several little streams after the rains. Wear good walking shoes as shine of the paths are rocky and slippery. The forest provides lovely tree shade but there are parts that are open. Take water, hat and don't forget sunscreen.

Absolutely beautiful, peaceful and serene. Long trails, lots of options and detours to explore. There are some small waterfalls and streams along the way. You can take your dogs, there aware public toilets and there is parking at the base.