Cecilia forest

Scenic indigenous forest hike in Constantia leading to a seasonal waterfall and mountain viewpoints.

Description

Cecilia Forest is a shaded indigenous forest section on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain above Constantia. Popular for walking and trail running, the area features well-maintained paths, wooden stairways, and stream crossings beneath tall trees and dense ferns.

Routes vary from gentle contour walks to steeper ascents toward Cecilia Waterfall and higher mountain viewpoints. The waterfall flows strongest after winter rainfall, while upper sections reward hikers with expansive views across the Constantia Valley and False Bay.

Trail Type

Hiking

Route Type

Loop | Out & back

Trail Length

4.7 km

Trail Difficulty

Easy | Moderate

Activites

Birdwatching | Hiking | Running | Walking

Experinces

  • Walk beneath towering indigenous trees with filtered sunlight and the constant sound of flowing streams.
  • Climb shaded wooden stairways leading toward the cool mist of the seasonal waterfall.
  • Pause at higher clearings for sweeping valley views stretching toward False Bay.

Estimated Duration

2 – 3 Hours

Conditions

  • Can be slippery after rain.
  • Muddy patches in winter.
  • Steep stone and wooden steps in sections.
  • Warm temperatures during mid-summer afternoons.

Amenities

  • Free parking
  • Marked trails
  • Signage at main junctions

What To Bring

Comfortable shoes | Hat | Sunscreen | Water bottle

Additional Information

  • Forms part of Table Mountain National Park.
  • Waterfall flow is strongest during winter and early spring.
  • Popular with dog walkers and trail runners.

Inside Guides

  • Start early for cooler temperatures.
  • Visit after rainfall for best waterfall flow.
  • Use Rhodes Drive parking for easiest access.

Weather Conditions

Ideal Weather: Mild | Clear skies

Rain Alert: Light rain (30–40%)

Weather Experience: Shaded forest paths remain cool in summer, while winter rainfall enhances stream flow and waterfall intensity.

Saftey tips

  • Avoid approaching baboons if encountered.
  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Take care on steep descents after rain.

Trail Rules & Polices

  • Dogs permitted on leash
  • No littering
  • No fires allowed

Fees/ Permits

Free entry 

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Dog Friendly

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Dog friendly

Forests

Indigenous flora

Loop trail

Marked trails

Mountains

Mountains

Not wheelchair accessible

Panoramic views

Parking

Rest areas

Rivers or streams

Safety signage

Scenic views

Seating areas

Shaded areas

Signage

Trail maps

Waterfall

Wildlife spotting

Must Tries

Waterfall ascent: Follow shaded wooden steps through dense forest to reach the cool, moss-covered seasonal waterfall.

Contour path walk: Enjoy a gentler forest traverse with tranquil streams and filtered mountain light.

Highlights

Indigenous forest canopy: Experience tall yellowwoods and ferns creating a peaceful, shaded mountain escape.

Valley viewpoints: Reach elevated clearings offering expansive views across Constantia and toward False Bay.

Features
  • Child friendly
  • Dog friendly
  • Forests
  • Indigenous flora
  • Loop trail
  • Marked trails
  • Mountains
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Panoramic views
  • Parking
  • Rest areas
  • Rivers or streams
  • Safety signage
  • Scenic views
  • Seating areas
  • Shaded areas
  • Signage
  • Trail maps
  • Waterfall
    Wildlife spotting

Must Tries

Waterfall ascent: Follow shaded wooden steps through dense forest to reach the cool, moss-covered seasonal waterfall.

Contour path walk: Enjoy a gentler forest traverse with tranquil streams and filtered mountain light.

Highlights

Indigenous forest canopy: Experience tall yellowwoods and ferns creating a peaceful, shaded mountain escape.

Valley viewpoints: Reach elevated clearings offering expansive views across Constantia and toward False Bay.

Address

Cecilia Forest Parking, Rhodes Drive, Constantia,

Parking: Free parking lot opposite Hohenort Avenue

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday | 06h00 – 18h00y

What To Expect

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