Whether you’re a mountain biker, runner or nature lover, Lower Tokai Park is the perfect place to escape the bustle of city life and take a roll in the wild. The park is easy to access and has a flat, meandering 4km trail that weaves in and out of forest and indigenous fynbos, providing an easy pedal for kids and newcomers to cycling. For the more adventurous this section of trail connects to the newly opened Constantia Green Belt trail, which runs from Tokai through to Constantia where it connects to the Table Mountain Trail network.
The Lower Tokai Park trail is well maintained and consists of a nicely compacted dirt cycling path that alternates with boardwalks and some sandy detours. The full circular route is around 4 kilometers but you can easily vary the distance by exploring any of the many paths that criss-cross the park. A river, various jungle gyms, swings and wooden benches make great pit stops along the way for kids.
The park is home to a variety of indigenous fynbos plants and animals like the blue crane and grey mongoose. There is also a small pine plantation, the remnants of a larger forest that was removed to enable the restoration of the natural fauna. Keep you eyes peeled for squirrels running across the forest floor and the elusive owl hanging out in the trees.
Access to the trail and parking can be found on Orpen Road and Dennedal Avenue and you can start the ride anywhere along this route. As Lower Tokai Park forms part of the Table Mountian National Park, so you will need an activity card* or Day permits to make use of the area (see more information below).
ROUTE
↔ 3.8km DISTANCE
∧ FLAT ELEVATION GAIN
≡ Compacted Earth Path + Boardwalks TERRAIN
⊗ Download MAP& GPS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fynbos and a variety of fauna (squirrels, mongoose and birds)
- A cool shady forest for hot summer days
- Rivers for kids and dogs to play in
MUST KNOW
- A TMNP My Activity Permit Level 3 is required for anyone wanting to cycle or mountain bike in Tokai Park. Day permits are also available to ride on Table Mountain. Please visit the TMNP website for the latest prices and details on where you can buy your permit.
- Vehicle parking on Dennedal Ave. + Orpen Rd.
- Cycling direction: This route can be cycled in either direction and you can start the ride from any spot along the route.
- Go slow: This route can get quite busy on the weekends and as the path is shared with pedestrians, kids and dogs, it is important to show them respect – don’t speed, keep left and give way to others.
- Use your bell to let others know you’re approaching, but don’t assume they can hear or see you.
- Watch out for horses and other animals. Give them plenty of room as you go by. Don’t scare them by sounding your bell or horn; they could injure someone.
- Get off the beaten track: Sandy trails intersect in zig-zag formation for those wanting to take the road less traveled and get even closer to nature. Check the signs as some of these areas are being rehabilitated and do not allow cycling.
PHOTO GALLERY
MAP & GPS
Download route on Strava to use with GPS device.
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