The Hidden Forest

The Hidden Forest
In the heart of the Kalk Bay mountains is a beautiful hidden forest. The primary tree here is milkwood, which often grow up to over 500 years old. Even in the midst of extreme fires which have swept though this area, these forests survive. The knarled branches wrap around on every side, as you walk though a planked path. This path was designed to protect the undergrowth. You will see the leaves of the April Fool flower, A strange plant that sends out two big leaves for months before the flower is due. The flower arrives only when the leaves have died.

This hike can often be combined with a bit of caving or picnics on a peak.

Try to preserve the beauty of this forest when you visit. It is very unique and the two forests found here are the largest Milkwood forests in the Cape Peninsula.
A PDF is available below for downloading to provide you with full details on how to get to this incredible place, along with MAPS and interesting facts about the region.

Driving and Safety

How far do your drive?

30-40 min from Cape Town.

Get Actual Distance/Time

Driving Difficulty?

Tar all the way, no difficult or dangerous inclines or road

Personal Safety

Low risk

Parking

Public Parking near an open highly used road

How wild, beautiful and Spectacular

How Unknown?

50% of the hiking population know this place

How Wild?

The wildness of this area is ranked 3/10

How Spectacular?

Medium Large (Pools/Rocks/Views)

How beautiful?

Really Beautiful

Walking and Danger

How Tough

Moderate - Climb max 300-500 metres up eg Lions Head

Time it takes one direction, no stopping

1 hr Half Day, Low fitness . Allow 4 hours+ for this walk.

Path Quality

Path is extremely well maintained, stable, frequently used, steps built properly by mainteance staff

No Path whatsover

2% is not a path at all.

Exposure?

Path is not exposed

Rock Scrambling

Hands are never used, and no rock scrambling or climbing

Suitable for 9-11 yrs old?

Suitable

All our walks/hikes/explorations are not suitable for less than 9 year olds. 12 years old plus generally can cope with a lot with the right encouragement.

Download the PDF to get...

Detailed instructions on how to get there
A Map Layout
Hints and tips about the area