Tokai Arboretum

The Tokai Arboretum is a protected woodland area on the slopes of Constantiaberg in Cape Town that holds over 270 different tree species. Each tree is labeled so visitors can identify the species and learn about the local flora during their walk.

The arboretum was founded in 1885 by Joseph Storr Lister as one of the first large experimental forestry sites in the Cape Colony. The site became an important place for studying and preserving tree species in the region.

Visitors can walk through a Gondwana Garden that recreates the plant life of the Cape region as it existed millions of years ago. The garden shows which species thrive in this climate naturally and how the landscape originally developed.

The grounds are open daily and easy to reach via the M3 highway heading south toward Tokai Main Road. Visitors should wear good walking shoes since the paths go through forested slopes and the terrain is hilly.

The arboretum holds some of the tallest trees of their kind in South Africa, including specimens from Turkey, Algeria, and Australia. These special trees demonstrate how different international species can thrive in the Cape climate.

GPS coordinates: -34.05967,18.41676

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24