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Tokai Park Figure of 8 -biodiversity trail run
Running Route
Easy
5.03 km
42 m
This route follows a rough figure of 8 through lower Tokai Park (https://tokaipark.com/tokai-park/recreation/). Part of the route is on the perimeter track, and part meanders through the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, which is a critically endangered vegetation type (less than 3% left in the entire world, less than 1% conserved).
It is a flat route, so relatively easy, but the sandy paths make it a decent work-out. As with anywhere in Cape Town, be alert when jogging, and do go with a friend or a group.
The route starts from the Dennendal Car Park (or alternatively can be started from Lions Gate). The first km is a run along the Bridle Path to the Lions Gate. Don't miss the spectacular (and extinct in the wild) bright pink Whorl Heath Erica when you pass the Restoration Trail (your 1km mark)!
From there, continue along the Bridle Path until just before the wooden board walk, where you turn right and enter the Sand Fynbos. Follow the sandy trails and enjoy the sounds and smells of the fynbos as you make your way on the trails toward The Mound (and the Viewing Deck). If you are not competitive, do pause to climb up and take a look!
You are now roughly halfway as you cross the river channel over the wooden footbridge and run along the river to the "Berlin Wall". From there the wooden footbridge starts (rough at about 3km). Enjoy the views of the spectacular wetland with more Whorl Heath and Palmiet, and many other interesting species.
Continue along this Bridle path until you reach the second entrance to the fynbos (not the one you took first time) and turn left, entering the Sand Fynbos a second time (completing the figure of 8). This is a fun part of the run, crossing two wooden bridges, and in the Spring time you will see spectacular flower displays.
After another half km you will rejoin your original route, passing The Mound a second time, except this time you will make a beeline right back to the carpark.
We hope you enjoy this route!
It is a flat route, so relatively easy, but the sandy paths make it a decent work-out. As with anywhere in Cape Town, be alert when jogging, and do go with a friend or a group.
The route starts from the Dennendal Car Park (or alternatively can be started from Lions Gate). The first km is a run along the Bridle Path to the Lions Gate. Don't miss the spectacular (and extinct in the wild) bright pink Whorl Heath Erica when you pass the Restoration Trail (your 1km mark)!
From there, continue along the Bridle Path until just before the wooden board walk, where you turn right and enter the Sand Fynbos. Follow the sandy trails and enjoy the sounds and smells of the fynbos as you make your way on the trails toward The Mound (and the Viewing Deck). If you are not competitive, do pause to climb up and take a look!
You are now roughly halfway as you cross the river channel over the wooden footbridge and run along the river to the "Berlin Wall". From there the wooden footbridge starts (rough at about 3km). Enjoy the views of the spectacular wetland with more Whorl Heath and Palmiet, and many other interesting species.
Continue along this Bridle path until you reach the second entrance to the fynbos (not the one you took first time) and turn left, entering the Sand Fynbos a second time (completing the figure of 8). This is a fun part of the run, crossing two wooden bridges, and in the Spring time you will see spectacular flower displays.
After another half km you will rejoin your original route, passing The Mound a second time, except this time you will make a beeline right back to the carpark.
We hope you enjoy this route!
Created By
Alanna Rebelo
