For me, there’s something really exciting about spring in the Western Cape. But never more so than when I get to explore our beautiful outdoors! This is especially true when I visit the much-loved tranquil nature park and public space in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs: Majik Forest.
A Spot I Helped Put on the Map
Back in 2017, it was added to my travel list after I was told “it’s pretty inside”, with both nature walks and MTB routes for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Shortly thereafter, I visited it for myself and I saw why it was such a special spot. I decided to add it to my still-growing blog.
Back then, it was known only to locals but over time, this post, which I have continued to update over the years, has made Majik Forest (and my blog) rather famous.
I often wonder if that was a good or bad thing because with the crowds, there has been increased littering and crime – but then I try to remind myself that there have been so many healing moments, for myself and others, here too. Hopefully, the good still outweighs the bad – and the Majik Forest residents don’t hate me.
Well-positioned in the Northern Suburbs
Its central location – a short drive from Bellville and Durbanville, as well as local shopping destinations like Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, Willowbridge Mall, Welgemoed Forum and of course, its namesake, the Majik Forest Shopping Centre – makes it the perfect place for a nature escape.
Although it isn’t spelt the usual way: Majik Forest is in every way magical, especially during springtime.
Nestled between a green corner of fields, residential areas and work spaces, Majik Forest provides a touch of greenery and lush beauty to the borders of Bellville and Welgemoed, with the Durbanville Wine Valley but a short drive away.
Natural Lover’s Paradise
With a secure, fenced-off perimeter and a wealth of flowers, shrubs, forested areas, still dams and flowing streams contained within, Majik Forest is a nature lover’s paradise.
And, although the park has strong ties to the Tygerberg MTB Club (evident from signs and plaques, as you enter from the Jip de Jager side), it is a wonderful, free public space for all to enjoy.
Here, as you explore the shrubbery, you find expansive stretches of lawn and benches throughout.
Alternatively, stick to the smooth, well-worn paths that are shared by families, couples, cyclists and joggers alike.
Note: Certain sections of the park are off-limits to bicycles. So please, if you bring your bike along, keep an eye out for ‘no cycling’ signs and stick to your designated paths/routes.
(For example, apparently, no cycling is permitted on the walkway between the houses and dam. Something not everyone seems to be aware of.)
Majik Forest MTB Trails
For cyclists, you can enjoy tackling smooth paths made for speed, with bridges, rocky parts and other fun outdoor challenges!
The loop of the main Majik Forest trail may, according to Tygerberg MTB, take anything from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours to cover. Although this depends on your fitness level.
Distances vary, ranging from 2 – 5 km. All trails are clearly, carefully marked out by yellow arrows and are interleading. Best part of all? This section is free to ride.
However, if you wish to ride the Bloemendal side of Majik Forest, you need a permit. Otherwise, you must be part of the Tygerberg MTB Club. This is because both the Bloemendal Singletrack and Corridor to Ntidia are restricted to members or cyclists with a day pass.
Club members may park at the Protea Hotel (found near the Vineyards Office Estate). Just show your bike board to gain entrance.
Non-members, on the other hand, are free to park in the street in designated parking spots.
Peaceful Picnics and Park Strolls
If you simply want to enjoy a quiet stroll or peaceful picnic, bring the whole family along – including your leashed, well-behaved four-legged pooch!
Photo Shoot Paradise
Due to its natural beauty, Majik Forest is often used for family-, couple- and wedding-photo shoots. So don’t be surprised if you see people posing for shots or lugging fancy cameras around.
In fact, I did my own travel blog shoot here with the lovely Honeybee Photography back in 2018 – and it made for a stunning setting! 🙂
Scenic Walks and Short Nature Hikes
On my visit to Majik Forest over the years, I have spent good times here: enjoying a private lunch with a friend near a tree stump; relaxing on a shaded bench overlooking the dam with my child; or immersing myself in the forest and reeds that encircle the dam.
This last section is particularly magical, especially with the crisp, green trees and (if you visit in spring) vast bed of wild flowers.
So, too, are the streams, which, even with the Western Cape’s often tricky water situation, often flow prettily. You often see people hiking alongside the stream too.
The lawn spaces are ideal for relaxing with a meal or drink. Or for simply enjoying a quick rest after some brisk biking or ambitious walking.
Note: There are waste bins inside the park. So please don’t litter in this beautiful, clean space. If the park bins are full, rather carry your rubbish to the Majik Forest Shopping Centre for disposal or throw it away at home. It’s not that hard, I promise.
Relax and Soak up the Natural Beauty
The reed-encircled dam and little bridges, which criss-cross over twinkling streams, make for a unique park experience. While the beds of clivia and other bright blooms ensure a heady dose of colourful scenery.
In the past, I have managed to snap lovely photos of the various blooms here.
By all accounts, Majik Forest is one of several naturally beautiful wonderlands found within Cape Town’s often overlooked Northern Suburbs.
Contact Info and Location
For more information on Majik Forest, see: www.tygerbergmtb.co.za.
Or else, unlock its wonders for yourself by visiting it at the Majik Forest Upper Entrance, 20 Van Riebeeckshof Road, Van Riebeeckshof, Cape Town. Alternately, you can enter via Majik Forest Lower Entrance, Jip De Jager Drive, Bellville, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
Important Safety Note:
While there is sometimes on-site security present and it’s a popular, often busy place, I must advise some level of caution when visiting Majik Forest nonetheless. Especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
I recommend visiting in a pair or group. (I would advise this for any local outdoor experience.) Safety is important in any city but especially in public outdoor spaces, where targeted crime can occur.
Looking for Incredible Hikes in the Western Cape?
Well, you are in luck because I have a post dedicated to the best Western Cape day hikes. Read all about my top hiking picks here! 🙂
About the Author
Thanks Tamlyn-very informative and beautifully descriptive;your helpful post enables me to get my aged but fit mom whose been couped up for months out to see the flowers this week!
Hi Antoinette,
Wonderful to hear! I always find Majik Forest offers some beautiful flowers during springtime so I am glad you and your mum got to enjoy it – especially after so long indoors.
Thank you for the kind words and feedback on this post. 🙂 I appreciate it!
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Can we come as a big group, as we are planning to do a family picnic. To what amount of people are we allowed to bring for a picnic?
What is the entry fee per person? Is alcohol allowed?
Hi Alta,
Thank you for your query.
I am not an expert on Majik Forest in terms of its finer rules and regulations – but I will do my best to answer from my knowledge of it and based off its official signage.
You can visit it for free – there has never been an entry fee when I visited; it is a public space.
No alcohol is permitted at Majik Forest – the signs clearly state this.
People do visit in groups for family picnics on the grass – I don’t know that there is a limit of how many people can visit together.
However, please just be cautious and take the necessary precautions to ensure your family’s safety and those of others, especially if you intend to visit in a large group during COVID-19 times. 🙂
If you are still uncertain of anything, you can perhaps try contact the city authorities directly on (021) 444 7367 or durparks@capetown.gov.za.
I hope this information helps.
Hi there. I am planning to bring my family of 5 on a picnic on Christmas Day. Are you guys open on Christmas Day?
Hi Chernay,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, I am a blogger only so I don’t manage Majik Forest and am uncertain as to whether it is open to the public on Christmas Day.
You will need to forward this query to the relevant city authorities.
You can perhaps try contact them directly on (021) 444 7367 or durparks@capetown.gov.za.
I hope this helps.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Hi there. Are there any toilets in the forest?
Are there toilet facilities or ablution blocks available there?
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your query.
It’s a park, so I doubt it. But there is the Majik Forest Shopping Centre just up the road with bathrooms…
Regards,
Tamlyn
Hi Tamlyn,
Can you please tell me how to get to the dam for a picnic? Is it a long way from the entrance at Jip de Jager or should one rather use the entrance at van Riebeeckshof Road?
Thanks
Hi Ilhaam,
Thanks for your query.
I don’t find the entrance at Jip de Jager to be very long – it’s a nice, short walk from there to the main lawn area under the trees. But if you are pressed for time, Van Riebeeckshof Road entrance is slightly quicker.
I hope this helps.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Hi Tamlyn
Please advise if people are allowed to do wedding photos (in a group) at Majik Forest?
Hi Kaylyn,
Thanks for your comment.
I can’t say for certain, to be honest… I know they often do couple- and family-shoots there so it should technically be okay.
I imagine if there are not more than, say, 10-20 people in a group and all COVID-19 regulations are followed outside of your photos, it might be okay?
If you are in any doubt, please rather try check with a local authority or municipality.
I unfortunately can’t advise on public regulations and rules. 🙂
You can perhaps try contact the local park management directly on (021) 444 7367 or durparks@capetown.gov.za and check with them.
I hope this helps.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Thanks Tamlyn.
Hi,
I would like to plant a tree in memory of a good friend. How do I go about this?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Firstly, I am sorry for your loss.
Unfortunately, I am not sure about who you would need to speak to – perhaps contact the municipality or local ward.
Otherwise, I think there is a Majik Forest Facebook group – perhaps ask on there?
I hope you come right.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Hi,
Can I bring a small, inflatable boat on the lake?
Hi Charlton,
Thanks for your query.
I could be mistaken but I don’t think anyone is allowed to go into the lake, with a boat or otherwise.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Hi Tamlyn
Hope you well.
Is the park open tomorrow and until what time please?
Regards
Hi Ruwaine,
Thanks for your comment. I hope you are well too, thank you.
I unfortunately don’t know if Majik Forest is open on Christmas Day/public holidays. I think it might be but I cannot say for certain.
If you are based in the area, I would say drive by tomorrow and see if it seems open – otherwise, if you are far away, maybe rather come during the week to avoid disappointment.
Happy holidays,
Tamlyn.
Good day,
Can we have a picnic reception at Majik Forest?
Hi Elize,
Thanks for your query.
I am only a blogger – so I can’t really advise on what is permitted here or not, in terms of gatherings and events.
People do picnic here in small groups but I am not sure if you can host a picnic reception here.
I would advise contacting the park management and checking with them directly.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Hi Tamlyn,
For a picnic is there a limit to number of people visiting at the same time?
Is there an entry fee to the facility, please?
Hi Colleen,
Thanks for your query.
I think for picnics, I would not visit in a big group, as you need to consider the houses near Majik Forest and others who may be visiting the space.
I think 5-6 people (excluding a few kiddies) is reasonable, based on what I’ve seen when visiting.
Also, when picnicking, just remember no alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Majik Forest is a public space so it is free to visit. Just keep in mind the rules and opening times when visiting.
Many thanks,
Tamlyn.
Good day Tamlyn,
Thank you for your blog. I’d just like to know, from what you observed at Majik Forest, are there any public toilets?
Hi Kim,
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed.
No, not at the park itself – but Majik Forest Shopping Centre (just up the road) has public toilets.