Tokai is a suburb in the Constantia valley, surrounded by majestic mountains, south of Cape Town city. It’s best known for the forest that carpets the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountain at the western end of the suburb.
The forest is a hive of activity on most days ,with walkers enjoying the peace and quiet, hikers climbing the trails and mountain bikers attempting the tracks graded from novice to expert. The lovely arboretum was established in 1886. and planted with trees from around the world to find the best trees for repairing ships. Horse riding is popular in these parts. Baboon troops are common in the area.
The Cape Dutch style Tokai manor house built in 1796 is a national monument and currently occupied by the Table Mountain National Park admin offices.
Tokai is alongside the M3 Blue Route highway, within easy reach of the city and the coastal road through to Cape Point.
Things to do
The Contantia Wine Route is on Tokai’s doorstep for excellent wine tasting at the various elegant, historic wine farms.
For convenient shopping, the Blue Route Mall alongside Tokai has over 120 stores .
Travel south to Cape Point via the scenic Boyes Drive overlooking the blue seas of False Bay. Stop at Kalk Bay to watch fishermen offload their catch, have a swim at Fish Hoek beach and visit the penguin colony outside Simon’s Town before arriving at your destination.
Hike the Silvermine Reserve to reach Elephant’s Eye cave. From a distance, the hill above the cave is perfectly shaped to appear as an elephant’s head with the cave being the elephant’s eye.
Learn to surf in the safe waters of Muizenberg beach. Several surf schools on the beachfront offer training.
Where to Eat
Sit under the shady oak trees at Jonkershuis restaurant in the Groot Constantia Wine Estate and revel in the local favourites and traditional dishes served with creative flair. Open 7 days a week.
Bistro Sixteen82 at the Steenberg Estate is an innovative and ultra-modern restaurant set around an indigenous garden and terraced water features. The dishes are lavish and beautifully presented. This is chic to the max.
Basilico Steenberg in the Steenberg Village Centre offers the diner authentic Italian dishes. Popular for their super tasty wood fired pizzas.
The maximum security Pollsmoor Prison has a restaurant on site called Idlanathi (a Xhosa term meaning Eat with us) that serves light meals to the public. The prices are very reasonable and the food enjoyable. Meals are prepared by inmates.
Tokai hosts a number of markets over the weekend, the more popular Earth Fair Market is an indoor venue with music, a small children’s play area and plentiful parking. Stall owners sell fresh organic produce, take the family to enjoy the eats on offer sitting on straw bales under a cosy tent.
Night Life
The Diner’s Bar at the Brasserie in the Groot Constantia Wine Estate invites patrons to sample their interesting cocktails and beer on tap (and of course, their award winning wines off the estate) after a hard day’s slog.
Enjoy a hit production at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch. The playhouse presents various shows, from Shakespearean plays to music festivals. Ask your host to organize a programme.
The lively Tiger Tiger nightclub in nearby Claremont has 8 bars and 2 dance floors with DJs pumping out House music until late.
Where to Stay
This area is a desirable journey's end for Cape Town visitors. Its central location between historic wine farms, Cape Point and the city is complimented by outstanding accommodation facilities on offer. They range from opulent hotels, refined manor houses and spas, and guest houses, holiday homes and cottages provided with every amenity imaginable.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 28km from Tokai.
Car A few car rental agencies are located near to Tokai. There are many rental agencies in Cape Town city centre and at Cape Town International airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online.
Taxi Several metered taxi companies operate in Tokai and surrounding areas. If you have the Uber app, order a ride via your mobile phone.
Did you know?
The maximum security Pollsmoor Prison adjoining Tokai is where Nelson Mandela spent four years after being transferred from Robben Island in 1984 upon falling ill.
The Tokai manor house has a ghost associated. In 1802 and on New Year’s Eve, the farm owner’s son attempted to ride his horse up a flight of stairs to impress his dinner guests. The horse fell on the way down, killing the man. It is said that the sound of horse’s hooves can be heard every New Year’s Eve…
