Tokai Forest, on and below the slopes of the Constantiaberg has, for many years, been a recreation area for walkers and hikers, for exercising dogs, for birding and so on. More recently, the management of these forests have been taken over by the South African National Parks as part of the Table Mountain National Park.

In recent years, there has been some controversy concerning the future of the pine trees and the eucalyptus trees in this area. The pine trees were grown with the intention of of harvesting, when they reach the right size. New pine trees were then planted and the cycle was repeated. There have been protests of sorts about the planned permanent removal of these pine trees. From another perspective though, these pine plantations prevent the re-growth of "highly endangered" Cape Flats Sand Fynbos. The trees have also covered the slopes where endangered Granite Fynbos would naturally grow. It appears that some sort of compromise may have been reached between the fynbos conservationists and the pine tree forest supporters. In addition, certain wetland habitats were being damaged by the pine forests. A fair bit of the wetland area has now been cleared of pine plantation.

The photographs below were taken in the Lower Tokai Plantation area during July 2009. Efforts to encourage the growth of Cape Flats Sand Fynbos is proceeding in parts of the Lower Plantation area, as well as the protection of certain wetland sections.

During 2010 and 2011 large amounts of the pine forestsin the lower region of Tokai Forest were removed in order to allow the indigenous flora to recover and re-grow. In the later part of 2011 new paths for walkers were being laid aout mainly along the perimeter of this former forest area and some new trees along the perimeter are now evident.

There has also been ongoing harvesting of the trees on some of the slopes of the Constantiaberg before and during 2011. These wetter slopes and especially the main river valley should see some interesting growth of indigenous fynbos and trees in the months and years to come.

Closest accommodation to Tokai Forest, in this guide is at Orchard House in Bergvliet, and Sunbird Hideaway in Meadowridge.