Enjoy a mellow walk in the exotic Klaasenbosch and add a meander in the lower Kirstenbosch

Constantia is also dubbed the Green Belt because of the lush greenery and an array of trails and walks, many of which are dog friendly. Klaasenbosch is one of the trails on this Green Belt where you walk under a canopy of trees, along the Cecilia Stream where you’ll find the exotic Australian tree ferns on the water’s edge. 

The trail has several starting points, but we choose to start on Hohenhort Avenue, just opposite the top section of the Alphen Trail. There is a signboard that marks the start of the trail. Follow the sandy trail as it winds up and stick to the left path along the stream. Look out for the Arum lillies which are currently in bloom and growing in abundance in the area. 

You will go up a small incline and descend into an amazing unspoilt, natural garden. This trail is bicycle-free but popular with trail runners, dog walkers and horse riders.  

There are plenty of places for your pooch to frolic in the water and cool down all along your walk. There is a contour path so you can choose to go up one side and come down the other. 

We usually stick to the path that takes you across the bridge over the water. This is a great trail as it is quite a protected area (especially on windy days) and the canopy traps a lot of heat, which makes it generally quite humid here. It is a great trail to do some bird spotting too.

Klaasenbosch Trail is a short 3km loop, which you can extend by another kilometre or two. When you get to the top of the trail, cross the road and veer towards the left. There is a somewhat hidden path that continues along the stream, bordered by the backyards of a few properties. When you get the top of this short incline, you’ll see a wooden bridge with a Kirstenbosch sign. 

This trail is part of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is open to dog walkers and cyclists. It is just over a kilometre loop and there’s lots of indigenous fynbos, flowers and all sorts of trees, including the endangered Silverleaf tree. There are some routes that cut through the middle if you'd like to extend your walk further. This garden is bordered by Hohenhort Avenue and Rhodes Drive and is just below the parking area for Cecilia Forest.

The views are absolutely incredible, and as you are walking you will see the stretch of Cecilia Forest and the layered, lush greenery against the mountain range that leads to Cecilia Ridge. 

You will get to a detour in the road which indicates the path for walkers. It is quite a steep, log staircase, so watch your step, especially if it is wet. The cyclist path is way more treacherous. 

As you descend the staircase, there is a water stream with a shallow pool, ideal for pooches. You can continue along the path until you end up back at the wooden bridge. Follow the same route down to Klaasenbosch and use the path on the left to continue your walk. The constant sound of the flowing water is very relaxing and listen out for the unique calls of different birds.

This trail is a treat any time of the year and each season provides different blossoms. During lockdown, the trail has become very popular on weekends with people picnicking and enjoying being out in nature. 

Remember to scoop your dog’s poop, there are quite a few municipal bins on Oak Avenue. This is a great trail if you want a more mellow walk but the inclines still get your heart rate up. 

It is great for pups who can’t walk that far, as you can shorten your walk, or for older dogs who want to explore and sniff around without an intense workout.