Path Closures at Lower Tokai Park
Former forestry paths closed
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Some restored paths through critical habitat in Lower Tokai Park’s Core Conservation Area were inadvertently brushcut in April 2024. In order for them to recover, they will now be closed. We urge all park users not to use them.
Please note that these are not paths that you would normally use. The closures do not affect existing paths displayed on the maps to the entrances to the park: all official paths will therefore remain open.
The reason why these old forestry tracks were closed in 2010 following the restoration of the Fynbos from plantation is two-fold.
First, Tokai Park has many very rare and endangered plant species that might be directly damaged by trampling. Footpaths compress the soil and this would alter the drainage patterns in the area, changing the hydrology and, potentially, lowering the survival of these endangered species.
The core area – with a very high concentration of these species – has therefore been zoned without tracks through it. The public is asked to please respect the re-closure of these old tracks. Should the public wish to see any of the threatened species, many have been planted for viewing along the Restoration Trail.
The signage for the Restoration Trail will be updated soon.
Secondly, Tokai Park contains many animal species sensitive to being disturbed by dogs and people. These animals include otters, mongeese, Caracal and porcupine, and we are hoping that grysbok and Cape Fox will also return to the area. The same applies to the nightjars, Spotted Eagle Owls, tortoises and other animals.
For these species to survive in Lower Tokai Park, they need places to hide during the day to avoid disturbances by people or dogs flushing them out.
We have chosen the core area – containing the highest concentration of endangered plants – to double up as the “dog-and-people-safe” area for these species. It has a donga that allows animals to be active during the day without interference from dogs and people.
In addition, we are reserving 20% of the canal for wild animal use, without paths. Elsewhere, paths will be limited to one side of the canal, which will allow wild animals to flee dogs if scared. This will provide otters and Marsh Mongeese a “day-safe area” to retreat to.
Hikers and dog walkers are therefore left 80% of the canal on one side, where dogs can drink and play in the pools and swales.
Baboon Activity
Please note that the area west of Orpen Road is a baboon area, and dogs are not allowed there as conflict is inevitable. Baboons will be kept out of the eastern section on weekends and waste collection days.
Baboon excursions in Lower Tokai Sand Fynbos are largely a Spring phenomenon, and it is only for a few days per year: during summer and winter baboons prefer foraging higher up in the Granite Fynbos.
The public is requested to please honour these no-use zones and not use the closed tracks and wild areas. Please also report any transgressors to the Tokai head ranger.
Hikers, dogwalkers and runners at Tokai Park are encouraged to record sightings of any of these animals or plants on iNaturalist, where you can view recent Citizen Science records from lower Tokai Park.
