Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest

Moderate

Table Mountain NP

Main risk: crime

At a glance

Distance

5 km return

Time

2–3 hr

Elevation gain

300 m

Summit

600 m

Water on route

Dogs allowed Parking

Crime awareness

Crime rather than trail injury is the main concern here — muggings have been recorded in Cecilia Forest, particularly on quiet weekday mornings, including robberies of runners. Do not hike alone; four is the ideal number. Keep valuables out of sight in the car.

Know before you go

No entry fee — Cecilia Forest is open access from 06:00 to 18:00.
Waterfall is most impressive in late winter (July–September) after high rainfall.
Dogs welcome on leash; off-lead requires a SANParks My Activity Permit.
Go with at least one other person — mugging incidents have been recorded here.

If you need help

Crime rather than trail injury is the primary safety concern here. Hike in groups of at least two, and avoid early morning solo visits to this forest.

Emergency exit

Return to Rhodes Drive via the Cecilia Forest jeep track at any point.

Cell reception

Good for most of the route. Drops in the upper forest sections.

Start point

Cecilia Forest parking (Rhodes Drive, Constantia — free roadside parking near the gate)

Get directions to trailhead

Parking: Cecilia Forest roadside parking on Rhodes Drive. Free, but break-ins have been reported.

Elevation profile

Peak

600 m

Total ascent

300 m

Trail length

5 km

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Waterfall is best in winter and spring after rain.

Water sources

Treat or filter before drinking — never trust a stream raw.

Cecilia waterfall and stream
Winter and spring only
Strongest July–September. Slows to a trickle by late summer.

Build your checklist for this trail

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Tell someone where you are going

Share your plan with a friend or family member before you set off.

Last reviewed May 2026

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