Newlands Forest Meander with a Champagne breakfast at 'Paradise'

The site known as Paradise Outpost (or Paradijsbos) was originally an outpost of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established in the early 1720's. It served to protect the valuable timber resources of Table Mountain and housed the Master Woodcutter of the VOC, his family, a garrison of soldiers and slaves. Lady Anne Barnard and her husband Andrew Barnard used the run-down cottage at Paradise in Newlands Forest as a getaway for a short period of time around 1798.
Lady Anne's diary entries describing her time there with her husband is the reason the cottage became widely known as "Paradise".

Embark on a cultural journey with us, tracing the footsteps of history from Rhodes Memorial through Newlands Forest to "Paradise".
We'll make a special stop at the historic Old Zoo and enjoy Champagne breakfast at Paradise adding a touch of nostalgia to our adventure.

Hike Details:
- Circular 10 km hike.
- Elevation gain: approximately 350 meters.
- Grade 2B hike
- Duration: 5-6 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: Intermediate hike, good fitness required, mostly accessible paths, sure footedness required.

Basic agenda:
Soon after we start at the Rhodes Memorial Lower Parking Lot, we will pass the small UCT Dam and navigate around the Newlands Forest Picnic Area. We will then pass the Newlands Reservoir and eventually reach the Newlands Stream. Following this stream will bring us to a beautiful bridge that crosses it.
Our path continues south under shady trees, leading us to the lovely Orchard footpath that runs parallel to the border of Newlands Forest. Just after 3 km, we will reach the old Woodcutters ruin at Paradise, where we will have our champagne breakfast.

Please remember to bring and prepare your own champagne and breakfast for our break.

After our break, we'll head up a steep ascent towards the Kirstenbosch border. From there, we'll turn north onto a shady path, enjoying the thick canopy of indigenous trees. Our route will then take us through Donkerkloof, a popular spot for dogs to splash around, before we continue to the upper parts of Newlands Stream.

After the Newlands Stream, the Woodcutters Path continues north through a dense indigenous forest until it reaches a jeep track. This track then descends through a pine plantation. At the 8 km mark, there is a final strenuous uphill section that leads to another small pocket of forest and a turnoff towards the old Zoo.

We will then take a short detour to the Wollheim Memorial Plaque.
H.J. Wollheim managed the Groote Schuur Estate from 1912 to 1931, following the completion of Rhodes Memorial. Afterward, we will descend to the Old Zoo for a brief visit before returning to the lower parking lot where we began our hike.

Fee to join hike:

• R70. Cash on the day, EFT on the day; or via PayShap: 074 449 7464, M Carstens, Capitec.

Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name and Paradise.

Bring along: appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking boots, your own favourite bottle of bubbles and breakfast including utensils to prepare your own breakfast, snacks and hiking gear.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT.