New trail at Princess Vlei Park gets off the ground

29 March 2025

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department broke ground yesterday to mark the start of construction of a new trail at the Princess Vlei Park which will allow visitors to make optimal use of the breath taking natural environment.

The anticipated completion of construction is December 2025, but a further 12 months of maintenance will be required for the areas rehabilitated during construction, with a final completion date of December 2026.

The trail construction has been divided into sections for efficient construction implementation and will act as milestones for measurement and progress. 

‘At the moment many areas are inaccessible and once the new trail circling the vlei is completed, it will create more space for residents and visitors to walk and run, while also  engaging with the natural environment. The trail will provide a respite from the urban environment and give visitors an opportunity to unwind, engage with nature, exercise and socialise. Not only will this be of great benefit to the immediate community, but we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the City to this park which is a great example of the City’s investment in our very unique environmentally sensitive areas and public open spaces,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Princess Vlei is a breeding site for the Endangered Western Leopard Toad (Amietophrynus pantherinus) and also contains remnants of the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation and is home to dndangered fynbos species including the Marsh Heath (Erica verticillata) and the Strawberry Spiderhead (Serruria foeniculacea). 

The Department therefore ensured that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment was completed during the planning stages.

The rehabilitation of sensitive vegetation will also be completed as part of the trail construction and will be done in collaboration with the Princess Vlei Forum. Once completed, the trail will enable increased accessibility, encourage more visitors to use the recreational facilities as well as assist with educational activities at the Vlei.

The trail will allow walking, hiking and running. Cyclists will be able to traverse the trail on certain sections, but it will not be used primarily as a cycling route.

Off-road four-wheelers and cycling at night will not be permitted, as these can be hazardous to natural vegetation and the Western Leopard Toad, which is an endangered amphibian species.

There is a regular Saturday market on the Eastern Shore of the vlei and the trail will allow visitors to the market to experience the shore conditions and natural vegetation.

Interpretive signage has been included as part of the trail to acknowledge and provide education information on the historical and ecological importance of the Vlei.

It will also include resting spaces with seating and litter bins, and a number of boardwalks and bridges where people can get closer to the water’s edge. 

'This project has been years in the making and I am thrilled to see it take shape. Princess Vlei holds deep cultural and ecological significance and this trail will create more opportunities for the community to connect with and appreciate the space. The collaboration between the City and the Princess Vlei Forum, along with the dedication of local stakeholders, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through long-term partnerships and I look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoy this incredible natural asset ,' said Ward Councillor Kevin Southgate.

For more information, go to the Princess Vlei website: capetown.gov.za/Family and home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Biodiversity parks/princess-vlei-conservation-area

Caption 1: Princess Vlei is a well-used and much loved recreational space.

Caption 2: At the sod turning were from left From left to right: Zeenat Arieff from the Recreation and Parks Department, Ward Councillor Kevin Southgate, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham,  Teboho Maliehe, Layaan Leukes,  and Desiree Galant (all from the department).

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office