Nestled amidst the urban sprawl of Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs lies Vink’s Arboretum, a lush green belt that runs parallel to Majik Forest on the border between Bellville and Durbanville. Located at the end of Jip de Jager road, the arboretum is a testament to the vision and dedication of Vink van Zyl, whose legacy lives on through this remarkable natural oasis.
Vink van Zyl, a retired engineer renowned for his work on iconic Cape Town structures like the ABSA building and Groote Schuur Hospital, had a dream. In 2001, he approached the Cape Town City Parks department with a unique proposal: to create an arboretum filled with indigenous trees. The chosen site, a neglected park area near Jip De Jager and Van Riebeeckshof road, was transformed through his sheer determination and resourcefulness. With the assistance of contractors who provided machinery in exchange for fill dumping privileges, Vink began the arduous task of reshaping the landscape and planting over 500 indigenous trees sourced from the Bellville municipal nursery.
“As you explore the Majik Forest, you’ll find yourself transported into a world where the magic of nature comes alive, reminding us of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.”
Complementing the arboretum is Majik Forest which blooms into a vibrant spectacle of nature every September. This tranquil haven, nestled amid vineyards and residential areas, offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Its central location, just a short drive from Durbanville, Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, and Willowbridge Mall, makes it an accessible and attractive destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Majik Forest, with its secure perimeter, boasts a wealth of natural beauty, including flowers, shrubs, forested areas, still dams, and meandering streams. The well-maintained paths winding through the enchanting landscape cater to families, couples, joggers, and cyclists. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails of varying difficulty, providing a thrilling outdoor adventure amid nature’s splendour. But Majik Forest isn’t just a recreational haven; it’s also a vital conservation area. Spanning approximately 59 hectares, it hosts a diverse array of plant species, some of which are critically endangered or near-threatened. Notably, it serves as a lifeline for Swartland Shale Renosterveld species in the face of urban expansion, linking to the Tygerberg Hills.
As you explore the Majik Forest and Vink’s Arboretum, you’ll find yourself transported into a world where the magic of nature comes alive, reminding us of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
