Residents and visitors alike will soon be able to explore Princess Vlei like never before, with the construction of a new trail.

The trail project, which is set to be completed by December 2025, will require an additional 12 months of maintenance and rehabilitation for areas impacted during construction, with the final completion scheduled for December 2026.

The City of Cape Town said the project will be divided into sections for implementation, and that the construction will also serve as milestones for tracking the project’s progress.

Once completed, the new trail will circle the vlei, providing much-needed space for residents to walk, run, and engage with the natural environment, offering a peaceful respite from the surrounding urban area.

“At the moment, many areas are inaccessible, but once the new trail is completed, it will create more space for residents and visitors to walk, run, and immerse themselves in nature,” said Councillor Francine Higham, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Princess Vlei, a recognized breeding site for the endangered Western Leopard Toad, also hosts remnants of the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos. Among the many rare species found in the area are the Marsh Heath (Erica verticillata) and the Strawberry Spiderhead.

The trail’s construction takes these ecological sensitivities into account, with the City ensuring a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was completed during the planning stages.

“This trail will be a great benefit to the immediate community and is part of our commitment to preserving and enhancing the City’s environmentally sensitive areas and public open spaces,” said Higham.

The project will also include the rehabilitation of sensitive vegetation, carried out in collaboration with the Princess Vlei Forum. These efforts will support increased accessibility to the area, while encouraging more visitors to enjoy the park’s recreational facilities and participate in educational activities that highlight the Vlei’s ecological and cultural significance.

Once the trail is finished, it will provide space for walking, hiking, and running, with certain sections designated for cycling. However, the trail will not be a primary route for cyclists, and off-road four-wheelers or cycling at night will be prohibited to protect both the natural vegetation and the Western Leopard Toad’s habitat.

“The Princess Vlei trail will create a space for people to unwind, exercise, and socialize, all while being mindful of the local environment. This park is a perfect example of the City’s investment in environmentally sensitive public spaces,” Higham explained.

The trail will also include resting areas with seating and litter bins, as well as several boardwalks and bridges, allowing people to get closer to the water’s edge and fully appreciate the Vlei’s natural beauty.

The Eastern Shore of Princess Vlei, where a regular Saturday market is held, will also benefit from the new trail.

“This project has been years in the making, and I’m thrilled to see it finally taking shape. Princess Vlei holds immense cultural and ecological value, and this trail will provide more opportunities for the community to connect with and appreciate this incredible natural space,” said ward councillor, Kevin Southgate.