About The Old Wagon Road to the Forest
Cape Town's Main Road (M4) runs from the southern corner of the Castle, around Devil's Peak and through the rowdy streets of Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory and Mowbray all the way to Muizenberg.
It was the first European-made road in the country known simply as: Die Ou Wagen Pad Na ‘T Bos (the old wagon road to the forest). And, as its name suggests, it originated because of the need for wood. As the demand for wood in the Cape increased, and timber close to hand dwindled, so the path of the road extended - around the landward slopes of Table Mountain and on, until it eventually reached False Bay at Muizenberg.
The road began soon after Jan Van Riebeeck landed at the coast, when forest stretched all the way down to the castle. Slowly it wound around Devil's Peak (then known as Windberg, or wind mountain, for obvious reasons) through Rondebosch, Newlands, through Kirstenbosch forest and, eventually in 1687, it branched off from Muizenberg and headed all the way to the new winter harbour at Simon's Town.
The M4 is long. Driving the full distance between the Castle and Muizenberg is probably the longest route, if the most direct, between the castle and the beach (most people use either the M5 or the M3 as alternative routes). Main Road's architecture is a hodgepodge of historical eras - from Victorian to more commercial 1970 developments - but no less an exciting drive for that very reason.
Once past Groote Schuur the M4 travels through the heart of the southern suburbs of Cape Town - Newlands and Claremont - before entering the historical high street of Wynberg; today a colourful, busy and loud strip of road, with incredible views, between the run-down Victorian façades, of Muizenberg in the distance.
The M4 then heads through 1950s Plumstead, leafy Diepriver and then Retreat, before entering Lakeside, and finally Muizenberg.
Reference: Back Road of the Cape by David Fleminger
Need to Know
WhereThe Old Wagon Road to the Forest, Main Road or the M4, start at the Foreshore. Start at the Castle all the way to Muizenberg.Cape Town, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Foreshore
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town

The Clifton Mansion Apartment
The Clifton Mansion Apartment offers Clifton self catering. The ultra-modern apartment is a bright space with views of the ocean from within the ...

Kylemore 110
The trendy apartment block of Kylemore is irresistible for travellers to the Mother City. Kylemore 110 is a stylish apartment for up to four peop...

Smithland Apartments
Smithland Holiday Apartments offers accommodation nestled at the foot of the Tygerberg Hills in the Northern Suburbs, a security complex houses y...

Diamond House Guesthouse
Diamond House is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park with breathtaking views over Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Lions H...

Berg Residence
Situated on the mountainside in the town of Fish Hoek, Berg Residence offers comfortable self catering accommodation in a home which boasts views...

The Blue Marine Self Catering
The Blue Marine Luxury Self Catering Apartment offers the ultimate for your pleasure whether it be on vacation or business. You will want for not...

Airstream Trailer Park @ Grand Daddy
The Grand Daddy's big talking point is its 'penthouse' trailer park, where a collection of seven original vintage Airstream caravans nestle benea...
Things to do in the area

Artscape Theatre
Appreciate the arts at the Artscape Theatre. Culture embraces Capetonians and travellers alike at these centrally sighted escapades of celebratio...

Marimba Restaurant & Cigar Bar
A safari dining experience can be enjoyed at Marimba Restaurant. See Africa in the décor. Hear Africa in the ambient live music. Feel Africa in t...

Atlantic Rail Day Trips
Take a step back into a bygone era by taking a day trip on an Atlantic Rail steam train from Cape Town to Simon's Town.Atlantic Rail run regular ...

Tunnel Tour
Everybody takes a tour of the city, but have you ever taken one underground? The tunnel tour in Cape Town starts at the Castle where you will be ...

Panama Jacks
Seafood galore! Panama Jacks serves up some of the most fantastic seafood such as crayfish, abalone, and grilled line fish all with lemon, peri-p...

Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
One of Africa's most prized possessions is the creative talent that is born within its borders. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, based at Artscap...

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre
As the most popular shopping destination in South Africa, the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, at the V&A Waterfront, is a hub of excitement and ...

OZCF Organic Market
The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) has long been hosting the weekly Market Day on Saturdays. However, it has recently moved to Granger Bay for the ...

Tunnel and Dungeon Tour
Be part of the mystery and history of the Mother City in a new and very exciting experience called the Tunnel and Dungeon Tour. This is an underg...
Accommodation convenient to The Old Wagon Road to the Forest
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation