Sometimes, just a few hours under a green canopy is enough to feel grounded again. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku—forest bathing—the simple act of stepping into trees to clear the mind and calm the body.
Sergei A/Unsplash
Greenbelts, forest trails, and wooded reserves are closer than you think. In many towns and cities, they’re just minutes away. Nature sounds replace traffic. You don’t need much—just sturdy shoes, a bottle of water, and a little time.
South Africa’s green escapes
Newlands Forest and Devils Peak/Abu Shawka/Wikimedia Commons
Newlands and Cecilia Forests—Cape Town
Part of Table Mountain National Park, these forests are loved by locals for their shady trails, wooden bridges, and gurgling streams. The trails range from gentle loops to steeper climbs toward Skeleton Gorge or the contour path. Bring a thermos and sit on a mossy log under massive trees for a mid-hike tea break. This is best for locals who need a quick mental reset
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve—Overberg, Western Cape
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve/Winfried Bruenken/Wikimedia Commons
The southernmost indigenous forest in Africa feels like a fairy tale, complete with fern-filled valleys and rare birds, such as the Knysna woodpecker. Day visitors can tackle one of several trails, including a suspended canopy walkway. This is ideal for forest immersion and birdwatching.
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Delta Park -Randburg, Johannesburg
Delta Park/CheatingDanger/Wikimedia Commons
One of Jozi’s most beloved urban greenbelts, Delta Park combines open grassland with patches of wild woodland. It’s a haven for birders, dog walkers, and cyclists — and the ecological centre adds a quiet, educational twist. Additionally, this park works for children and early morning runs before work.
Kloofendal Nature Reserve -Roodepoort, Gauteng
Kloofendal Nature Reserve/Joburg.co.za
Criss-crossed with heritage trails and shaded ravines, this often-overlooked reserve includes remnants of mining history and surprising biodiversity. The forested kloofs and short trails are perfect for relaxed exploration. History buffs and beginner hikers can appreciate this reserve.
Karkloof Forest and Howick Falls (KwaZulu-Natal Midlands)
Karkloof Forest/Helen Lechmere-Oertel/Wikimedia Commons
The Midlands is known for its gentle hills and crisp air, but it also hides forested treasures. Combine a stop at the dramatic Howick Falls with nearby Karkloof trails for a short waterfall-meets-forest adventure.
Global forests to explore
Axel Mauruszat/Wikimedia Commons
Grunewald Forest -Berlin, Germany
Yes, Berlin has techno, but it also has 3,000 hectares of pine and birch forest just 30 minutes from the city centre. Locals swim in forest lakes or hike up Teufelsberg, a Cold War-era hill topped with graffiti and eerie radar domes.
Mount Takao -Tokyo, Japan
Mount Takao hiking trail/Japan Guide
This sacred mountain is only an hour by train from central Tokyo. Trails wind through cedar forests and past ancient temples — and on clear days, there’s even a glimpse of Mount Fuji—spiritual forests and solo reflection at their best.
Epping Forest -London
Epping Forest, near the deer sanctuary/Jude Mack/Unsplash
One of England’s oldest forests sits right on the edge of London. Wander among ancient oaks, mushrooms, and winding paths. It’s wild in parts and tamed in others, depending on which corner you choose.
Black Forest Fringes -Freiburg, Germany
Black Forest/Rach Sam/Unsplash
The deep Black Forest might be a multi-day affair, but Freiburg offers bite-sized forest walks right from town. Dip into trails lined with pine and fir, then stop at a local bakery for Black Forest cake — the perfect day trip loop.
Lahemaa National Park -Near Tallinn, Estonia
Hibiki Hosoi/Unsplash
Less than an hour from Tallinn, Lahemaa feels like a world away. Think boardwalks over mossy bogs, pine-scented trails, and old manor houses. Short circular walks make this ideal for a single day – ultimate Nordic vibes and silence.
Dandenong Ranges- Melbourne, Australia
Dandenong Ranges/Gagandeep Singh/Unsplash
Just east of Melbourne, the Dandenongs are beloved for their towering mountain ash trees and ferny gullies. Trails like the 1,000 Steps Kokoda Walk attract both fitness fans and forest wanderers.
Best for: Lush rainforests without the jet lag.
Tips for a perfect forest day
Pack light but smart: Water, snacks, a hat, and a rain shell are non-negotiable.
Map it out: Even in urban forests, it helps to download a map or use an app like AllTrails or Gaia.
Respect the rhythm: Stay on marked trails, and don’t feed wildlife (even if it’s tempting).
Go early or off-peak: You’ll get more birdsong and fewer crowds.
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