KHOI FIRST NATIONS FOREST
📍 Oude Mollen Eco Village, Cape Town, SA 🌱 Planting: May 2022
Honoring and safeguarding the traditions of the Khoi people.
800
200
Trees
Square Meters
17
Native Species
In Partnership with
The Khoi First Nations Forest is a heartfelt collaboration with the First Nations people, the indigenous community of South Africa. Through the act of planting this forest, community members have reconnected with native tree species from the nearby Table Mountain, reviving a deep connection to the land.
This forest has become a local landmark, offering much more than just a green space. It’s a place where the broader community can learn about endemic tree species, biodiversity, and the importance of rewilding urban areas in South Africa—a country where land issues remain deeply contested and complex.
Before
18 Months
The Goringhaikona kraal at the Oude Molen Eco-Village holds deep cultural and historical significance, serving as a space where the First Nations tribe proudly continues their traditions. It’s the last remaining Khoi kraal in Cape Town, and the Khoi First Nations Forest, located right beside it, is designed in a circle to honor the kraal's traditional shape.
This forest is more than just a reflection of heritage—it’s a source of physical and mental well-being for the tribe. It also plays a crucial role in preserving their traditions and ensuring that indigenous knowledge continues to thrive for generations to come.
Forest Reports: 2023
Forest Age
17 Months
Survival Rate
75%
Average Tallest Trees
2.8m
This forest has now firmly taken root and is flourishing. In many areas, the vegetation has grown so thick that it’s impossible to see through to the other side. Over the past year, the Khoi First Nations Forest has drawn around 200 visitors, contributing a modest income to maintain the First Nations "Kraal."
The forest has become a true wilderness within the Kraal, where bold tortoises can often be heard and seen moving freely among the trees. A particular mole snake has made its home here, frequently spotted curled up under the straw in its favorite spot. Aphids, ants, butterflies, and bees are regular visitors, thriving in this ecosystem. Flocks of birds pass through daily, often stopping in the early mornings to rest among the trees.
Forest Reports: 2022
Forest Age
6 Months
Survival Rate
99%
Average Tallest Trees
1.9m
At just 6 months old, this young pocket forest is thriving beautifully. Growth has been steady, and the regular watering is paying off, especially as we head into the South African summer. The tallest species so far is the Cape Holly (Ilex mitis), standing proudly at 197cm, with a base girth of 3.2cm. Some of the sand olive (Dodonaea viscosa) trees have even started to flower already, adding a special touch to the forest’s early success.
The Oude Molen Eco-village is crucial for us, providing a serene space for workshops promoting sustainability and urban farming. We cultivate basil, coriander and rocket, for our seasonal plant-based food range with low carbon emission,” Gamieldien said.
