Cape Town Parks and Gardens

(Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa)

Cape Town can boast some notable national parks, regional gardens and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of green areas within the very centre of Cape Town, many of which include recreational facilities, such as children's play areas

Others, like Cape Town's Company's Gardens, are tranquil havens in which visitors can relax or enjoy a picnic. Keen horticulturalists will certainly want to make a beeline for the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 799 8783
This stunning garden covers a vast area of Cape Town's Table Mountain. Established in the 17th century, the gardens feature mostly native plants - some 9,000 species in all. These well-laid out gardens also feature a fragrance garden, a sculpture area, medicinal herbs, a conservatory and an information centre. Although a fascinating place to visit all year round, the best time to visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is during the spring when a wide variety of plants come into flower.
Open hours: daily, September to March - 08:00 to 19:00; April to August - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Company's Gardens

Address: Government Avenue, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 0021 400 2521
This attraction was set up by Jan van Riebeeck during the heyday of the Dutch Trading Company to supply passing ships with fresh vegetables. By the beginning of the 18th century, however, the garden had been largely abandoned. During the British administration of the city, it was brought back to life as Cape Town's Governor's garden. By the end of the 19th century, the garden was finally opened up to the general public in its entirety. Popular features include a Saffren pear tree, said to be the oldest in South Africa, rose borders, pond, aviary, lawned areas and a number of statues.
Open hours: daily, summer - 07:00 to 19:00; winter, 07:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Arderne Gardens

Address: Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 689 8102/3
Originally the site of the Stellenberg Estate, and later named The Hill, the Arderne Gardens contain a rich collection of exotic trees and shrubs, mainly originating from South Africa. Of particular interest is the 300-strong collection of trees, which include Giant Norfolk Island Pines. After a stroll around the pathways, visitors can opt to relax beside the duck ponds, admire the Japanese Garden, or sit in one of the garden's many shady nooks.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Wynberg Park

Address: Klaasens / Trovato Link Roads, Cape Town, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 021 762 9180/1/2
This 19th-century landscaped garden has been well-preserved for today's visitors to Cape Town to enjoy. A stroll along its paths makes an ideal break from city sightseeing. There is a children's playground, tree-shaded duck pond and conifer garden. Wynberg Park is also a popular venue for picnics, concerts and sports' activities.
Open hours: daily, summer - 08:00 to 19:00; winter - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

De Waal Park

This popular community park can be found within the centre of Cape Town's City Bowl district. As well as a rich variety of trees, De Waal Park also has a pond, fountain and a very popular children's play area.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Green Point Common

North of Cape Town's central business district, this vast open space boasts a golf course and other sports' facilities. The Common is home to Green Point Stadium, where many large events regularly take place.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free