Garden & Home TeamCape Town offers a special getaway where city vibes and calm nature moments mix perfectly. Sitting under the big Table Mountain opens a door to a world where wild spaces and human-made beauty meet. Close to hiking paths, beaches, and nature spots, the peace of the outdoors is a step away from city roads. Cape Town’s mix of city and nature offers green parks, gardens, and spots for quiet breaks from city noise. Parks and gardens are more than city decorations. They show a place’s heart and stories. Every visit shows more, giving a closer look at Cape Town’s heart. These green spots are a space to take a break from today’s busy life. We spotlight our top picks for gardens and parks in Cape Town.
1. Kirstenbosch, Newlands
KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS VIA JEANVDMEULEN (C) PIXABAY
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is often hailed as a top botanical garden worldwide, set on Table Mountain’s eastern slopes. Kirstenbosch is a lush mix of green scenes and different plant life, pulling in nature fans and wanderers globally. Perfect for picnics under old trees, walks on its paths, and unique events like night movies and outdoor concerts. The garden is a live display of Cape Flora’s rich plant variety, with beautiful Proteas, Pincushions, Heaths, and more.
The Botanical Society Conservatory, a special glasshouse, keeps plants safe, including rare and endangered ones. It has a collection of over 7,000 species. Efforts to balance nature and green space make Kirstenbosch a top global botanical garden, showcasing Africa’s plant treasures.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm; Wednesday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Hours might differ)
Entrance fee: R100,00
Are dogs allowed in Kirstenbosch? Dogs are not permitted in the cultivated garden or in the natural area that immediately surrounds it, up to the upper contour path, according to SANBI. Dogs are allowed entry through Rycroft Gate (Gate 3), and they can walk through the Seed Orchard/Stock Beds to reach the 300-meter contour path.
Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735
2. Company’s Garden, Cape Town
Picture: Facebook / Taj Cape Town
Opened in 1848, this historic garden has become a key part of South Africa’s culture and natural history. It’s more than just a park; it’s a live museum surrounded by big landmarks like the grand Houses of Parliament, the Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, the respected St George’s Cathedral, and the renowned National Library of South Africa. This garden has turned into a calm spot in the city’s hustle, giving tourists and locals a pretty place for walks or picnics.
Under the cover of important trees, both botanically and historically, the garden is a home for many plants and animals. From the gentle flowers of the rose garden to the sound of birds in the aviary and the squirrels looking for snacks, the garden shows how nature’s charm lasts in the city centre. Visitors are welcome to lay down a blanket on the green grass, relax under the sky, and soak in the quiet feel of this loved green space.
Quick Facts:
Open Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:30 am – 6:00 pm (Hours might differ)
Free entrance
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: 15 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
3. Green Point Park, Green Point
Picture: Facebook / Greenpoint Park and Biodiversity Garden
This park, rich in the native plants of the Cape, becomes a peaceful escape in the city’s core, showcasing the calm beauty of the area’s natural landscape. It is a peaceful refuge, far from the city’s fast pace. Cape Town’s summers, filled with bright sunny days and the special light of early evenings, shine brighter in such spaces. Here, people usually meet for evening drinks, enjoying the outdoor life’s warmth.
The park invites everyone, from kids running freely in its large green spaces to those looking forward to a peaceful picnic in the sunshine. It’s also a spot for those who love staying active, offering a scenic route for jogging or biking, all with the ocean’s calming sound in the background. Each visit becomes a chance to connect with nature and the community, capturing the essence of Cape Town’s beloved outdoor lifestyle.
Quick Facts:
Monday – Sunday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (Hours might differ)
Free entrance
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051
4. Babylonstoren Garden, Paarl
Picture: Babylonstoren / Instagram
Picture: Babylonstoren / Instagram
The famous Babylonstoren garden is a wonder of planning and plant life, spreading over eight carefully tended acres into 15 magical sections. Guests are welcome to wander through a complex network of paths, hidden passages, and trails that pass through various orchards, vegetable areas, herb spots, and rose arches, all set among a wide range of local plants. The garden’s design makes for a journey full of discoveries, with natural streams running through it, bringing a peaceful flow. A must-see is the garden’s clivia show, a breathtaking seasonal event from August to November, where the bright colours of these flowers are on full display.
In addition to the Babylonstoren visit, the garden offers daily guided tours that take visitors deep into its living scene.
Daily Garden Tour
Starting at 10h00 by the Farm Shop, guests go on a sensory walk with an experienced gardener from the estate. This interactive tour lets guests pick, taste, smell, and touch the garden’s offerings.
Collections Tour
From Monday to Friday at 11h30, the Collections Tour looks at the garden’s varied parts, including the succulent area and cycads by the stream, the Healing Garden, and a bee-focused tour. These tours are a special way to connect with the outdoors and learn from the garden’s knowledgeable caretakers.
Ending the visit, guests can enjoy the farm-to-table dining spots, where fresh, seasonal garden produce is turned into delicious dishes, showing off Babylonstoren’s deep farming roots.
Quick Facts:
Dogs are not allowed. Guide dogs welcome
Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium, 7670
5. Chart Farm, Wynberg
Source: Facebook/Chart Farm
Tucked away near serene Wynberg Park in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Chart Farm offers a peaceful getaway from city noise. This beautiful, family-run estate spreads over 12 hectares, featuring a classic English garden dedicated to the tradition of rose picking. With over 6,000 rose bushes, guests can stroll and pick their bouquet, capturing their visit’s essence. The farm’s allure is boosted by its Farmstall, which showcases farm produce and handmade items.
The View coffee shop, set within the farm, provides a cosy spot for enjoying farm-to-table treats, with tea and scones amid views of the Constantia Valley. For the adventurous, horseback riding offers a special way to see the farm’s scenery, combining fun with peaceful nature. Chart Farm isn’t just a place to relax but also an ideal setting for photos, offering an experience filled with lasting memories. As the sole spot in the Cape Peninsula for self-picked roses, Chart Farm is a unique nature escape where the pleasure of picking roses meets the charm of a farm cafe, all against the stunning backdrop of one of Cape Town’s most cherished locations.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Hours might differ)
Free entrance
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: 1A Klaasens Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800
6. Arderne Gardens, Claremont
Picture: Instagram / @ardernegardens
Arderne Gardens in Claremont, with plants and trees as far as the eye can see, bears a history that dates back to the late 19th century. Created in 1845 by Ralph Henry Arderne, a notable merchant in the Cape Colony, where he had an adjacent home, these gardens acted as his private sanctuary. Arderne’s affinity for plants and his crossover to the trade have empowered the gardens with an indelible nature that enables them to stand out from other botanical attractions like Kirstenbosch. Whilst Kirstenbosch is celebrated for representing native South African flora, Arderne Gardens is treasured for the diversity of foreign plants from different parts of the world.
Today, Arderne Gardens not only represents its rich legacy but it also becomes an essential green area where residents can connect with nature. In addition to abundant greenery and tranquil water features, the whole scenery becomes popular among wedding photographers, where life’s moments are captured vibrantly inside nature’s embrace. The gardens surely testify to Ralph Arderne’s endeavours and botanical talents, keeping up the status of an island of peace in the middle of a chaotic city. They offer a detailed look into various plants and their historical importance.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Free entrance
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: 222 Main Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
7. Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, Betty’s Bay
Picture: Facebook / Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
Situated in the charming coastal town of Betty’s Bay, a mere two-hour drive from Cape Town, Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is a secret area of natural elegance and beauty. Guests can dive into the landscape where the bizarre fynbos and wildflowers flow into the streams and are crowned by majestic mountains for only a small entrance fee of less than R50 per person. Our garden incorporates much of the beauty in the area, including the hiking trail, which connects to the picturesque, caramel-coloured waterfalls open for the public during the day on a year-round basis.
The garden has many paths and trails, each taking a likeness of a walk through indigenous flora or one hike up into nearby gorges. Whether you’re getting started with a little stroll or ready for a more intense hike, there is an option for everyone based on their fitness level.
The short Disa Kloof Trail (950 meters), approximately 30 minutes to one way, is suitable for families who want to take a nature walk. To immerse yourself into the Fynbos experience, the Fynbos and the Zigzag trails offer short or long walks on the slopes around Bobbejaanskop and The Plateau with stunning views of Betty’s Bay and the sea.
For the more adventurous, the Leopard’s Trial requires you to obtain a permit first and then prepare for a walking tour through the forests or rivers. Swimming is allowed. Harold Porter is a feast for the eyes of South Africa’s beautiful coast. It will take you to different parts of the pristine fynbos area and offer you strangers and silence.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (Hours might differ); Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entrance fees:
- Adult: R50
- Student: R30
- Pensioner: R40 (Only Free entry on the 1st Tuesday of the month)
- Child: R20
- Botanical Society members: R45
No dogs allowed
Address: c/o Clarence Drive and Broadwith Rd, Betty’s Bay, 7141
Also read: Plant of the Month: Fascinating Facts About Lilies
8. Vergelegen, Somerset West
Picture: Instagram / @vergelegen_wine_estate
Vergelegen, a stunning garden nestled in South Africa, showcases the nation’s vast botanical and historical legacy, dating back over three centuries. Guests can tour this lush haven using a map highlighting 18 different garden areas, each displaying a unique array of plants and beauty all year round. A highlight is an English Oak over 300 years old, believed to be the oldest oak in Africa. The estate also boasts five camphor trees from 1700, recognized as National Monuments, adding a touch of living history to Vergelegen’s sacred soil.
When Anglo American took over Vergelegen in 1987, it started a mission to revive the estate’s ancient gardens and grounds, infusing them with vitality. The restoration followed a “layered historicism” approach, celebrating the estate’s long history by reflecting the best historical periods across three centuries. This method was carefully applied to the architecture and the gardens, resulting in a beautiful mix of expansive and cosy spaces.
Vergelegen’s gardens blend various styles, from understated elegance to intricate design, from structured formality to relaxed informality. This diverse landscape serves as a meeting point of historical richness and gardening artistry, offering visitors a peaceful and deep journey through time.
These carefully tended gardens reflect Vergelegen’s commitment to preserving its historical roots and achieving excellence in gardening. The Octagonal Garden, the first to be restored in preparation for the New World Wine Auction in 1990, showcases herbaceous borders that celebrate the dichotomy of the seasons, offering a vibrant display from October to February and a contrasting charm from April to August. This garden seamlessly transitions into the David Austin Rose Garden, where in 2020, the roses were tenderly replanted and the original centre fountain replaced, reinforcing the garden’s historical integrity and beauty.
The estate’s gardens continue to unfold in variety and splendour, from the formal Reflection Garden, with its striking white themes and reflective ponds, to the romantically reimagined Rose Garden, featuring the “Aphrodite” sculpture amidst its floral bounty. The Sundial Garden aligns time with nature, and the Bamboo Garden offers a shaded respite, leading to more explorative spaces like the East Garden and the playful Children’s Adventure Garden. Each garden, whether the Camellia Garden of Excellence, recognized globally for its winter-blooming camellias, or the serene Wetlands Garden, contributes to the rich tapestry of Vergelegen’s outdoor spaces. Notably, the estate also pays homage to history and resilience by planting two ginkgo saplings from the seeds of a tree that witnessed Hiroshima, symbolizing peace and endurance. Through its diverse gardens, Vergelegen invites visitors into a realm where history, beauty, and nature intertwine, offering an immersive experience that celebrates the estate’s 300-year legacy.
Quick Facts:
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Free entrance
No pets allowed
Address: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
9. Rustenberg, Stellenbosch
Picture: Facebook / Gardens of Rustenberg Estate
Rustenberg hosts two renowned gardens, Schoongezicht and Rustenberg, each offering a distinct experience. Schoongezicht is open year-round, inviting visitors to explore its English-style garden with a Chartres-style labyrinth, a fish-filled lily pond, and a pergola adorned with climbers. Rustenberg Garden, set within private grounds, opens its doors to the public annually, showcasing vast trees, unique plants, and themed garden rooms, all set against the backdrop of Cape Dutch architecture.
Schoongezicht Garden
Schoongezicht Garden nestles beside the historic Cape Dutch homestead Schoongezicht, dating back to 1814. Rozanne Barlow, in 2001, rejuvenated this garden, adding walls and converting an old tennis court into a Chartres-style labyrinth and a swimming pool into a lily pond, now a habitat for fish, cape otters, and fish eagles. The pergola, a creation of John X Merriman from the 1890s, supports fragrant climbers. This formal garden spans one hectare, featuring pathways that unite four distinct areas. The planting scheme is predominantly English, with various seasonal blooms enhanced by scenic vineyards, green pastures, and Simonsberg mountain backdrop.
Rustenberg Garden
Rustenberg Garden, surrounding the Barlow Family’s Manor House, merges English-style plantings with structured finesse. This extensive farm garden focuses on heritage roses and perennials, set against a mountainous landscape and historical Cape Dutch buildings. It comprises various “garden rooms” following an old English garden style, including an impressive double herbaceous border and many old-fashioned roses. Although it’s a private garden, it opens to the public once a year during the Rustenberg Open Garden Weekend, offering a rare glimpse into its serene beauty and thematic diversity.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday & Public Holidays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Schoongezicht Garden: Open as per tasting room hours.
Rustenberg Garden: Open yearly for the Rustenberg Open Weekend (check website for details).
No dogs allowed
Address: Rustenberg Wines, Rustenberg Road, Stellenbosch, 7600
10. La Motte, Franschhoek
Picture: Instagram / @lamottewine
Nestled in the winelands, La Motte epitomizes cultural and historical depth, mirrored in its captivating gardens. This estate beautifully integrates indigenous flora with striking sculptures by South African artists, melding natural and artistic splendour. Yet, its crowning glory is the private rose garden, a marvel opened during the Franschhoek Open Gardens event. This traditional rose garden, boasting 19 rose varieties, is a horticultural gem. Classic pathways edged by heritage fruit trees lead to a quaint central fountain, encapsulating timeless grace.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday, Closed; Tuesday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Wednesday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free entrance
No pets allowed
Address: R45, Franschhoek, 7691
11. Upper Liesbeek River Garden, Newlands
Picture: Facebook / @Upper Liesbeek River Garden
Located by the Liesbeek River in the charming Bishopscourt Village, the Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a vibrant example of community collaboration and environmental dedication. Started in 2004, this local project turned an area once filled with invasive plants and litter into a lush haven. Volunteers removed the non-native species and revitalized the space with indigenous riverine flora. The Liesbeek River, known as South Africa’s earliest urbanized river and initially named by Jan van Riebeeck, flows through this garden. It is one of its few stretches not confined to a canal, creating a natural retreat right by the M3’s Paradise Road junction.
This magical garden entices visitors to wander its trails to hidden picnic spots, like scenes from a storybook. Seats made from tree stumps add a natural touch, offering secluded spots for groups to gather within the garden. It’s perfect for peaceful picnics, offering a break from urban life. For kids, a play train made from logs offers endless fun. The garden’s walkways, boardwalks, and river edges are great for exploring, with clear waters hosting crabs, tadpoles, and native fish. Free to visit and best during daylight, the Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a serene place for the community to enjoy nature and bond, showing what can be achieved with shared effort and care.
Quick Facts :
Free entrance
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: 1 Almond St, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
12. Durbanville Rose Garden, Durbanville
Picture: Instagram / @whatsonindurbanville
Since 1979, the Durbanville Rose Garden has bloomed into a stunning emblem of beauty and a cherished spot for the community. This radiant garden not only wins over those who stroll through its paths but also serves a key role as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s three trial rose gardens, focusing on the care and evaluation of new rose varieties. Covering 3.5 hectares, it’s a dynamic display where 500 types of roses across 4,500 bushes create a vivid array of colours, shapes, and scents, each area thoughtfully arranged to highlight the varied elegance and complex patterns of nature’s most iconic flower.
Open daily to rose lovers and casual visitors; the Durbanville Rose Garden beckons you into the captivating realm of roses. Paths meander throughout, inviting guests to delve into this botanical wonder, enveloped by the rich fragrances of myriad blooms. Come summer, the garden becomes a sought-after setting for wedding photos, providing couples with a lush, fragrant backdrop for capturing memorable moments. More than just a visual feast, the garden embodies the timeless appeal and fascination with roses, welcoming everyone to enjoy the serenity and splendour it brings to the rush of daily life.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (Hours might differ); Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free entrance
No pets allowed
Address: 33 Drakenstein Rd, Durbanville Hills, Cape Town, 7550
13. Stellenberg Gardens, Kenilworth
Picture: Facebook / Vindigo Travel
Stellenberg Gardens unfolds like the cherished shelves of a vintage bookshop, each nook rich with ageless tales. Plants like hyssop, penstemon, columbine, and meadow rue transcend their botanical roles here. They become living narratives of history, each foliage and blossom echoing the awe and allure that has bewitched countless past generations. Brimming with stories from yesteryears, this botanical compendium beckons explorers to delve into the verdant legacy thriving within its embrace.
Originating 25 years ago, the Stellenberg nursery was a natural extension of Sandy Ovenstone’s magnificent gardening efforts on the estate’s historical grounds, anchored by a Cape Dutch home from 1795. The nursery was crafted with twofold intentions: to replenish the garden with a steady flow of plants and to nurture and propagate those needing revitalization, ensuring the garden’s perpetual bloom and legacy.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday to Sunday (7:00 – 19:00)
Entrance fees:
- Adult: R200 per person
- Garden Clubs: R80
- Children under 16 years: Free
No pets allowed
Address: 32 Oak Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town, 7708
14. Spier Elemental Garden, Stellenbosch
Picture: Instagram / @spierwinefarm
Crafted by landscape architects Ed Brooks and Danielle Croly, the Spier Elemental Play Garden celebrates native plants, local craftsmanship, and materials. Divided into quadrants, the garden honours the timeless elements of water, air, fire, and earth, guiding visitors through an immersive natural journey.
This natural playground merges fun with discovery, just steps from family favourites like the Picnickery and Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery. Kids can enjoy the garden’s playful structures: an earth-melded slide, an exploratory tunnel, the dynamic Charl Conradie wind sculpture, and an exciting swing bridge. Central to the garden is a child-friendly water play area for summer fun. Hidden surprises, like a camouflaged frog among lily pads, await discovery.
Open daily until dusk with free admission, the Elemental Garden allows children’s imaginations to flourish. A spiralling waterway inspired by the Fibonacci Sequence weaves through the elemental quadrants, enhancing the garden with natural elegance. The Spier Elemental Play Garden, rooted in a profound respect for nature and a wish to connect kids with the earth’s inherent beauty, is a realm where elemental wonder thrives, offering an enlightening and magical experience for all visitors.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dogs on leashes are allowed if you call ahead of time
Address: R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch, 7603
15. Rondebosch Park, Rondebosch
Rondebosch Park is a picturesque retreat for nature enthusiasts, where lush vegetation and towering rows of oaks, planes, and pines reach for the heavens. Its broad lawns and meandering paths beckon visitors for peaceful picnics or leisurely strolls. As a multipurpose space, it’s become a beloved spot for festive carol evenings and dynamic theatre performances.
Every second Saturday, Rondebosch Park comes alive with the vibrant energy of an art and craft market from 9 am to 2 pm. This lively bazaar is a place to find fresh produce, tasty prepared meals, and distinctive handmade items. Adding to the park’s cultural vibrancy, the Potter’s Market takes place bi-annually in March and November, featuring a wide selection of pottery. This event celebrates the work of expert potters and enthusiastic hobbyists alike, introducing an additional facet of artistic flair to the park’s natural allure. With its fusion of natural splendour and communal vitality, Rondebosch Park remains a treasured spot where art and nature coalesce.
Quick Facts:
Open Daily from 08:00 am to 6:00 pm
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: Campground Rd & Sandown Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701
16. De Waal Park, Oranjezicht
Picture: Facebook / @DavidSpence
De Waal Park, located in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, is a public green park, and its history might be worth listening to. Due to its abundance of over 120 different tree species and a spot for dog walkers and lovers of the outdoors, it is an ideal ecological ground for everyone seeking fresh air. The Molteno reservoir borders the rectangular area on an even side. Urban living is not just the other side of the coin; it permeates every aspect of life. Additionally, being a common point for the whole neighbourhood, the park is a place where people can get out of their daily obligations, the road noise and strain and take a deep breath among the trees and the sun.
Quick Facts:
Open Daily from 06:00 am to 7:00 pm
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: Molteno Rd, CBD, Cape Town, 8000
17. Keurboom Park, Rondebosch
Picture: Facebook / @Jenni Bessesen
Keurboom Park, tucked within a lively Cape Town suburb, emerges as a lush retreat beneath the majestic Table Mountain. Known for its serene atmosphere and natural allure, the park is a cherished escape for those seeking peace and a moment to reflect away from urban clamour.
The park features well-kept paths suitable for running, walking, and cycling, with reminders for cyclists to be considerate of walkers. Its wide, green spaces are perfect for dogs to play under the careful watch of their owners. Keurboom Park is particularly welcoming to families, providing two play areas that spark children’s creativity. A dedicated space for children under six ensures a safe, dog-free zone for little ones to play. Keurboom Park celebrates community and family-friendly recreation, inviting all to enjoy its beauty and leisure activities.
Quick Facts:
Open Daily
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: Squirrels Way, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700
18. Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch
Picture: Facebook / Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Sitting at the heart of Stellenbosch, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. The museum is a community space alive as a life museum, showcasing habitats, conservation problems, South African biomes, medicinal plants, research, and substantial taxon collections worldwide. The Katjiepiering restaurant on site offers a nice opportunity for people to find a quiet place to relax and enjoy their food in the garden. Stellenbosch Garden Souvenir Shop offers botanical gift items with a wide range of products for those who wish to take a piece of this green pearl back home.
Quick Facts:
Open Summer Hours: Every day (Monday to Sunday), including public holidays except New Year’s Day and Easter Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Winter Hours: Every day (Monday to Sunday), 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, from 09 May to 31 August.
Entrance fees:
- R15 Admission, R10 for Seniors
- Free entry to SU students and staff
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: Neethling St &, Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
19. Wynberg Park, Wynberg
Picture: Facebook / Wynberg Park
Wynberg Park, an urban green haven, is cherished for the Krakeelwater River’s natural spring that emerges here. Attracting visitors throughout the year, it’s particularly famous for its conifer garden and the stunning hydrangea blooms in summer, offering a burst of colour and vitality. This beautiful scene sets the perfect stage for picnics and braais, making it a popular spot for families and friends to unwind and immerse in nature.
The park is well-appointed, with facilities for all visitors. The duck pond and children’s playground amuse the young ones. At the same time, the City’s Come and Play initiative brings extreme sports demos, stage activities, and child-friendly games, enriching the park experience. Moreover, the annual summer concerts transform Wynberg Park into a vibrant centre of culture and recreation, uniting the community to celebrate the arts amidst the tranquil park setting.
Quick Facts:
Open Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm; Thursday (Human Rights Day), 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Free entrance
Dogs allowed
Address: 58 avenue Cnr Klaassens and, Trovato Link Rd, Wynberg, 7824
20. Paradise Park, Newlands
Picture: Facebook / Love My Cape Town
Paradise Park, tucked away in Newlands’ verdant embrace, remains a lesser-known treasure cherished for its ingeniously crafted play areas. It’s a realm filled with stories of adventure and discovery, beckoning families and individuals to explore its charming nooks and the magical moments it crafts for kids. It offers a delightful retreat into nature.
The park’s centrepiece, a tree house, marvellously integrates with the canopy, featuring platforms, ladders, and a bridge that epitomizes childhood dreams, fueling the imagination. A wooden fort, nestled in the foliage, promises adventure and fun, making it a haven of play in an idyllic setting. Besides these highlights, Paradise Park houses two playgrounds with diverse play equipment like swings, slides, roundabouts, and a smaller tree house, complemented by a stream perfect for splashing around.
Paradise Park isn’t just for children; adults, too, can find tranquillity and relaxation within its bounds. Winding paths present an ideal backdrop for peaceful walks, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque mountain vistas, while spacious lawns call for serene picnics beneath the sky. Paradise Park exemplifies the essence of outdoor enjoyment, inviting all to escape daily life’s speed and immerse in a space where nature’s beauty meets the joy of play.
Quick Facts:
Open Daily
Dogs on leashes allowed
Address: ERF50165 Paradise Rd, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
21. Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch
Picture: Facebook / Delaire Graff
Delaire Graff Estate stands as a vibrant masterpiece, where nature’s beauty and human creativity merge to form a breathtaking landscape that would captivate any artist. Nestled amidst the stunning vistas of the winelands, the estate showcases a garden that celebrates the rich hues of plant life, hosting over 350 native plant species in a meticulously crafted living tableau.
The impactful Dylan Lewis sculptures and the gentle movement of water features further dramatize this tableau. The gardens and greenhouses do more than just dazzle; they supply fresh, organic ingredients that elevate the dishes served in the estate’s restaurants, bridging the gap between the soil and the dining experience.
Quick Facts:
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dogs not allowed
Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch, 7602
Also read: Exploring Every National Park in South Africa on This Epic Road Trip Adventure
