A guide to the best parks and gardens in Cape Town

Cape Town has no shortage of breathtaking scenery. But beyond some of its more famous landmarks, the city is also home to a variety of parks and gardens that offer visitors a chance to escape the urban environment and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Here are some of the best parks and gardens in Cape Town:

1. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of Cape Town’s most iconic parks and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Located at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch boasts an incredible diversity of flora and visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens.

The elevated walkway, the Boomslang, takes visitors through the treetops and offers spectacular views of the gardens and surrounding mountains.

Kirstenbosch is not just a recreational space, it also plays an important role in the conservation and protection of South Africa’s unique plant biodiversity.

2. Green Point Park

Green Point Park sits on a former golf course transformed into a public space for people to relax, exercise and socialise in.

The park features a wide range of amenities, including walking and cycling paths, an outdoor gym, a children’s playground, a biodiversity garden and a wetland.

Green Point Park is well known for its eco-friendly design and sustainable features, including the use of solar power, the harvesting of rainwater and the use of recycled materials.

3. Company’s Garden

Company’s Garden is a historic park located in the heart of the city. The park dates back to the 17th century when it was established by the Dutch East India Company as a vegetable garden to provide fresh produce to crews on the passing ships.

Today, Company’s Garden includes walking paths, benches, a fish pond and a playground. Its oak trees are over 150 years old.

The park is also home to several historical buildings, including the Iziko South African Museum, the South African National Gallery and the Old Town House.

4. Arderne Gardens

Claremont’s Arderne Gardens was established in the late 19th century by a British botanist and boasts a stunning collection of trees and plants from all over the world.

The garden is home to more than 300 different tree species, including some of the oldest and rarest specimens in the country.

The garden’s well-maintained pathways provide visitors with a peaceful place to enjoy a leisurely stroll. The garden also features a large pond that is home to several species of fish, ducks and geese.

5. De Waal Park

De Waal Park is situated between the neighbourhoods of Gardens and Oranjezicht, and it was established in the late 1800s. The park is known for its beautiful green lawns and large trees.

It is a popular destination for picnics, dog-walking and live music events. The park also has a small playground for children and a pond with ducks.

Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of events, including the popular Jazz in the Park concert series during the summer months.

6. Rondebosch Park

Rondebosch Park is a tranquil green space popular for outdoor activities such as jogging, picnicking and dog walking.

The park features well-maintained lawns, children’s play areas, and a pond that attracts a variety of bird species. There are also several walking trails that lead through the park’s wooded areas.

The park is situated on the site of the old Rondebosch Common, which was one of the earliest public open spaces in Cape Town. In the early 1900s, the Rondebosch Common was converted into a formal park.

7. Maynardville Park

Maynardville Park is known for its open-air amphitheatre, which hosts the annual Shakespeare in the Park festival during the summer months.

In addition to the amphitheatre, Maynardville Park features a large grassy area perfect for picnics and outdoor games, as well as walking paths and a playground for children.

The park is also home to a variety of trees and plants, including a collection of camellias that bloom during the winter months.

8. Chart Farm in Wynberg

Loctaed near Wynberg Park in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, Chart Farm offers a peaceful getaway the city. Spreading over over 12 hectares, this family-run estate features 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.