Discover the beauty of a Cape Town park, where nature meets urban charm. Each park has a unique landscape and many recreational opportunities. Dive into the historic Company’s Garden, a green oasis in the city’s heart, or explore another park’s pristine beauty. Uncover the top parks in Cape Town, ideal for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and unwinding in nature’s wonders. Let’s take a look at the parks Cape Town holds dear and enjoy the city’s enchanting green spaces.
Rondebosch Park🌳
Rondebosch Park captivates nature enthusiasts with its rich biodiversity and serene environment. With oak, plane, and pine trees, the park offers a setting ideal for strolls and delightful picnics. This sanctuary serves as a hub, hosting events like carols by candlelight and captivating plays, infusing the park with lively energy.
Rondebosch Park also transforms into a bustling marketplace on the second Saturday of the month, showcasing local talent at an art and craft market with fresh produce and handcrafted treasures. Adding to its allure, the park is home to the bi-annual Potter’s Market, an eagerly anticipated event spotlighting skilled potters’ exquisite creations, seasoned artists, and emerging talents.
Opening Hours For Rondebosch Park: 8 am to 6 pm
Address: Cnr Campground and Sandown Roads, Rondebosch
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za
Contact Number: 021 444 1697
Kirstenbosch Gardens 🌄
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is known globally as one of the premier botanic gardens, Kirstenbosch will take your breath away with its breathtaking landscape that blends flora with the majestic Table Mountain. The garden is best for art enthusiasts, offering a canvas where nature’s beauty meets human creativity. Throughout the year, Kirstenbosch hosts a plethora of art exhibitions, ranging from outdoor displays that grace the gardens for both short and extended durations to captivating indoor shows in various venues within the botanical haven.
Regardless of the season, Kirstenbosch promises a spectacular sight with its ever-changing array of flowers and captivating plant life. Each visit unveils a new charm, but to witness the fynbos and witness a kaleidoscope of blooms, the ideal time to explore is towards the end of winter, in spring, or during the early days of summer, spanning from August to November. Kirstenbosch Gardens is perfect for tourists and locals to immerse themselves in the peaceful blend of botanical wonders and artistic expressions, creating an unforgettable experience at the intersection of nature and creativity in the heart of Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch Gardens Opening Hours: Every day from 8 am to 7 pm during summer (September to March), 8 am to 6 pm during winter (April to August)
Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Contact Number: 012 843 5000
Ardene Gardens 🎋
Ardene Gardens stands as an enchanting five-hectare plot, drawing families and couples seeking serenity and natural beauty. Revered by Capetonians, this park/ garden in Cape Town exudes a romantic feeling, adorned with shady glades and secluded corners, and can act as a backdrop for wedding photoshoots. Its hallmark lies in the exceptional array of trees and shrubs, notably the majestic Moreton Bay Fig, fondly dubbed the “Wedding Tree,” an iconic treasure within South Africa’s diverse flora.
Ardene Gardens offers a range of amenities, ensuring a delightful visit for all. Visitors can revel in water features, explore specialized gardens, and traverse footpaths and trails winding through its lush landscape. The park’s provisions, including public toilets, ample parking, and pet-friendly policies, cater to the varied needs of its patrons, elevating Ardene Gardens into an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and a cherished gem within Cape Town’s urban landscape.
Opening Hours for The Ardene Gardens: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm
Address:222 Main Road Claremont, Cape Town
Website: https://www.ardernegardens.org.za/
Contact Number: 021 444 8849
De Waal Park 🦗
In the cityscape of Cape Town, De Waal Park stands as a peaceful sanctuary beneath the majestic Table Mountain. Embraced by diverse communities, it serves as a cherished gathering spot for an eclectic mix of Capetonians. Here, the park’s allure beckons slack-rope walkers, picnickers, bird aficionados, runners, and families, creating a vibrant tapestry of activities.
Furry companions find joy in the pond surrounding the elegant Victorian fountain, offering a refreshing respite during warm summer days, while children revel in playful escapades on swings and roundabouts. Notably, the park hosts the beloved Summer Concerts series, a highlight on Sunday afternoons from March to April, captivating audiences with free musical performances ranging from classical harmonies to rock melodies. De Waal Park’s charm extends beyond leisure, offering amenities such as water features, winding footpaths, verdant gardens, public conveniences, and a dedicated play area—welcoming both two-legged and four-legged visitors to savour moments of tranquillity amidst urban life’s hustle and bustle.
Opening Hours for De Waal Park: Daily in September to March from 6:30 am to 8 pm and in April to August from 7 am to 6 pm
Address: Upper Orange Road, Gardens
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za
Contact Number:021 444 3784
Durbanville Rose Garden🌹
Located within Durbanville’s scenic landscape, the renowned Durbanville Rose Garden stands as a cherished treasure, celebrated for its beauty and accolades. An integral part of the area’s charm, this garden is a sought-after destination, particularly during the summer, revered for its captivating allure ideal for timeless wedding photography. Meticulously tended to year-round by a dedicated team of six council gardeners, the garden boasts a mesmerizing collection of roses, yet prohibits public picking to preserve its splendor.
Visitors relish strolls along the garden’s footpaths, designed for ease of access while revelling in the hues and fragrant blossoms. Noteworthy amenities include disability access, ample parking, and public conveniences, ensuring a delightful experience for all who explore this enchanting sanctuary. Like all gardens in Cape Town, the Durbanville Rose Garden stands as a testament to nature’s beauty and serves as a safe space for locals and tourists, embracing the essence of floral magnificence within the heart of Durbanville.
Opening Hours for Durbanville Rose Garden: Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm
Address: Durban Road, Durbanville
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za
Contact Number: 021 976 3414
Jack Muller Park🌲
Set next to Bellville’s bustling N1 highway, Jack Muller Park, also known as Danie Uys Park, emerges as a pivotal green space within the Durban Road activity corridor. It forms an integral part of the Elsieskraal River corridor, contributing to a vital green node in the area. This multifaceted park serves as a versatile venue, hosting a spectrum of outdoor events—ranging from corporate functions to lively concerts, kiddies parties, and charitable fundraisers—enlivening its expansive, lush lawns frequented by enthusiastic runners.
Visitors are greeted by an array of amenities, including a theatre for cultural gatherings, and an outdoor gym area promoting active lifestyles, It is also one of the best picnic spots in Cape Town with ample picnic facilities inviting leisurely moments amid nature’s embrace. From play areas for children to footpaths and trails for exploration, along with public toilets and convenient parking, Jack Muller Park caters to diverse interests, epitomizing a dynamic blend of recreation and community engagement in Bellville’s urban landscape.
Opening Hours for Jack Muller Park: Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm
Address: Frans Conradie Drive, Bellville
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za
Contact Number: 021 400 5769
Keurboom Park ☁️
Keurboom Park, spanning 45 hectares, stands as a vital cornerstone for the local community, offering a spectrum of economic, social, and recreational advantages while fostering ecotourism and environmental education initiatives. Embracing a harmonious blend of nature and leisure, the park boasts winding trails catering to joggers and cyclists, welcoming furry companions as a pet-friendly haven.
This dynamic space thrives as a family-centric destination, adorned with African mosaic murals that infuse cultural richness, alongside a vibrant playground and a skate park, catering to the varied interests of families and the youth. With essential amenities such as footpaths and trails for exploration, ample parking, public toilets, and an inclusive policy for animals, Keurboom Park stands as a holistic retreat, inviting all to revel in its natural beauty and engaging recreational offerings.
Opening Hours for Keurboom Park: Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm
Address: Squirrels Way, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Website: http://keurboompark.org.za/index.htm
Contact Number: 083 284 3388
The Company’s Garden 🗿
All the gardens Cape Town holds dear are steeped in historical significance and stand as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. Originating in 1652 The Company’s Garden under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company was made to make provision for their ships, this iconic garden adjoins several revered landmarks. Alongside the lodge house for historical city builders, it neighbours the Houses of Parliament, the Iziko South African Museum, and St. George’s Cathedral, among others.
This verdant expanse serves as a cultural nucleus, housing the National Library, the South African National Gallery, and the Great Synagogue, culminating in Tuynhuys, a venue reserved for state events by the President. The Company’s Garden, adorned with water features and lush greenery, invites visitors to explore its paths and trails, offering an escape. With a restaurant, specialist gardens, and essential amenities like public toilets, it remains a cherished historical oasis amid Cape Town’s bustling landscape.
Opening Hours for The Company’s Garden: Daily in September to March from 06:30 am to 8 pm and in April to August from 7 am to 6 pm
Address: 19 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
Website: https://www.capetown.gov.za
Contact Number: 021 444 1901
Green Point Park ⚽
The Green Point Urban Park is a practical and versatile recreational space, showing the city’s commitment to accessible green areas. With a strategic sea-facing location, fitness amenities, and a well-contained playground, the park caters to a variety of activities, from relaxation to exercise, it has become a favourite among locals. Families, in particular, find the park accommodating, with large grassy areas, a secure cycling path along the water, and a gated playground equipped with swings, jungle gyms, slides, and tunnels.
The Green Point Park features a biodiversity garden showcasing a large variety of plant species and fostering local flora and fauna. The “wetland walk” provides an educational observation point for waterbirds in their natural habitat, while the “biodiversity trail” engages visitors with art installations, statues, and informative boards. This integration of nature and education shows the city’s commitment to environmental awareness. Whether it be a winter stroll amongst the park’s peaceful atmosphere or a summer picnic on its well-maintained lawns, the Green Point Urban Park serves as a practical and educational retreat for all.
Opening Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
Address: 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
Babylonstoren Garden 🧺
With 3.5 hectares of fruit and vegetables, the Babylonstoren Garden stands as the main core of the farm, drawing inspiration from the historical Company’s Garden in Cape Town. This garden showcases its history of supplying fresh produce to Dutch East India Company sailing ships during the Cape’s days as a pivotal halfway station between Europe and Asia. There is a daily Garden Tour, commencing at 10 am in front of the Farm Shop, which beckons visitors to find themselves in the beautiful surroundings, guided by experienced gardeners who encourage exploration through picking, tasting, smelling, and touching.
Babylonstoren restricts pet entry to ensure the birds and other small creatures are left in peace. However, guide dogs are welcome. The garden’s pathways, with peach pips in some areas, offer an earthy and textured charm. Visitors are advised to equip themselves with comfortable shoes, a summer hat, and, for the winter, winter boots and an umbrella. Access to the garden, whether for a delectable lunch or an enriching garden tour, includes an entrance fee, showing the value placed on the amazing experience that Babylonstoren Garden offers its visitors.
Babylonstoren Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Address: Babylonstoren, Klapmuts Simondium Road, Simondium
Website: https://babylonstoren.com/
Contact Number: 021 863 3852
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden 🪷
The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden proudly stands as the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. With local habitats, conservation imperatives, South African biomes, and an extensive array of plants, including medicinal varieties, the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden blends educational exhibits with natural beauty. Beyond its public accessibility, the garden serves as research and taxon collections, contributing to the academic endeavours of Stellenbosch University.
The Katjiepiering Restaurant, located within this horticultural haven, provides a retreat for visitors to savour moments in these stunning surroundings. The Stellenbosch Garden Gift Shop completes the visitor experience with an extensive range of botanical products. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the garden responsibly, adhering to the principles outlined by this botanical institution, which not only fosters a deep appreciation for the flora on display but also underscores the importance of respectful interaction with both nature and the dedicated staff who curate and maintain this botanical gem.
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden Opening Hours: Summer from 8 am to 5 pm during every day (Monday to Sunday), including public holidays except New Year’s Day and Easter Friday. Winter from 8 am to 5 pm (09 May – 31 August), every day (Monday to Sunday)
Address: Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch
Website: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/entities/botanical-garden
Contact Number: 021 808 9111
Kalk Bay Park 🛶
Kalk Bay’s Main Road, Lever Street Park, commonly known as Kalk Bay Park, stands as a meticulously maintained park, cared for by the local community. Offering a pristine and family-friendly atmosphere, the park features well-kept play structures for children, including a high slide, swings, mary-go-round, jungle gym, and a see-saw. The lush lawn serves as a space for various activities, from hillside rolls to children exploring the area on bikes. Pet owners will find the park accommodating, with free dog poo bags available at Bob’s Bagel Cafe. Beneath the shade of a towering tree, visitors can relax, enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean, making Kalk Bay Park a retreat for both families and individuals.
Address: 10 Rouxville Rd, St James, Cape Town
