The Company’s Garden
The Company’s Garden – Cape Town’s historic 1652 botanical park in the city centre, featuring scenic lawns, statuary, aviary, museum, café and tranquil paths under colonial oaks.
Location
12 Government Ave, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
📍 Location & Legacy Located at Queen Victoria Street and Adderley Street, in Cape Town’s City Bowl, the Company’s Garden is the oldest garden in South Africa, established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company for fresh produce supply
Today it’s a national heritage park of approximately 3.2 hectares
🌳 Landscape & Botanical Highlights Features a rose garden (1929), succulent & herb plots, a fish pond, and an aviary with local bird species like Egyptian geese and African turtle doves
Home to South Africa’s oldest cultivated pear tree, planted around 1652
🗿 Historical Statues & Monuments Stroll along Government Avenue, lined with ancient oak trees and historic statues including those of Jan Smuts and Cecil John Rhodes, along with a Japanese Lantern Monument gifted by Japan in 1932
Visit the Dellville Wood Memorial Garden, honoring South African soldiers in World War I
🏛 Cultural & Civic Landmarks The garden houses key cultural attractions including the Iziko South African Museum, National Gallery, and Planetarium
Nearby are Parliament buildings, St George’s Cathedral, the Slave Lodge, National Library, and the Jewish Museum at Gardens Shul
☕ Café & Walks The Company’s Garden Restaurant offers cafeteria-style meals and tea from early morning until late afternoon (08:30–18:00, kitchen closes by 17:00)
Self-guided walks and guided tours are available; pick up a brochure at the visitor centre to explore the garden’s key features
✅ Why Visit? Why It's Special Deep heritage Oldest garden in SA, layered with colonial, botanical, and urban history Botanical variety Trees, rose beds, herb gardens, and iconic old fruit trees Cultural density Museums, gallery, monuments, and historic structures within its bounds Peace in the city Shade, benches, and lawns to picnic beside squirrels and birds Family-friendly Squirrel feeding, shady lawns, nearby museums, and restaurant catering to families 🕒 Opening Hours & Visitor Info Open daily: Sep–Mar (summer): 07:30–20:30 Apr–Aug (winter): 07:00–19:00
Admission: Free entry Park Restaurant: 08:30–18:00; kitchen closes at 17:00
Facilities: public toilets, lawns, shaded benches, visitor centre, parking on Planetarium side or Wale Street church
💡 Visitor Tips Pack a picnic or visit the onsite restaurant—both offer lovely garden settings. Feed the friendly squirrels (buy nuts from vendors) and explore the aviary. Follow self-guided maps to discover statues, gardens, and points of botanical interest. Combine your visit with inner-city walking tours encompassing Parliament, cathedrals, and galleries. Stop by for free summer concerts or the craft markets held in the garden often
In summary: The Company’s Garden is Cape Town’s historic and botanical heart—a living archive of colonial heritage, public art, and landscaped beauty. Whether you’re seeking calm under oak trees, architectural curiosities, family time, or culture at every step, this green sanctuary offers a timeless connection to Cape Town’s past and present. 📍 Address: Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town City Centre 📞 Restaurant: 021 423 2919 / info@gardens@madamezingara.com
📍 Location & Legacy Located at Queen Victoria Street and Adderley Street, in Cape Town’s City Bowl, the Company’s Garden is the oldest garden in South Africa, established in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company for fresh produce supply
Today it’s a national heritage park of approximately 3.2 hectares
🌳 Landscape & Botanical Highlights Features a rose garden (1929), succulent & herb plots, a fish pond, and an aviary with local bird species like Egyptian geese and African turtle doves
Home to South Africa’s oldest cultivated pear tree, planted around 1652
🗿 Historical Statues & Monuments Stroll along Government Avenue, lined with ancient oak trees and historic statues including those of Jan Smuts and Cecil John Rhodes, along with a Japanese Lantern Monument gifted by Japan in 1932
Visit the Dellville Wood Memorial Garden, honoring South African soldiers in World War I
🏛 Cultural & Civic Landmarks The garden houses key cultural attractions including the Iziko South African Museum, National Gallery, and Planetarium
Nearby are Parliament buildings, St George’s Cathedral, the Slave Lodge, National Library, and the Jewish Museum at Gardens Shul
☕ Café & Walks The Company’s Garden Restaurant offers cafeteria-style meals and tea from early morning until late afternoon (08:30–18:00, kitchen closes by 17:00)
Self-guided walks and guided tours are available; pick up a brochure at the visitor centre to explore the garden’s key features
✅ Why Visit? Why It's Special Deep heritage Oldest garden in SA, layered with colonial, botanical, and urban history Botanical variety Trees, rose beds, herb gardens, and iconic old fruit trees Cultural density Museums, gallery, monuments, and historic structures within its bounds Peace in the city Shade, benches, and lawns to picnic beside squirrels and birds Family-friendly Squirrel feeding, shady lawns, nearby museums, and restaurant catering to families 🕒 Opening Hours & Visitor Info Open daily: Sep–Mar (summer): 07:30–20:30 Apr–Aug (winter): 07:00–19:00
Admission: Free entry Park Restaurant: 08:30–18:00; kitchen closes at 17:00
Facilities: public toilets, lawns, shaded benches, visitor centre, parking on Planetarium side or Wale Street church
💡 Visitor Tips Pack a picnic or visit the onsite restaurant—both offer lovely garden settings. Feed the friendly squirrels (buy nuts from vendors) and explore the aviary. Follow self-guided maps to discover statues, gardens, and points of botanical interest. Combine your visit with inner-city walking tours encompassing Parliament, cathedrals, and galleries. Stop by for free summer concerts or the craft markets held in the garden often
In summary: The Company’s Garden is Cape Town’s historic and botanical heart—a living archive of colonial heritage, public art, and landscaped beauty. Whether you’re seeking calm under oak trees, architectural curiosities, family time, or culture at every step, this green sanctuary offers a timeless connection to Cape Town’s past and present. 📍 Address: Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town City Centre 📞 Restaurant: 021 423 2919 / info@gardens@madamezingara.com
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