The Company’s Garden is a small slice of nature in the middle of the city. It was once a refreshment station in the 1600s and today, the company’s garden is a hub for community and relaxation. You can come across art, activities, tours, a wedding party or a festival on any given day. It’s a fantastic free activity to enjoy in Cape Town.
Exploring the Company’s Garden
As you walk through the large archway into the lush, quiet oasis, the busyness of the offices, chain stores and transport hubs on Adderly Street disappears behind you. One of the biggest trees in the garden meets you at the entrance. It is a Ficus Elastica, or Rubber Tree and is nearly 27 metres high with a diameter of 38,4 metres.
As I walked along the walkways, groups of students sat on large blankets playing Scrabble, with the occasional shrieks of triumph when they scored. A trio of dancers practising a choreographed dance with music gently playing on the grass. Office workers on their lunch breaks. Small families with prams and toddlers scampering in the trees. Tour guides walk groups of visitors through the garden as part of the free walking tours offered in the city.
I visited on Valentine’s Day, and love was in the air. Although I’d imagine it always is here with all prime spots for quiet moments snuck under a tree. The writer in me loves people-watching and scene-watching, which made it such a fun morning out.
You’d think it would get too loud with so many different people, but that was not the case that day. Instead, the bustling of the wind in the trees, squawking ducks running down the path, and snippets of fascinating conversation were the morning’s soundtrack.
Company’s Garden Restaurant
There is a coffee shop and restaurant in the garden. They serve light meals and speciality teas. Next door to the restaurant is a heritage centre. Here you can experience South Africa’s unique botanical heritage through Cape Town’s fynbos tasting experience. I attended this tasting a few years ago, and it was a very fascinating exploration of these plants and their properties, including rooibis, cancer bush and buchu.
Art and History in the Garden
The few times I’ve come to the garden have been for more than just the garden. Most of those times have been for art-related events like music, craft markets and art festivals. The garden is also home to the South African museum, art gallery and the planetarium (which is always fun for families of all ages).
Where are the Company’s Garden
The Company’s Garden is on Queen Victoria Street, at the top of Adderley Street in the Cape Town CBD. It is adjacent to the South African Parliament. You can get there by car, bus or foot from the centre of town.
Free walking tours in Cape Town have the garden and surrounding historic places on their route.
