How long does it take to walk through the Company's Garden?

A leisurely stroll through the garden takes about 30 minutes, but if you include stops at the museums and the Cathedral, you should allow between 60 to 90 minutes for the full experience.

Is the Company's Garden free to visit?

Yes, entry to the Company’s Garden is free of charge and open to the public. However, the museums along the route, such as the South African Museum and the Slave Lodge, do require an entrance fee.

What is the oldest building in Cape Town?

While the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building, the Slave Lodge (built in 1679) is one of the city's oldest structures and is centrally located right at the edge of the Company's Garden.

Can I do this walking route with a stroller?

Yes, the route is very family-friendly. The main path, Government Avenue, is flat and paved, making it easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Is it safe to walk in the Company's Garden?

The garden is generally safe during the day and is patrolled by security. Like any city center, it is recommended to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking in the garden alone after sunset.

What are the highlights of the Company's Garden walk?

Key highlights include the Iziko South African Museum, the historic Tuynhuys presidential office, the 'People's Cathedral' (St George's), and the poignant Iziko Slave Lodge.

Where can I find food or water during the walk?

The Company’s Garden Restaurant is centrally located within the park and offers a full menu and outdoor seating. There are also various vendors and kiosks near the museum entrances.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the green lungs of Cape Town with this self-guided walk through the Company’s Garden, a site that has witnessed over three centuries of South African history. This neighborhood stroll takes you through what was once a modest vegetable patch established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652 to provide fresh produce for passing ships. Today, it stands as a sophisticated cultural complex where nature meets architecture and deep-seated history. This walking route is designed for those who want to discover the city's layers independently, moving from the natural sciences and biodiversity of the Iziko South African Museum to the somber reflections of the Slave Lodge. As you navigate the tree-lined avenues, you will encounter the architectural elegance of Tuynhuys, the office of the Presidency, and the spiritual height of St George's Cathedral, famously known as the 'People's Cathedral' for its role in the anti-apartheid movement. This self-guided adventure allows you to pause under the shade of ancient trees, including what is believed to be the oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa, while reflecting on the complex transition from colonial outpost to a vibrant, democratic nation. This walking tour Cape Town provides an easy, flat path through the City Bowl, making it ideal for families and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you are interested in the fine arts at the National Gallery or the poignant history of the Cape’s enslaved people, this audio walk offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s evolution. It is a peaceful yet profound experience, placing you at the center of Cape Town’s story without the rush of a group. Exploring the Company's Garden is an essential experience for any visitor looking to understand the foundations of the 'Mother City' while enjoying one of the most beautiful public spaces in Africa. This walking tour Cape Town is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing the stories of the past to resonate in the quiet corners of this historic garden.

Highlights

Explore the oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa

See the historic Tuynhuys, the office of the Presidency

Visit St George's Cathedral, a landmark of the anti-apartheid struggle

Discover the somber history of the Iziko Slave Lodge

Stroll through the 350-year-old Company’s Garden

View world-class art at the South African National Gallery

Tour Stops (6)

Iziko South African Museum

Start your self-guided adventure at the Iziko South African Museum, the oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa, founded in 1825. This institution serves as a gateway to the natural world and the cultural history of the region. Inside, you'll find everything from ancient fossils and stone tools to a massive whale well featuring impressive marine skeletons. The museum is not just a repository of the past but a center for contemporary research. As you stand before its grand facade, consider how the collections here have evolved from Victorian curiosities to a modern scientific archive that helps us understand South Africa's unique biodiversity and human origins.

Delville Wood Memorial

A short walk brings you to the Delville Wood Memorial, a poignant tribute to the South African soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Delville Wood in World War I. This specific engagement in 1916 was part of the Battle of the Somme and remains one of the most significant moments in South Africa’s military history. The memorial is a replica of the one found in France, featuring a bronze sculpture of two men and a horse, symbolizing the unity of the two white South African 'races' of the time—the English and the Afrikaners—during the conflict. It serves as a quiet space for reflection amidst the greenery.

South African National Gallery

Adjacent to the garden is the South African National Gallery, the country's premier art museum. This institution houses a vast collection of South African, African, British, French, Dutch, and Flemish art. The gallery is particularly noted for its commitment to showcasing contemporary South African works that reflect the nation's diverse heritage and its turbulent journey through the 20th century. While the permanent collection is impressive, the rotating exhibitions often feature provocative works that address themes of identity, social justice, and the landscape. It is a vital stop for anyone wishing to see the visual soul of the nation.

Tuynhuys

As you walk further, you will see Tuynhuys, a beautiful Cape Dutch-style building that serves as the office of the President of South Africa. Its name literally translates to 'Garden House,' reflecting its origins as a tool shed and later a summer residence for the Dutch East India Company governors. Over the centuries, it has been the site of many monumental historical events. Most notably, it was from these steps in 1992 that F.W. de Klerk announced the end of the apartheid system. While you cannot enter the building as it is an active government office, its elegant exterior remains a symbol of the country's political evolution.

St George's Cathedral

At the top of Government Avenue stands St George's Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Southern Africa. This magnificent stone structure is known as the 'People's Cathedral' because it remained open to all races during the height of apartheid. It was here that Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu led marches and preached against injustice, making it a focal point for the resistance movement. The interior is famous for its stunning stained glass windows and its soaring Gothic architecture. It remains a place of worship and a sanctuary for those seeking peace and justice in the heart of the city.

Iziko Slave Lodge

The final stop on this neighborhood stroll is the Iziko Slave Lodge, one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town. Built in 1679, it originally housed thousands of enslaved people brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company. Over the years, the building has served as a brothel, a jail, and even the Supreme Court. Today, it is a museum dedicated to the history of slavery in South Africa and the human rights struggles that followed. The exhibitions are deeply moving, focusing on the names and lives of those who were once considered property, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Company’s Garden is widely considered the best route for history. It covers over 350 years of development, from the Dutch East India Company era to the anti-apartheid movement, all within a 1-kilometer radius.