Company's Garden, Cape Town (must see)

Company’s Garden is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most cherished public spaces, offering a peaceful green retreat in the heart of the city. Established in the 1650s by the Dutch East India Company, the garden was originally created to supply fresh produce to passing ships. Today, it blends centuries of history with landscaped lawns, towering oak trees, and shaded pathways, making it a popular stop for both tourists and locals.

One of the garden’s main attractions is its collection of historic monuments and statues. Visitors will find memorials to key figures in South African history, including statues of Queen Victoria, Jan Smuts, and Cecil John Rhodes. These monuments reflect the country’s layered and often complex past, adding depth to a leisurely stroll through the grounds.

A pear tree planted in 1652 is still growing in the garden and is the oldest cultivated tree in South Africa. The pear tree is located toward the eastern side of the garden, near the South African National Gallery and the Iziko South African Museum. It stands in a small fenced area to protect it due to its age.

Other historical features include the Rutherford Fountain, installed in 1864, and a well pump embedded in an oak tree, dating back to 1842. These charming relics offer visitors a tangible connection to the garden’s early history.

Wildlife adds to the garden’s charm. Friendly squirrels are a familiar sight, and the aviary showcases a selection of birds. Benches, cafés, and open lawns invite visitors to pause, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in views of Table Mountain rising above the city skyline.