Upper Liesbeek River Garden
A tranquil, community-revitalized garden along the Liesbeek River, perfect for picnics, walks, and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush blooms and ideal weather
Upper Liesbeek River Garden
Best Time
Lush blooms and ideal weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, community-revitalized garden along the Liesbeek River, perfect for picnics, walks, and wildlife spotting.
"A little gem tucked away from the busy world, tranquil and lovely."
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
Weekend crowds mean prime picnic tables go fast! Get there early to claim your perfect spot.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the winding paths and riverbanks with ease. Perfect for walks, jogs, or cycling.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Liesbeek River Walk
Along the riverbanks
A tranquil ramble through lush greenery, over charming bridges, and past budding flowers. Perfect for walks, jogs, or cycling.
Picnic Paradise
Various picnic spots and tables
Shady corners with tables and benches offer idyllic spots for picnics, gatherings, or simply relaxing by the water.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the garden
Spot Egyptian geese, squirrels, and guinea fowl in this vibrant natural sanctuary. A delight for nature lovers.
Community River Deck
Near Newlands Pool
A focal point for safety improvements and community engagement, inspired by the garden's transformation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for a Perfect Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
Weekend crowds mean prime picnic tables go fast! Get there early to claim your perfect spot.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the winding paths and riverbanks with ease. Perfect for walks, jogs, or cycling.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful meal amidst nature. Bring your own food and drinks as there are no cafes.
🚫 No Toilets Onsite
A heads-up for families: plan accordingly as there are no public restrooms available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
Weekend crowds mean prime picnic tables go fast! Get there early to claim your perfect spot.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the winding paths and riverbanks with ease. Perfect for walks, jogs, or cycling.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful meal amidst nature. Bring your own food and drinks as there are no cafes.
🚫 No Toilets Onsite
A heads-up for families: plan accordingly as there are no public restrooms available.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the scenic river walks.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The garden offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Upper Liesbeek River Garden as a beautiful, tranquil, and accessible natural escape. It's highly praised as a great spot for families, picnics, and leisurely walks along the river, with abundant wildlife adding to its charm. Some note the lack of restrooms as a minor inconvenience.
"Lovely place in a lovely area. Nice for kids. Great for an easy walk along the river. I would want to go back in Spring time/Summer to see all the flowers in bloom!"
Paul Richard
"Very pretty and easily accessible. A great place to take the kids for a day out. Nice place to just relax, have a picnic and hang out. Also populated by plenty of wildlife such as Egyptian geese, squirrels and guinea fowl. Fun."
Lisa Crooks (Elle)
"What an incredible river ramble along the Liesbeek. Particularly beautiful at this time of the year with lush growth and budding flowers. The pathways lead over bridges and ideal for walking, with or without dogs, jogging and cycling. The Riverside Centre is at one end and it leads all the way up to the Newlands pool. Very well maintained and safe to use for all ages"
Gary Hopkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is easily accessible by car, with parking available on Almond Street in Newlands. It's also a pleasant walk or cycle from nearby areas.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the garden is located in Newlands, which is generally well-served by public transport in Cape Town. Check local transport schedules for the closest stops.
Parking is available on Almond Street in Newlands, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the garden.
The garden is generally considered safe, especially during the day, and is well-maintained. The community has actively worked on improving safety, including the development of the Liesbeek River Deck.
Yes, the pathways along the Liesbeek River are ideal for cycling, making it a great destination for a bike ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Upper Liesbeek River Garden is completely free to enter and enjoy.
The garden is an open public space, so it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific official hours are not listed, but it's best enjoyed when there's natural light.
There's no need to book tickets as the garden is free and open to the public.
Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and enjoy the space. Please be mindful of the natural environment and take any litter with you.
Absolutely! It's a wonderful spot for a relaxing day out, perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying nature.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, jogging, cycling, picnicking, bird watching, and simply relaxing by the river. It's also a great place for kids to explore.
Yes, the garden has numerous picnic tables and benches scattered throughout, offering lovely spots to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, it's very popular with families. Kids love exploring the gardens, playing by the river, and discovering the local wildlife.
The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is dog-friendly, so you can bring your leashed canine companions along for the walk.
Visitors often spot Egyptian geese, squirrels, and guinea fowl, adding to the natural charm of the garden.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverbanks, bridges, and areas with lush greenery and flowers offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Sunset can also be particularly stunning here.
Definitely! With its diverse plant life and resident wildlife, it's an excellent spot for capturing nature's beauty.
Yes, the picturesque setting makes it a popular choice for casual event photography, like picnics or bachelorette gatherings.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for photography. Spring and summer showcase the garden in full bloom.
A standard camera or even a smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. For wildlife, a zoom lens can be helpful, but not essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Joggers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of the Upper Liesbeek River Garden
The garden now boasts well-maintained pathways, lovely trees for shade, and a variety of plants, creating a tranquil escape. The development of features like the Liesbeek River Deck, funded by councillor Ward Allocations Budget, further enhances the space, catalyzing safety improvements and encouraging public use.
This success story highlights the power of community collaboration in revitalizing public spaces. It serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how collective passion can create beautiful, safe, and accessible natural areas for everyone to enjoy.
Navigating the Garden: Trails and Accessibility
Steps lead down to the river in various spots, allowing visitors to get closer to the water and observe the local flora and fauna. While the main paths are generally easy to navigate, some areas might have inclines or steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
The garden is designed to be accessible for most visitors, including those with dogs on leashes. The presence of numerous benches and picnic tables along the way ensures that visitors can rest and enjoy the serene environment at their own pace.
Family Fun and Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for Egyptian geese, playful squirrels, and charming guinea fowl that are frequently spotted throughout the garden. These encounters add an element of excitement and educational value for younger visitors.
While the garden offers a wonderful natural playground, it's important to note that there are no public restrooms on-site. Families should plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit