Around the World: Arderne Gardens

Cape Town, South Africa

This garden has been well-loved by South Africans for nearly 200 years. It began as a private residence in the 1840s. Ralph Henry Arderne was a timber merchant living in the area and his unique position allowed him to acquire dozens of exotic seeds. On his land he built a house known as “The Hill.”

Garden of Champions

Gardens on the estate became a favorite spot for local residents to stroll and enjoy nature. When Arderne died in 1917, the property was divided and The Hill was demolished. Eventually the city government purchased the land and continued to make this place a relaxing spot to enjoy nature.

Today, the park is known for its trees, of which there are over 300; a koi pond, and the sprawling green lawns. Six of the trees have been designated as Champion Trees, meaning they are the largest tree of a species based on trunk circumference, height, and average crown spread. The Moreton Bay Fig is one of the largest trees in the country. The Arderne Gardens are popular for weddings, leisure seekers, and botany enthusiasts.

Moreton Bay Fig - a Champion Tree of Arderne Gardens. Photo Credit: By Marie Frei - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42543661
Moreton Bay Fig – a Champion Tree of Arderne Gardens. Photo Credit: By Marie Frei – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42543661

How to Get There

By car from Cape Town, it’s only 12.4 km south. To fly to Cape Town, we’re partnered with over 90 airlines, so no matter their city of departure, we can get your clients there. As a top airfare consolidator, Sky Bird Travel has the lowest net fares to South Africa. Call or email us today to get started!

 

Are your clients looking for something off the beaten path? Are they not interested in tourist traps? Stay tuned for our Around the World series. Several times a week, we share interesting things to do in exotic places. Give your clients a new experience in old places!

 

 

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