Gardens is a residential suburb of Cape Town and was probably so named because it incorporated part of Van Riebeeck's original gardens. Lying sandwiched between Oranjezicht and Tamboerskloof, within a stone’s throw of the centre of Cape Town, joined by Kloof Nek. Gardens is a very popular suburb and one of the oldest and most established parts of Cape Town.
Cape Town is a city built on layers of history and landscape. Beyond its iconic mountain and coastline, there is a network of stairways climbs through neighbourhoods, along cliffs and down to the sea. These stairways connect people to the city and to each other. They are part of Cape Town’s makeup and offer a unique way to explore the city. Here are a few of Cape Town’s most intriguing secret stairways and the stories behind them:
Kloof Nek has been an important pass for centuries. Long before roads were built, it was used by Khoi herders, farmers and later soldiers. Footpaths were created to navigate between Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. These paths eventually became stairways connecting homes and hillside trails. Walking them today is to follow the route of generations before. The steps offer framed views of the city bowl and harbour. They are quiet reminders that the city developed through routes dictated by the land itself. Kloof Nek’s stairways combine natural beauty with a deep historical connection.
De Waal Park
De Waal Park is situated between the neighbourhoods of Gardens and Oranjezicht, and it was established in the late 1800s. The park is known for its beautiful green lawns and large trees. It is a popular destination for picnics, dog-walking and live music events. The park also has a small playground for children and a pond with ducks. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of events, including the popular Jazz in the Park concert series during the summer months.