Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape Town
Durbanville Rose Garden. (Image adapted). © Cape Town Travel
Durbanville Rose Garden. © What's on in Durbanville and beyondDurbanville Rose Garden - Cape Town
Tucked away in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, the Durbanville Rose Garden is one of those places that rewards visitors who enjoy slowing down and appreciating the finer details. Spread across 3.5 hectares, this beautifully maintained public garden is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the surrounding city, with winding paths, carefully arranged flower beds and thousands of roses providing a spectacular display when the garden is in bloom.
The garden has an interesting history. It was established in 1979 through an initiative of the Western Cape Rose Society, with the support of the then Durbanville Municipality and local rose enthusiasts Mr and Mrs Lindner. The land itself has an older story: part of the garden occupies land donated by the Schabort family from their former farm, Evertsdal, and the Schabort family burial ground and memorial are still enclosed within the garden. The first roses were planted in 1979, while a dedicated rose trial garden followed in 1981. The official opening took place in 1983, performed by Gene Louw, then Administrator of the Cape Province.
Today, the garden is home to approximately 4,500 rose bushes representing around 500 varieties. Visitors can see an impressive assortment of hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrubs, miniature roses, antique varieties and award-winning blooms. Among the more distinctive features is a gazebo associated with the ‘Fairest Cape’ rose, while the collection includes roses with names such as ‘Durbanville Flame’, ‘Huguenot 300’, ‘Rainbow Nation’ and ‘Archbishop Tutu’.
The garden is also more than simply a pretty public park. Its rose trial heritage gives it a special place in South African horticulture, and it has long attracted gardening enthusiasts interested in the cultivation, pruning and performance of different rose varieties. The garden continues to be maintained by the City of Cape Town's horticultural staff, with community involvement and volunteer activities forming part of its ongoing care. Winter pruning workshops have become a useful opportunity for local gardeners to learn more about looking after roses.
For ordinary visitors, however, no specialist knowledge is required. A leisurely stroll is enough to appreciate the colour, scent and variety, while the peaceful setting makes it particularly attractive for photographers. During the flowering season, generally from October to May, the garden becomes especially impressive, and its colourful beds have made it a popular location for wedding and engagement photographs.
There is also a charming social side to the garden, with tea-garden activities traditionally taking place during the flowering months. For visitors exploring Durbanville, it makes an easy addition to a day spent discovering the nearby wine farms, historic buildings and nature reserves. Whether you are an enthusiastic gardener or simply looking for somewhere tranquil to enjoy an hour outdoors, the Durbanville Rose Garden offers a delightful reminder that some of Cape Town's most rewarding attractions can be found away from the city's better-known tourist routes.
It is a City of Cape Town public facility, and opening hours can vary, particularly around maintenance activities and special events.
Telephone: 021 444 9587.
Accommodation Near Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape Town
Serengeti Self Catering Units
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bellville, Cape Town
2.8 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownSerengeti Self Catering Units is situated 5 minutes walk from the famous Tyger Valley Shopping Mall and not even five minutes drive from the Velodrome and Bellville Athletics Stadium that is famous for hosting major sporting and social events. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cat's Eye Cottage
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Brackenfell
3.8 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownCat's Eye Cottages provides tranquil self catering accommodation in the quiet suburb of Vredekloof near Brackenfell, Cape Town. Cat's Eye Cottages, comprises two luxurious air-conditioned self catering suites, Cat’s Eye Jewel and Cat’s Eye Gem. Located in …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
La Cotte Inn
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bellville, Cape Town
3.9 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownLa Cotte Inn provides comfortable and good value self catering accommodation in Oak Glen, Bellville, Cape Town. Oak Glen is a centrally situated suburb close to main routes to Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch etc. La Cotte Inn provides peaceful... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Excellent Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Bellville, Cape Town
4.4 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownExcellent Guesthouse offers luxury, comfort, style and warmth at affordable prices. 14 double rooms with en-suites is tastefully furnished and equipped with hot and cold air conditioners, TV Satellite, coffee-making facilities, a safe and more... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Tyger Hills Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bellville, Cape Town
5.2 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownOur central location is ideal for business and leisure travel alike with easy access to main routes. All rooms have private entrances, each with its own bathroom, kitchenette and dining area. Secure on-site parking. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Keret Accommodation
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bellville, Cape Town
5.5 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownKeret Accommodation offers five luxury superior self-catering apartments. The apartments are luxuriously furnished, air-conditioned and fully equipped to accommodate up to 6 guests per unit. Keret specialises in leisure, corporate relocations and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Broadway Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Bellville, Cape Town
5.8 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownCome and stay at Broadway Guesthouse, and be delighted. This large guesthouse is situated next to the Louis Leipoldt Hospital in Broadway Street in the quiet suburb of Boston, Bellville. Operating as a guest house for more than 15 years... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ramasibi Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Parow, Cape Town
7.3 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownRamasibi Bed & Breakfast would like to offer you customer satisfaction in a home away from home where service is our focus. Ramasibi Bed & Breakfast consists of five bedrooms with four en-suites and the fifth room's bathroom has been fully equipped... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Prime Executive Accommodation
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
7.8 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownPrime Executive Accommodation offers a range of comfortable and affordable self-catering accommodation in Parow, Cape Town. Ideal for families, couples, and business travelers looking for the independence of a home environment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Gift Guest House - Goodwood
Room Only / Limited SC Accommodation in Goodwood
11.8 km from Durbanville Rose Garden - Cape TownGift Guest House on Stewart Street in Goodwood offers a comfortable and practical home away from home with flexible accommodation options with attractive weekly and monthly rates. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Durbanville Nature Reserve - Cape Town (0.97km)
- Rust-en-vrede Gallery and Clay Museum - Durbanville, Cape Town (1.95km)
- Ipic Play - Durbanville, Cape Town (2.10km)
- Willowbridge Open Air Shopping Centre - Tyger Valley, Cape Town (2.19km)
- Durbanville Golf Club - Cape Town (2.22km)
- Slow Market Willowbridge - Bellville, Cape Town (2.35km)
- Barnyard Theatre Tyger Valley - Bellville, Cape Town (2.43km)
- Tyger Valley Shopping Centre - Bellville, Cape Town (2.48km)
- Mediclinic Durbanville Hospital - Durbanville, Cape Town (2.71km)
- Bellville Golf Club - Cape Town (3.06km)
- Bellville Velodrome - Bellville, Cape Town (3.08km)
- Cool Runnings Toboggan Track - Bellville, Cape Town (3.28km)
- Bloemendal Winehouse Farm Festival - Durbanville, Cape Town (4.95km)
- Cape Gate Shopping Precinct - Brackenfell (5.25km)
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve - Bellville, Cape Town (5.47km)
- Meerendal Wine Estate - Durbanville, Cape Town (5.50km)
- Tygerberg Hospital - Parow, Cape Town (6.91km)
- Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery - Durbanville, Cape Town (7.54km)
- Jan Kriel Golf Course - Kuils River, Cape Town (7.97km)
- Parow Golf Club - Parow, Cape Town (8.40km)
- University of the Western Cape - Bellville, Cape Town (8.41km)
- Mayibuye Centre - Bellville, Cape Town (8.45km)
- Kuilsrivier Golf Club - Kuils River, Cape Town (8.49km)
- Wijnland Auto Museum - Cape Town, Western Cape (9.33km)
- Bugz Playpark - Durbanville, Cape Town (9.48km)
- GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World - Goodwood, Cape Town (11.62km)
- Zevenwacht Wine Estate - Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands (11.69km)
- Killarney Race Track - Table View, Cape Town (11.91km)
- Bounce World (12.31km)
- Milnerton Rugby Club - Milnerton, Cape Town (12.61km)
