About Upper Liesbeek River Garden
The Liesbeek River in Cape Town is reputedly the oldest urbanised river in the country. The first river ever named by Jan van Riebeeck, he called it after a little river in the Netherlands. Today about 70% of it is canalised. You'll find the Upper Liesbeek River Garden along the only stretch that isn't canalised, across the way from the Paradise Road intersection of the M3.
Did you know? Children can discover crabs, tadpoles and indigenous fish and then use the natural rock stepping stones to criss-cross the river onto either bank.
Liesbeek River is only 9 km long and arises as several streams off the eastern slopes of Table Mountain above Kirstenbosch, winding through Bishopscourt, Rondebosch, Newlands, Rosebank, Mowbray and Observatory, eventually emptying into Table Bay at Paarden Eiland.
The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is in Bishopscourt Village, alongside the river on land regarded as 'undeveloped public open space'. It is funded and maintained by the Bishopscourt Residents' Association, City Council, personal trusts, and local estate agents. In other words, the locals have taken it upon themselves to create an environment for themselves.
Until 2004 this area was largely overgrown with alien vegetation and used as a dumping ground. Locals worked to remove invasive alien vegetation, replacing it with indigenous riverine plants, in a bid to maintain a healthy river and to make it safe for people to use the area.
Rivers, vleis and wetlands are under threat throughout the country, and so this river garden became an example of what role rivers can play in the daily lives of a city's residents. On the banks of the river is a boardwalk and there are a variety of benches, picnic areas and paths dotted in amongst the paths and plants.
Dogs have to stay on leads, but it is a safe space for children and is wheelchair friendly.
Need to Know
WhereUpper Liesbeek River Garden, On the Liesbeek River Trail, Newlands, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Newlands Accommodation, Cape Town
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Newlands

Newlands Cottage
Newlands Cottage is an attractive, self-catering cottage with small private garden in the convenient Newlands / Rondebosch area. This is right be...

Newlands Homestay
Newlands Homestay offers luxury double and twin-bedded accommodation. Both rooms have private entrances, accessed from a tranquil & secluded gard...

Vineyard Hotel
An hotel serving one of the world's great cities, run with passion and attention to detail, The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands, Cape Town, is known f...

No. 9 Keurboom
No 9 Keurboom in Newlands is perfect for those here on business or pleasure as you are close major transport routes, top Cape Town attractions a...

Squirrels Way Cottages
Three self catering cottages offering fully equipped family accommodation in the leafy suburb of Newlands in Cape Town. Each cottage has its own ...

The Andros Boutique Hotel
The Andros is a gracious Cape Dutch homestead, dating from the early 1900's, set in 5000 sqm of mature, park like gardens. It is positioned in th...

Avenue Torquay
Avenue Torquay offers comfortable accommodation in the leafy suburb of Claremont in Cape Town. This ideal location means you are close to the bus...

Westfield Guest House
Westfield Guest House offers Cape Town bed & breakfast accommodation in the heart of Newlands in the Southern Suburbs. Need a place to relax, a h...

Hedge House
Hedge House is a guest house located in a peaceful pocket of Newlands. Four en-suite rooms, with separate entrances and comfortably furnished wit...

Riversong Guest House
Enjoy affordable luxury and tranquillity set in the heart of Newlands. Riversong Guest House is beautifully furnished and offers 4 star quality a...

Fernwood Manor
Fernwood Manor is an elegant colonial style home in the leafy suburb of Newlands surrounded by lush greenery with wonderful mountain views. Our e...

Newlands Guest House
Situated against the backdrop of Table Mountain on a quiet road in Upper Newlands, the Newlands Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodatio...

Panorama Guest House
Panorama Guest House is nestled right against the slopes of Table Mountain, and offers direct access to the Table Mountain Reserve. The guest hou...

Bradclin Sport
Bradclin Sport, Newlands is situated in a modern, secure complex within walking distance of Newlands Rugby and the Sports Science Institute of So...

Wild Olive Guest House
The Wild Olive Guest House prides itself on offering a warm welcome for all its guests. We have well appointed rooms that are comfortable and tas...
Things to do in the area

Newlands Brewery
Nestled at the foot of Devil's Peak and neighbour to the historic rugby and cricket grounds, is the oldest operating brewery in South Africa and ...

Catch a local Rugby Game
Tired of being a couch spectator? Yell your support out loud at a live rugby match in this 51 000 seater stadium electric with fan's energy. Tire...

Coffee & Breakfast at Bon Fromage
Inspired by trends in France and Europe, Bon Fromage is a haven for lovers of artisanal breads and an assortment of cheeses. With offerings on th...

Get Revitalised at Angsana Spa
The Angsana Spa at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa is situated alongside the banks of the Liesbeeck River at the bottom of the hotel's beautiful manicur...

Get some Cricket Action
Even Table Mountain has a VIP seat at Sahara Park Newlands, stadium of esteemed Cricket World Cups. Go to an action packed match, watch some cric...

Kirstenbosch Craft Market
On the last Sunday of every month, The Kirstenbosch Craft Market in Cape Town takes place in the grounds of "The Cottages" which are located oppo...

Lesley Charnock Gallery & Studio
Visit the Lesley Charnock Gallery at the Montebello Design Centre in Newlands where you can meet Lesley and visit other interesting shops and stu...

Newlands Forest Contour Path
The Newlands Forest Contour Path is a manageable, 8km long walk through Newlands Forest. It offers quick access to a natural environment and has ...

Workout with Experts
The Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) is a wellness and fitness centre that applies science to sport for performance optimisation....
Accommodation convenient to Upper Liesbeek River Garden
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Southern Suburbs Accommodation / Newlands Accommodation