Discovering the Company’s Garden & Iziko Complex

Right in the centre of Cape Town lies a green oasis that blends history, culture, and natural beauty — the Company’s Garden. Whether you’re a history lover, art enthusiast, foodie, or just in need of a serene space to unwind, this spot ticks all the boxes. Here’s what not to miss:

🌳 A Historic Garden with Modern-Day Charm

Originally planted in the 1650s to supply fresh produce to ships of the Dutch East India Company, the Company’s Garden has been part of Cape Town’s identity for centuries. While it once played a vital role in the colonial supply chain, today it serves as a social and cultural hub in modern South Africa. But even before the Dutch arrived, this area was vital to indigenous locals.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the land where the Company’s Garden now sits was used and inhabited by indigenous Khoekhoe and San communities (collectively known today as the Khoisan). These were the original inhabitants of the Cape Peninsula, living off the land through herding, hunting, and foraging long before Dutch colonists arrived in the 1600s.

The Khoekhoe people in particular moved seasonally with their livestock, using the area for grazing and access to freshwater from streams that flowed down Table Mountain. The land around present-day Cape Town was part of a broader network of routes and settlements tied to their social and economic life. The San, who were hunter-gatherers, also travelled through the region, making use of its rich plant life and wildlife.

Read more about the ‘sweet waters’ that run down from table Mountain here.

Now, the gardens are a great place to reflect on the history of the area. Wander through beautifully maintained rose gardens, pause under the shade of age-old trees, or stroll past beds of herbs and vegetables still grown in the same soil that once fed generations. It’s a favourite for locals and tourists alike, not to mention the very friendly squirrels that may come looking for a snack .

🥗 The Restaurant at the Company’s Garden

Tucked within the garden itself is The Company’s Garden Restaurant: a laid-back garden café perfect for brunch, lunch, or just a coffee break. The setting? Dreamy. Think: shady trees, fresh seasonal dishes, and that signature Cape Town breeze.

Don’t miss their South African-inspired plates, and if you’re lucky, a squirrel might just join you at the table (or at least eye your meal!).

🛍️ The Heritage Shop & Market Finds

Before you leave, make a stop at The Heritage Shop, where you’ll find:

• Locally made crafts & curios that reflect the heart of Cape Town
• Fresh produce picked right from the garden itself — organic and full of flavour
• One of my personal fave coffee shops, Coffee at the Vine. The coffee shop uses the same fresh produce from the garden to whip up delicious cafe offerings and light bites.  I love sipping on a red cappuccino with a slice of cheesecake!

It’s a quiet luxury that feels uniquely Capetonian.

🎨 Explore the Iziko Museum Complex

Right next door, the Iziko Complex offers an inspiring dive into Cape Town’s history and creativity.

The word “Iziko” comes from isiXhosa, one of South Africa’s official languages, and it translates to “hearth”: the central fireplace in a traditional homestead.

In Xhosa culture (and many Southern African traditions), the iziko isn’t just a physical place for cooking; it’s the heart of the home, where people gather to share stories, warmth, and knowledge. It’s a symbol of community, connection, and continuity; a place where history and identity are passed on between generations.

When South Africa’s major museums and cultural institutions were restructured after 1999, the term Iziko was chosen for the network of national museums in Cape Town — including the places listen below — to reflect this idea of a shared cultural “hearth.” So, the name Iziko represents the museums’ role as centres of heritage, learning, and storytelling, where people can come together around South Africa’s collective history, just as families once gathered around the hearth to share their own. Here’s what not to miss:

• Iziko South African Museum: Home to fossils, rock art, and natural wonders. It’s a fascinating look into both our biological and cultural roots.
• The Planetarium: A cosmic experience for kids and adults — travel through the stars and galaxies without leaving the city.
• Iziko South African National Gallery: Showcasing local and international art, this gallery is a beautiful, thought-provoking space for reflection and discovery. I love how the curators have access to a broad historical timeline of art, which demonstrates the cultural zeitgeist in Cape Town and South Africa as a whole, throughout history.
• Iziko Slave Lodge: One of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, the Slave Lodge once house peoples enslaved by the Dutch East India Company. Today, it is a deeply moving museum that explores the history of slavery, colonialism, and human rights in South Africa.

📍 Final Thoughts

Whether you're here for a picnic under the trees, a lesson in South African history, or simply a relaxing day out, the Company’s Garden and Iziko Complex offer one of the most meaningful and memorable ways to explore Cape Town’s city centre and dive a little deeper into the history that made our city what it is today.

To dive deeper and take a virtual tour with me, watch Chapter 1 of the Beginners guide to Cape Town series here!

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