ENTRANCE

Entrance is free, however we encourage visitors to make a donation in the donation box at the gate or online. These funds are used by the Friends of the Arderne Gardens for special projects relating to the horticulture and infrastructure of the gardens. Dogs on leads are permitted. There is 24-hour security that patrols the garden at all times. Give them a friendly smile or wave hello as you pass by!

TRANSPORTATION

The closest MetroRail stop is Harfield Road, along the Southern Suburbs line.  There is free on-street parking in front of the gardens. The spaces do fill quickly when there are weekend weddings.

Physical Address

222 Main Road

Claremont, Cape Town 7708

South Africa

GPS Coordinates: -33.987276, 18.465053

Frequently Asked Questions

May I have my wedding ceremony here? Who should I contact?

Yes, wedding ceremonies are permitted in the garden in a specific location: the old secret garden. Mr. Magedie Adjiet (Tel: 021 444 8849, email Magedie.Adjiet@capetown.gov.za) with the City of Cape Town can help you make arrangements and will walk through the garden with you to show you the ceremony location in advance. Please note that security has instructions to ensure wedding parties keep to the allocated area for ceremonies. Please also note that alcohol, generators, PA systems and speakers, and amplified music are not allowed.

May I take my wedding pictures here?

Yes, absolutely. There is a long-standing tradition of wedding photography in this garden. There is no charge if you take your wedding pictures in the garden and no entry fee. Should you wish to have a ceremony here, please contact Mr. Magedie Adjiet (Tel: 021 444 8849, Email: Magedie.Adjiet@capetown.gov.za) for an application form. Please adhere to rules as set out in your permit from Council. Please remember to carry out what you've carried in to the garden.

Can we have a childrens party here, and which party equipment is allowed?

Picnic blankets and camping chairs are allowed. No jumping castles or tent pens; any gazebos or small tents may be weighed down by means of sand bags. Please contact Mr. Magedie Adjiet with the City of Cape Town for further information.

Is the garden safe?

Yes, the garden is safe and is frequented by locals and international visitors alike. The City of Cape Town employs security guards stationed at the front of the garden, whom walk around the garden during their shift. As in any public space in Cape Town, people are urged to exercise caution. Please ensure that any incidents are logged with security to help us improve service.

Does FOTAG offer tours?

Yes! Please see this page for more information.

Can I bring my dogs for walks here?

Yes, your dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a leash pick up after them (poop and scoop bags are sometimes available near the entrance). No one likes to step in dog poo while they're out enjoying the garden!

What can I expect to see in the garden?

Apart from our special trees, it’s like any public Cape Town park with lots of activity - people picnicking, people walking their dogs, people taking wedding photos, people hosting bible class or yoga class, etc. There are pathways you can walk around and benches to sit and rest on. You might see birds like Egyptian Geese, hadada ibis, and helmeted guineafowl. See What’s Inside for more information.

How do I handle an emergency or report a crime?

In any emergency, call the police: 112 from a cell phone or 10111 from a landline. To report a crime, contact security at the entrance to the garden or the closest police station: SAPS Claremont (CLAREMONTSAPS@saps.gov.za). To report a crime anonymously, contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Other relevant contacts may include the City of Cape Town Recreation and Parks Department (rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za) and the Friends of the Arderne Gardens (secretary@ardernegardens.org.za).

Can I organize a market/event/foodstall here?

Unfortunately, the area is not zoned for vending and parking is a constraint. Please contact the City of Cape Town if you're really enthusiastic about making this happen.

Where can I find alternative parking for my large wedding party?

You might want to reach out to the Claremont Church and the Claremont Civic Center, right down the road from the garden. There might be additional parking near the hospital across the road, as well as, Kingsbury Hospital down the street.

Who should I contact in case of emergencies or if I notice misconduct or crime in the garden?

In an emergency, dial 10177 to reach the EMS. Please notify the security staff at the gate. It also doesn't hurt to call or email the Friends group, too.

Where can I get a copy of The Ardernes & Their Garden?

The book is out of print but you might try: the Wynberg Public Library, Quagga in Kalk Bay, or Clarks Bookshop in Cape Town.

FILM COMPANIES (permit required)

Where can we park?

You have two options: approach the Methodist Church for extra parking space and catering space, or, book the parking area of the Claremont Hall or nearby Tennis courts. No vehicles will have access to the garden. Only 4 trucks are allowed in the parking bays outside the garden on Main Road.

Do we need an environmental control officer (ECO)?

Film companies are required to have an ECO on location; we recommend you use the services of our on-site ECO at negotiated rate. Contact Paul Barker at Barker.paulb@gmail.com

Is there power and where can we park our generator truck?

There is no power point in the garden, please contact ECO (environmental control officer) to arrange closest access point.

Who do we contact to organize shoots?

Contact Mr. Magedie Adjiet (021 444 8849, email Magedie.Adjiet@capetown.gov.za) or Neil.Fortes@capetown.gov.za. 

Where can we set up in the garden?

You will work with the ECO to arrange this before shooting.

Help Save Our Pond

Please don’t feed the ducks and birds.

Why not?

• Attracts more birds to the area, causing overpopulation.

• Creates a species imbalance which threatens indigenous ducks.

• Increases levels of duck excrement in the water.

• Causes fish to die as a result of a lack of oxygen in the water.

• Encourages ducks to trample feeding areas and graze away grass.

• Increases erosion around the pond.

Thank you for helping us restore our garden to its natural beauty.