CapeTownMagazine.com

Hike Harold Porter garden + see Betty’s Bay’s prettiest ...

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

Hike Harold Porter garden + see Betty’s Bay’s prettiest waterfall

Find a shady spot on the manicured lawns and spread out a picnic or swim in a fresh river pool

Kirstenbosch is certainly South Africa’s most famous national botanical garden but there are many more under the banner of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Harold Porter in Betty’s Bay is one of the closest to Cape Town and well worth the visit.

Being close to the coastline, there’s a wide variety of fynbos that’s adapted to the salty air and wind gusting off the ocean and is distinctly unlike the flora in gardens in other parts of the country. Plus there’s a hike that takes you up to gorgeous clear caramel-coloured waterfalls.


THE DRIVE ALONG THE COAST IS A SCENIC ROUTE

The garden is on Clarence Drive - also called the R44 - and the section from just outside Gordon’s Bay to Rooi-Els has been recognised as one of the most beautiful stretches of road in South Africa. As you round the last of the R44’s 77 bends, you’ll be heading into Pringle Bay; Betty’s Bay is a few kilometres farther.

Travelling in this direction, Harold Porter will be on the left and the ocean on the right. When you enter the garden, the first sight you’ll see is a large amber pool, one of many for which this garden is renowned. 

You’ll come across several more in the park, but this one is the largest. There are also little babbling brooks and streams, and the air is filled with birdsong and frogs’ croaking and clicking.

 

PACK A PICNIC AND COZZIE

Harold Porter is a combination of large natural fynbos areas and planted beds of indigenous flowers with neatly manicured lawns. There are sections which lead down shady pathways for respite from the sun, and wooden benches placed throughout for moments of quiet contemplation beneath trees.

The restaurant has been closed due to Covid-19 so this is the perfect opportunity to pack a picnic, load the kids and Granny (over-60s get free entry on the first Tuesday of every month) into the car and take an easy day trip. Being outdoors and with so much space, it’s the ideal social-distancing family excursion. 

 

HIKE SOME OF THESE TRAILS WITH GORGEOUS VIEWS

Harold Porter has a few trails on offer. The Fynbos and Zigzag trails hug a route along the slopes of Bobbejaanskop and The Plateau, with the reward of magnificent views over Betty’s Bay to the sea. 

You’ll need a permit (from the office at the entrance) for the Leopard’s Trail which heads up into the mountains and a waterfall.


DISCOVER SEASONAL TREASURES FROM TORTOISES TO PROTEAS

Spring is best for viewing flowering plants such as Ericas and proteas, and the many members of the daisy family. In the heat of summer, the Disa uniflora with its vibrant red blooms can be seen on the damp cliffs near the waterfalls. Look out for tortoises too. Note that Disa Kloof is wheelchair friendly. 

In autumn it's the berry-ripening season so you’ll see lots of birds and animals. It’s also cooler so is the best time for walking, but always keep a jacket or cardigan handy because Cape weather can change in a heartbeat. 

Winter is wet and rainy (interspersed with glorious sunny days), so this is when the waterfalls are at their best. 

As you can see, visiting Harold Porter is a joy any time of the year.

By Bianca Coleman

---

There are plenty of awesome things to do this weekend in Cape Town.
Love botanical gardens? Why not check out what Kirstenbosch Gardens has to offer.
Get your outdoor fix this summer with the best picnic spots in Cape Town.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.


Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates.

 

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...

Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Ricks Cafe AmericainMonday burger specials + happy hour ...

Enjoy any burger with a free beer at Rick’s Café on Kloof Street

Taj Jiva SpaJiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...

Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure

Breathwork Africa foundation3+ ways to get your breath back and ...

Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...

GiveawaysTravel Tips