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. The River eventually empties into Table Bay at Paarden Eiland'. The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is in Bishopscourt Village, alongside the river on land that is regarded as: 'undeveloped public open space'. It is funded and maintained by the Bishopscourt Residents' Association, City Council, personal trusts, and local estate agents. 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 River Plants, in a bid to maintain a healthy river and to make it safe for people to use the Area. 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!
It is named after a small river in the Netherlands. Originally called the Amstel or Versse Rivier, it was the first river named by Jan van Riebeeck, commander of the Dutch settlement at the Cape.
In 1657, shortly after the arrival of Dutch settlers, the Dutch East India Company granted land, along the Liesbeek, to the first free burghers. These were former company employees who were allowed to farm independently. Their farms stretched along the river’s banks, establishing one of the first agricultural zones at the Cape.
It flows through South Africa’s oldest urbanised River Valley.Its source is on the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, above Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The upper catchment includes areas like Bishopscourt, where large residential properties are located, including what was once Jan van Riebeeck’s farm. In this area, water is often diverted for irrigation, reducing natural flow in summer.
Further downstream is Newlands. The river runs past smaller residential plots. South African Breweries and the Historic Josephine Mill are located here! From Rondebosch onwards much of the river is canalised. Where the river is not canalised, it suffers from erosion due to the fast moving water released from the canalised sections.
At Observatory, below Rosebank and Mowbray, the Liesbeek joins the Black River. Urban Park lies between these Rivers and includes Heritage sites and public open spaces. From here, the Black River flows into Table Bay at Paarden Eiland.
The Liesbeek is also home to the African clawed frog, or Platanna, which has been used in various fields of medical research.