Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful garden in Africa and one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Did you know that Kirstenbosch is part of a nature reserve? The 36-hectare garden is part of a 528-hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. The Kirstenbosch Estate borders the Table Mountain National Park and the Garden merges seamlessly with the natural fynbos and forest of the mountain.
These 36-hectares are a treasure trove of plantlife, birdlife, walking trails, rolling lawns, ponds and so much more. So the next time you visit, dig a little bit deeper and discover the beauty of nature.
The Garden of Extinction is a theme garden that displays a selection of about 1500 South African plants that may soon be extinct in the wild, with information about what has caused this and what we can do about it.
The Fragrance Garden features plants with unusual textures and scents. Take a walk through this garden and enjoy the aromas.
The Forest Braille Trail is a short, self-guided trail passing through natural forest and over a patch of wetland.
The Fynbos Walk is a path that leads from the Rycroft Gate through the upper part of the Garde, planted with fynbos, a vegetation type unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The Protea Garden displays members of this remarkably diverse plant family. Proteas and serrurias flower here in winter and spring, and pincushions flower in summer.
“Boomslang” Tree Canopy Walkway
The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway is a new curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum. Inspired by a snake skeleton, and informally called ‘The Boomslang‘ (meaning tree snake), it is a low-maintenance, low-impact sculptural raised walkway.
The Walkway takes the visitor from the forest floor into and through the trees and bursts out above the canopy, giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, Garden and Cape Flats.
Walks and Trails at Kirstenbosch
For those who want to venture to lofty heights, the two main walks to the top of the mountain are via Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge. However, these routes are strenuous and should therefore only be attempted by the fit. Remember to take water, energy food, sunblock and a hat. Stick to the paths and do not pick or disturb any flora or fauna.
Free Guided Tours of the Garden leave from the Information Desk, Visitors’ Centre (Gate 1) at 10 am Mondays to Saturday. These guided tours are approximately 90 minutes long and are limited to 15 people at a time. It is a great way to get to know the Garden.
Useful Information
The Garden is open 365 days a year, from 8 am – 6 pm daily during winter (April to August) and 8 am – 7 pm daily during summer (September – March).
The Conservatory is open from 9 am – 5 pm daily.
All visitor facilities are wheelchair-friendly. Kirstenbosch Garden is set on a very steep gradient and not all areas of the garden are accessible to wheelchairs.
Garden Rules
- Do discover plants and animals
- Do walk, hike, and explore
- Do some bird watching
- Do picnic on the lawns
- Do relax at concerts
- Do enjoy sculptures and art
- Do take photographs
- Do take your litter home
- Don’t disturb plants or animals
- Don’t bring balls, bikes or skateboards
- Don’t bring your pets
- Don’t bring radios, make noise or games
- Don’t climb trees or swim
- Don’t enter the flower beds
- Don’t litter or braai
Restaurants
Moyo Restaurant serves a buffet with seafood, African, South African and vegetarian food, a wine bar and the unmistakable Moyo experience of an exciting blend of design, food and entertainment. Situated near the Visitors’ Center (Gate 1).
Open from 9 am – 9 pm, Monday to Sunday
+27 (0)21 762 9585
The Kirstenbosch Tea Room serves breakfast, lunch, tea and picnic baskets. They are situated in the Centre for Home Gardening (Gate2)
Open from 9 am – 5 pm
+27 (0)21 797 4883
Vide e Caffe serves expresso and high-quality coffee, pastries, croissants, muffins, rolls, panini, wraps and treats near Gate 1.
Open from 7 am – 7 pm
+27 (0)21 762 6047
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One Destination, 6 Unbelievable Experiences
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.
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