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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Cape Town, Western Province, South Africa

People relaxing in the park on a hot sunny day

Last updated: 12 July, 2024

Established in 1913, South Africa’s premier botanical garden is a treasure trove of flora from the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet most diverse of the planet’s six floral kingdoms.

The 36 hectares of cultivated garden cover just a fraction of the 528-hectare estate, which can be explored on well-marked walking trails. Alongside greenhouses and forest trails, a highlight is the ‘Boomslang’ treetop walkway, taking visitors through the forest canopy to offer impressive mountain views.

Picnics are welcome on the wide lawns, and in summertime they play host to the ever-popular Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, held every Sunday, featuring South Africa’s best loved musicians.

Logistics

Price from: £10

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Kirstenbosch is conveniently located in the suburb of Newlands, on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, roughly 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre.

The Cape Bird Club offers free (excluding entrance fee) guided walks through the garden, lasting approximately two hours. If you prefer to explored independently, use the upper Rycroft gate to avoid the tour buses at the main entrance. Maps are available at the ticket booth.

While picnics are welcome, the garden offers both a tearoom and restaurant.

When to do it

The garden is open all year round, seven days a week. Each season offers unique flora. Summer sees popular sunset concerts hosted in the garden on Sunday evenings. Tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Penguin Kirstenbosch Tour.

Cape Town

Viator

Private multi-flexible Tour for couples, friends or small parties. Instant confirmation and number of tourists who booked will be only clients in the vehicle. Premier Route along beautiful Atlantic Coastline as well as along False Bay. Colourful Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter to smell the spices and experience the culture. Along Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton with 4 beaches down below.Maidon’s Cove picture stop to view popular Camps Bay and pristine beach10 minutes drive from city/. Hout Bay Harbour and, time permitting,boat trip to Seal Island for close-ups of 100’s of Cape Fur Seals. Chapmans’s Peak Drive followed by incredible “Long Beach” Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Turning Point.Hike to lighthouse at Cape Point or take funicular. African Penguin – 100’s at Boulders Beach and, weather permitting, swim with penguins. Last stop Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens."Canopy walk" not to be missed.Drop off at around 17h00. STARTING TIME 9h30.

Price ZAR 2,242

Min age 2

Rating 4.76 / 5 [47 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

Private Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Penguins KirstenboschTour.

Cape Town

Viator

Private multi-flexible Tour for minimum 2 pax, maximum 7 couples, friends or small parties, not exceeding 7 Groups bigger than 7 will be accommodated. Instant confirmation and number of tourists who booked will be only clients in the vehicle. Premier Route along beautiful Atlantic Coastline and False Bay. Colourful Bo-Kaap or Malay Quarter. Along Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Clifton with 4 pristine beaches. Maidon’s Cove picture stop to view popular Camps Bay and pristine beach10 minutes drive from city/. Hout Bay Harbour and, time permitting,boat trip to Seal Island for close-ups of 100’s of Cape Fur Seals. Chapmans’s Peak Drive followed by incredible “Long Beach” Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Turning Point.Hike to lighthouse at Cape Point or take funicular. African Penguin – 100’s at Boulders Beach and, weather permitting, swim with penguins. Last stop Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens."Canopy walk" not to be missed.Drop off at around 17h00. STARTING TIME 9h30.

Price ZAR 1,950

Min age 2

Rating 4.81 / 5 [11 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >