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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

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 summertime sees sunset concerts hosted each Sunday.

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Cape Town 6-day Itinerary

South Africa

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

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

Private Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Penguins KirstenboschTour from Cape Town

Private Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Penguins KirstenboschTour from Cape Town

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Private Tour to Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Penguin Kirstenbosch from Cape Town

Private Tour to Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Penguin Kirstenbosch from Cape Town

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Vineyard Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.6 miles]

A great value boutique hotel set amid expansive gardens in one of the city’s leafy suburbs, in the shadow of Table Mountain.

Official star rating:

Kensington Place

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6 miles]

Stylish boutique gem at the base of Table Mountain; Cape Town’s coolest bolthole. 

Official star rating:

Ocean View House

Cape Town , Western Cape, South Africa[6.2 miles]

A luxurious boutique hotel close to glamorous Camps Bay beach, boasting contemporary sea-view suites.

Official star rating:

The Marly Boutique Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.4 miles]

A glamorous boutique hotel perched right above the palm-lined Camps Bay beachfront.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.8 miles]

The iconic flat-topped mountain – sometimes covered with ‘tablecloths’ of clouds – that towers over the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town. Cable car or hike to the top; cable car or abseil down.

Best for ages: 10+ | £18

Abseil down Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3 miles]

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour

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Hike up Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.9 miles]

Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours

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Constantia Wine Region

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.4 miles]

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route that’s home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Art work on display in the District Six museum in Cape Town.
Experience

District 6 Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.7 miles]

Delve into the lived experience of forced removals at this moving small Museum, which chronicles the diversity of District Six and its later destruction by the Apartheid government.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Exterior of white, colonial building at dusk
Experience

South African Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.8 miles]

Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Exterior view of the restaurant during the daytime
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Neighbourhood Goods Market

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7 miles]

This Cape Town institution, set up in an Old Biscuit Factory in 2006, features food stalls from around the world, plus local artisans selling designer clothing, accessories and quality handicrafts. Live music adds to the atmospheric buzz and energy.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Entrance to an aquarium on a sunny day
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Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[9 miles]

In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.

Best for ages: 4+ | £10

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