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The Guide to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden You’ll Wish You Read Sooner
Did you know Kirstenbosch was the first botanical garden in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site? It’s home to over 7,000 indigenous plant species, all set against the stunning Table Mountain backdrop.
Our guide to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden will help you navigate its serene spaces and hidden gems. Start planning your relaxing visit today!
Things to Know
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenboch/
Phone: 021 799 8783 / 021 799 8773
Operating Hours:
- September to March (open daily) – 8 AM to 7 PM
- April to August (open daily) – 8 AM to 6 PM
Admission Fee (Card Payments Only):
- Standard Adult – R230
- South African Residents & SADC Nationals (18+ with ID) – R100
- African Residents outside SADC (18+ with ID) – R140
- South African Students (18+ with valid student card) – R60
- Children (6 to 17) – R40
- Children under 6 – Free
Background
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Kirstenbosch’s history stretches back to the Stone Age, with evidence of ancient peoples using the land for shelter and food. The Khoikhoi people lived here for around 2000 years before European settlers arrived.
In 1895, Cecil John Rhodes purchased the neglected land but made minimal improvements before his death in 1902. The property then fell into further disrepair until it was set aside for a national botanical garden.
In 1913, Harold Pearson led the establishment of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Over time, the garden flourished, becoming a testament to the dedication of its founders and the staff who developed it.
How to Get to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
By Bus: The City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus (Mini Peninsula Tour) stops at Kirstenbosch. Alight at the Visitors’ Centre (Gate 1) where you’ll find the bus stop in the parking area below the Vida-e Café.
By Car: Parking is available at Gates 1, 2, and 3. Gate 1 is the main entrance on Rhodes Drive, while Gates 2 and 3 are further along Rhodes Drive, with easy access to the garden.
By Taxi: The base fare is R20, with an additional R12 per kilometre. Drop off at the main entrance on Rhodes Drive.
What to Do and See in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Walk the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway
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The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway is an incredible way to experience Kirstenbosch from above the trees. This 130-metre path snakes through the forest canopy, giving you panoramic views of the gardens and mountains, including Table Mountain.
When I walked through it, the sense of calm from being 12 metres up, surrounded by birds and treetops, was unforgettable. The gentle curve of the walkway made it feel as if I was gliding through the air.
Visit the Cycad Garden and find the life-sized dinosaur sculptures
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I loved exploring the Cycad Garden, where ancient plants meet lifelike dinosaur sculptures. It was surreal seeing cycads up close. Some of them have been around for over 340 million years, making them living fossils!
The garden features endangered species, and I learned that these plants are so valuable that people have even tried to steal them. Knowing how rare and fragile they are, I was struck by how important Kirstenbosch’s role is in their preservation.
Engage your senses with a variety of aromatic plants at Fragrance Garden
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The Fragrance Garden is just as its name suggests. During my visit, I found that this garden is packed with aromatic plants like honeysuckle, lilies, and wild mint.
You can easily catch a whiff of its strong scents from a distance. Not every smell might be to your taste, but exploring the garden is definitely an interesting experience.
Browse intricate African stone artworks throughout the Sculpture Garden
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The Sculpture Garden is a hidden gem for art lovers, showcasing a unique collection of Mambo stone sculptures. This outdoor exhibit is always changing, allowing you to see how these striking sculptures blend with the garden’s natural beauty.
I’ve even seen sculptors working on new creations, which adds a special touch to the experience. The sculptures, deeply rooted in Shona tradition, are unique and offer a glimpse into the artists’ personal styles and techniques.
Hike up Table Mountain starting from the garden’s trails
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If you’re into hiking, Kirstenbosch won’t let you down. I’ve tackled all sorts of trails there, from quick forest walks like the Braille Trail and Boekenhout Trail to longer hikes like the Yellowwood Trail and the Silvertree Trail.
The trails are well-maintained and clearly sign-posted, making navigation straightforward. For more challenges, you can climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch, but it’s important to be cautious due to steep terrain and unpredictable weather.
Relax with a picnic on the lush lawns amidst beautiful surroundings
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Kirstenbosch Gardens offers some fantastic secret picnic spots tucked away high up in the gardens. You can order a delicious picnic from the Tea Room and enjoy it in a secluded spot with a great view of Cape Town.
The walk up the Protea Walk is easy and leads to some quiet, shaded spots perfect for a picnic. You’ll find peaceful lawns away from the usual crowds, making it a great escape.
Attend a summer sunset concert
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If you haven’t been to a Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert yet, you’re missing out. I always look forward to these evenings, where you can bring a picnic and chill on the concert lawn with friends while enjoying top-notch music.
The lawn’s natural slope gives everyone a great view of the stage, so you can see the performance from pretty much anywhere. I’ve seen fantastic local acts like Jeremy Loops and even international bands like The Pixies here.
Take a guided tour to learn about the garden’s diverse flora and ecosystems
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Kirstenbosch offers free guided tours Monday through Friday at 10 AM, 11 AM, and 2 PM, each lasting about 90 minutes and starting from the Visitor’s Centre. I’ve found these tours to be a great way to explore the garden’s diverse plant life.
The guides provide useful insights and interesting stories about the garden’s features and plant species. It’s a chance to learn more about the plants and areas you might otherwise miss.
Catch a film under the stars at the garden’s outdoor cinema
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From October to April, Kirstenbosch hosts an outdoor cinema where you can watch films under the stars in a beautiful garden setting. It happens on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with screenings starting after sunset.
I recommend arriving early to grab the best seats and enjoy some local food and drinks from the market stalls, or bring your own. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the movie moves to the ZipZap Dome.
Discover the Greenhouse and Other Specialty Gardens
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Aside from the well-known highlights at Kirstenbosch, you should check out the greenhouse for its diverse plant collection in a lush environment.
The Garden of Extinction features plants that are no longer found in the wild, while the Garden of Weeds presents invasive species. If you’re into gardening, the Garden Centre is perfect for picking up plants to take home.
Engage in outdoor games to stay active
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The garden’s open fields are ideal for some physical activity. The spacious lawns gave the kids plenty of room to run around, and there was enough space for parents to join in or watch from a comfortable spot.
Spot a variety of wildlife
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With over 125 bird species here, you’re likely to see some feathered friends like the Cape sugarbird. Keep your eyes peeled for other creatures too; you might spot a dassie, tortoise, or lizard.
Where to Eat and Drink in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
MOYO Kirstenbosch
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Website: https://moyo.co.za/
Phone: +27 21 762 9585
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday, Saturday, & Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $$
Moyo is known for its vibrant African palace-inspired ambience and extensive buffet available every Sunday. The buffet features a variety of dishes, including hearty salads, flavorful tagines, and fresh seafood.
Families will also appreciate the kid-friendly menu, complete with chicken nuggets.
Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room
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Website: https://fynkos.co.za/
Phone: +27 74 142 1100
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 4 PM
Pricing: $$
Fynkos offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a light lunch and stunning mountain views. Their toasted sandwiches and shakshuka stand out, especially on a chilly day when they provide a comforting, warming meal.
The menu features an English tea for two, perfect for a charming afternoon, including cake, scones, sandwiches, and tea. For those who prefer something sweet, Pamela’s selection of brownies, cookies, and cinnamon buns is a must-try.
Vida e Caffè
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Website: https://vidaecaffe.com/
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 7 AM to 5 PM
Pricing: $
Vida e Caffè is a popular spot for quality coffee and a quick snack. The café stands out for its friendly staff and a tempting selection of pastries, croissants, and savoury options like panini and wraps.
I recommend trying their coffee paired with a muffin or a toastie, which are regularly featured in their specials.
Where to Shop in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch Garden Centre
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Phone: +27 66 463 9759
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 4:45 PM
The Kirstenbosch Garden Centre is a fantastic spot for all things gardening, with a wide selection of indigenous plants like succulents, trees, and fynbos. It’s a go-to for quality compost, eco-friendly fertilisers, and gardening tools.
Kirstenbosch Gift Shop
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Phone: +27 21 762 2510
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Kirstenbosch Gift Shop offers a variety of unique gifts, curios, and botanical-themed items.
I always appreciate their free gift-wrapping service, which adds a nice touch to any purchase. The shop also provides a 10% discount for Botanical Society members and a comprehensive freight service for those needing to send items abroad.
Kirstenbosch Bookshop
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Website: https://kirstenboschbookshop.co.za/
Address: Visitors’ Centre (Gate 1)
Phone: +27 79 750 1634
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 6 PM
The Kirstenbosch Bookshop specialises in books about indigenous plants, gardening, and local culture. It features titles like the Kirstenbosch GROW series and Wildflower Guides.
For children, the shop features a fantastic array of natural history and cultural reference books, plus engaging gifts like puzzles and colouring books. Every purchase also supports biodiversity projects through the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
