Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch
A world-class botanical garden at the foot of Table Mountain's eastern slopes, with 528 hectares of fynbos and proteas, the 'Boomslang' treetop walkway, and summer lawn concerts.
Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It was the world's first botanical garden dedicated to protecting a country's native plants, and together with Table Mountain it is listed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Cape Floristic Region. The 36-hectare cultivated garden sits against a 528-hectare nature reserve and grows more than 7,000 South African plant species: the national flower, the protea (blooming May to October), heaths (Erica), aloes (flowering in winter), a cycad garden and centuries-old trees. The most popular attraction is the Boomslang ('tree snake') treetop walkway, completed in 2014. This 130-meter curved steel bridge winds through the canopy and ends with a view over the Cape Flats. Other highlights include the fragrance garden, the medicinal plant garden and the sculpture garden. Adult admission is ZAR 250 (2025 price, including Boomslang). Opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00 (until 19:00 in summer), and the glasshouses are open 09:00 to 17:00. From late November to early April, the Summer Sunset Concerts are held every Sunday evening. This is a Cape Town summer tradition: people picnic on the lawn and listen to South African bands. Tickets must be bought in advance on Webtickets (ZAR 200 to 300). From inside the garden you can walk the Skeleton Gorge trail up Table Mountain (3 to 4 hours, steep; it was Mandela's favorite route). The visitor center beside it has a restaurant and gift shop. The garden is a 20-minute drive from the city center. An Uber costs about ZAR 150, and the blue line of the red hop-on hop-off tour bus also stops here. Walking is the main way to get around, and an electric cart tour is available inside the garden (about ZAR 100).
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (until 19:00 in summer)
Nearby sights
- Table Mountain
- Groot Constantia
- District Six Museum
- Camps Bay
- Company's Garden
- Castle of Good Hope
- Greenmarket Square
- The Old Biscuit Mill (Neighbourgoods Market)