About Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, with Table Mountain as its backdrop and embracing the spectacular views of the mountains, is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It is the only botanical garden in the world to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden covers five of South Africa's six different biomes and is one of the ten National Botanical Gardens. Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous plants. The garden which encompasses an area of 1300 acres, is part of the South African National Biodiversity Institute. The park has many features that focus on the region’s vegetations and wildlife life. There is a Canopy Walkway in the Tree-tops as well as intriguing art installations 

Kirstenbosch was bequeathed by the government, by Ciel John Rhodes. At the time, it was nothing more than ramshackle farmland overrun with pigs. In 1913, Harold Pearson, a botanist transformed the land into a botanic garden to display to the world the country's indigenous flora. With over 7000 species in cultivation today, the garden forms the perfect display of fynbos and forest that is easily explored and enjoyed by locals and tourists.

Must See

  • Take high tea in the Tea Room, the tea stand for two at the Kristenbosch Tea Room has no competition when it comes to scenic views and fluffy scones
  • Enjoy a picnic on the lawns, probably the most popular pass time, other than just strolling. Pack a picnic and find a quiet corner to eat your al fresco lunch
  • Seek out a Waterfall, a network of paths crosses much of the garden, ranging from gentle strolls to hard-core hikes. Follow the Yellowwood trail to reach a permanent waterfall where the gardens meet Table Mountain
  • Kristenbosch is a great spot to start a hike atop Table Mountain

 

How to reach

From Cape Town to Kristenbosch National Botanical Garden

By bus

Time: 20 minutes

Cost: R 180

By taxi

Distance: 11.8 kilometres

Time: 11 minutes

Cost: R 145 to R 180

By Uber

Distance: 11.8 kilometres

Time: 11 minutes

Cost: R 109 to R 123

By Walk

Distance: 11.4 kilometres

Time: 2 hours 16 minutes

 

 

 

Tips

  • Be prepared for the hot and sunny weather and carry sunblock, water, hat etc.
  • There are benches throughout the garden, you can sit periodically and watch birds or enjoy the landscape
  • If you are a bird lover, consider bringing binoculars
  • Shop for things like women's clothing, decorative items for homes, books related to plants and gardens, jewellery, kids' apparel and more
  • If you arrive by taxi, consider getting the phone number of the driver and confirm if he can pick you up the end of your visit or at a set time. There may or may not be many taxis available when you want to leave
  • You can use the map to check out the best routes in the park. These are available for nominal rates
  • Opt for a photography tour of Cape Town with any one of the local and professional photographers
  • Do not be a nuisance and make noise by playing the radio or any other loud music or any other instrument

Visit Time

April to August

Sunday:                8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday:               8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday:              8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday:         8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday:             8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday:                 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday:             8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

September to March

Sunday:              8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday:             8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday:            8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday:       8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday:           8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday:               8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday:           8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

R 40 for Adults

R 25 for South African Students with student cards

R 10 for children ages 6 to 18

Free Entry for Children under 6 years 

 

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 23.76°C

 

Local Services in Cape Town (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Cape Town

Top Cities in South Africa