Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

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Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Cape Flora Below the Cliffs of Table Mountain

Kirstenbosch lies on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, where the cliffs rise straight up behind the lawns. Founded in 1913, it was the first botanical garden in the world devoted to a country’s own flora, and more than 7,000 species now grow in its 36 ha of cultivated garden. Fynbos, Afromontane forest and the curving Boomslang canopy walkway are the highlights, and gentle paths make it an easy half-day outing from the city.

A visitor standing on the tree canopy walkway overlooking Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Location

Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Cape Town

Founded

1913; South Africa’s flagship national botanical garden

Highlight

Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway (“Boomslang”), opened in 2014

Flora focus

Cape fynbos and Afromontane forest; king protea displays

UNESCO

Part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage Site

Best seasons

Spring blooms (Aug–Oct); summer concerts (seasonal)

Accessibility

Paved paths, lawns, shaded benches; gentle gradients

Coordinates

−33.9886, 18.4323 (map marker below)

Planning Your Visit

Highlights, seasonal color and what to look for

The garden is laid out in themed sections that show off South Africa’s plant diversity. The protea beds are at their best from late winter into spring, when king proteas and pincushions flower beneath the mountain. In the Dell, the cycads planted by the garden’s first director, Harold Pearson, still grow near the spot where he is buried. Nearby are the Fragrance and Useful Plants gardens, and sculptures stand among the lawns. The Botanical Society Conservatory shows plants from drier parts of the country, including the Karoo and the savanna. Sunbirds and sugarbirds are regulars around the flowering beds.

The land came to the nation through Cecil Rhodes, who bought it in 1895 and left it to the country when he died. A much older relic survives on the upper slopes. Part of the wild almond hedge that Jan van Riebeeck had planted in 1660 to mark the edge of the Dutch settlement still grows there, and is now a provincial heritage site. In 2004 Kirstenbosch became the first botanical garden in the world to be included in a natural World Heritage Site.

Walks, the Boomslang and easy routes for all abilities

Paths range from short, level loops around the lawns to steeper trails into the forest above. The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, nicknamed the Boomslang, opened in 2014 to mark the garden’s hundredth year. It is about 130 m long and rises to about 12 m above the ground as it winds through the treetops, with views over the garden toward the southern suburbs. It is a highlight of the Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch day tour. Paved circuits link the lawns, restaurants and visitor center, and maps, benches, water points and toilets are spread along the main routes. On hot days the forest paths are noticeably cooler.

Facilities, concerts and practical tips for a smooth day

The visitor center at the main gate has maps, exhibitions and tickets, and there are restaurants as well as lawns for a picnic. On Sunday evenings in summer the Summer Sunset Concerts draw crowds of locals with picnic baskets, so arrive early for parking and a good patch of grass. Bring sun protection, a light layer and comfortable shoes, as the mountain can send down sudden breezes. Keep to the paths to protect the planted beds. On our four-day private Cape Town tour, the garden shares a day with Table Mountain.