26.02.2021

Cape Town Big 7: Visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens

Also just called ‘The Garden’ or if you like by its official name ‘Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens’ (what a mouthful!) this is a must see for any traveler to Cape Town.

Situated on the Eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the seven most magnificent botanical gardens in the world, and one of Cape Town’s Big 7 tourism attractions. Kirstenbosch is one of a country-wide network of nine botanical gardens administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

How to get there:

Kirstenbosch lies 13 km from Cape Town’s city centre, well signposted on all major roads. From the city, take De Waal Drive (M3) in the direction of Muizenberg, at the Rhodes Drive (M63) traffic light intersection turn right (west/towards the mountain) and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch. Free parking is available at Gates 1, 2 and 3.

The garden is also a ‘wheel-chair’ friendly space where all visitor facilities including entrance gates, restaurants, shops and venues are accessible to wheel-chairs.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: Sculpture

Things to do:

Free guided tours (garden entry fee still applies though) of the Garden take place from Mondays to Fridays and leave from the Visitors’ Centre (Gate 1) at 10h00. There are however no tours on Saturdays or Sundays so you’re free to go on your own tour! Tours are approximately 90 minutes long while each guide presents a unique tour taking in the highlights of the season, exploring different areas of the Garden while including some of its special features.

Covid Notice: It is compulsory to wear a mask at all times during the walk. Face shields may be worn with a mask but cannot substitute a mask. A maximum of 10 participants per tour is allowed under our current Covid-19 regulations.

Best place for a photo:

It has to be ‘The Boomslang’ or tree snake! Also called the ‘Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway’ it was built in 2013-14 to celebrate the 100 years of Kirstenbosch in 2013. This curved steel and timber bridge that winds and dips its way through and over the trees giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, the new tree top canopy walk is a favorite amongst tourists
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