Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lies on the lush eastern slopes of Table Mountain which forms the magnificent backdrop to arguably the world’s prettiest garden! Whether it’s to see the floral delights, take a walk in quiet space, picnic on the lawns or use Kirstenbosch as a gateway to the summit of Table Mountain, there is something for everyone.
Located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
West Coast Way Is South Africa’s Road Trip With The Most Twists
Explore the Cape West Coast by planning a self-drive trip or book a guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast holiday.
Find a 101+ things to see and do on the West Coast Way:
Enjoy wine, craft beer, olives and Rooibos tea tastings, Weskus cuisine and braaivleis (barbecue), swing into Citrusdal with a zipline, go Cederberg bouldering, jump into natural (warm) pools, step onto cruises of lagoons and rivers, trek through nature reserves and a National Park, hop onto game drives, try the skill of archery and angling, get your adrenaline pumping with sand-boarding and quad-biking, go horse riding, learn about the San culture and Riel-dancing, do kite- and windsurfing, chill in your flip flops and do surfing, book a kayaking trip, go beach hopping, learn about bees, whales and listen to our birds in a twitcher’s paradise – all in South Africa’s wildflower reserve.
For more information on the West Coast’s top places to go, road tripping, hikes, tours and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on @WestCoastWaySA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.Find Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the South African National Biodiversity Institutes crown jewel and dates back over a century to 1913 when Harold Pearson’s vision came to fruition. Home to a mix of indigenous and exotic floral species, the 7000-plus plants found in the garden mean that you’ll always have lots to see, and smell!
There is a wonderful network of little paths and roads through the 528 hectare estate, too many to experience in just one visit. Make sure you get to some of the gems such as The Dell & Colonel Bird’s Bath located adjacent to Cycad Amphitheatre, the Otter Pond, The Botanical Society Conservatory and the Camphor Avenue (Old Rhodes Drive). Many benches scattered around the property provide comfort with a view whilst Cape Spurfowls or Helmeted Guineafowls wander bye.
As a hiking access for trails such as Nursery Ravine or Skeleton Gorge it provides the most beautiful start to a summit ascent. To make the ultimate day out head through the botanical garden gates early and hike up the steeply forested Skeleton Gorge all the way to overlook Cape Town before jumping on the cable car down. You’ll tick off three highlights of the city within a time of approximately 6 hours, and walk away with an incredibly memorable experience.
The Tree Canopy Walkway, commonly referred to as The Boomslang (Tree Snake), is the latest addition to the garden and affords incredible views over the historical heart of the property, The Dell. You’ll find The Boomslang in the Arboretum area.
Between November and April, there are regular concerts on lawns and these are massively popular with Capetonians and visitors to the city. It’s more than just the excellent music. It’s a total experience. Laying down the picnic blankets and sharing a glass with friends as the bands warm up. Before long you’ll be dancing away to magic tunes under the trees as the sun dips behind Table Mountain.
There’s even an open-air theatre experience, The Galileo Open Air Cinema, which screens a wide range of films under the stars. A nursery for those with green fingers, a number of shops with a wide assortment of garden-related goods, The Kirstenbosch Tea Garden and Moyo Restaurant provide good food options in a lovely setting and there is also a Vida e Café located outside the main entrance if you’re just looking for a dash of caffeine!
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Open 7 Days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 11.2km
Where: N2 & M3
Contact: +27 (0)21 799 8783 | [email protected] | http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
West Coast Way Is South Africa’s Road Trip With The Most Twists
Explore the Cape West Coast by planning a self-drive trip or book a guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast holiday.
Find a 101+ things to see and do on the West Coast Way:
Enjoy wine, craft beer, olives and Rooibos tea tastings, Weskus cuisine and braaivleis (barbecue), swing into Citrusdal with a zipline, go Cederberg bouldering, jump into natural (warm) pools, step onto cruises of lagoons and rivers, trek through nature reserves and a National Park, hop onto game drives, try the skill of archery and angling, get your adrenaline pumping with sand-boarding and quad-biking, go horse riding, learn about the San culture and Riel-dancing, do kite- and windsurfing, chill in your flip flops and do surfing, book a kayaking trip, go beach hopping, learn about bees, whales and listen to our birds in a twitcher’s paradise – all in South Africa’s wildflower reserve.
For more information on the West Coast’s top places to go, road tripping, hikes, tours and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on @WestCoastWaySA on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.