Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the most magnificent gardens in the world. It is a must-visit. The gardens are set into the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The setting only serves to highlight the majesty of the gardens.
What You Can See And Do
There are over 2500 different species of plant in the garden. All the plants have been split into different gardens based on their properties and needs. For example, the most heavily scented plants and flowers fill the fragrance garden, while the plants that are native to the more arid areas of the continent are housed in the Greenhouse. The Protea Garden is at its best in spring. All year round you can enjoy the Braille trail and the Cycad Amphitheatre.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, there are free guided tours. They run Monday through Saturday. Starting at 11 am and 2 pm. Alternatively, you can enjoy an audio guide.
Planning A Visit
The gardens open every day. During the summer (September – March) you can visit between 8 am and 7 pm. In Winter (April – August) the gardens shut a little earlier at 6 pm. Tickets cost R75 for adults. There are discounts for students. Under 6s can enter the gardens for free at any time. Senior citizens can get free entry every Tuesday. You can buy tickets online before you arrive.
Because of the location of the gardens, not everywhere is wheelchair accessible. The slopes are quite steep in places. However, all the facilities, including the shops and restaurants, are accessible. If you use a wheelchair it is still worth a visit; you just might want to check the maps before you go.
Getting There
There is a free car park on-site if you decide to drive. Kirstenbosch is only 13km outside of Cape Town, so is a short journey away. It’s well signposted from all the major roads in the area.
If you want to use public transport then there are two main buses that serve the gardens. The city sightseeing busses and the Golden Arrow buses both have stops at the gardens.