Kirstenbosch is one of the 9 National Botanical Gardens scattered across South Africa. These luscious gardens serve as both a tourist attraction and information centres.

They are closely involved with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) which is fondly known as the heart of flora and fauna conservation in South Africa.

The SANBI uses available science to determine how the biodiversity of the ecosystem and species are currently doing in South Africa. This is essential to conservation and sustainability within our natural habitat.

The SANBI holds many meetings and talks all over South Africa which are compiled into the Synthesis Report that is available to the public. The aim of this report is to determine the critical endangered ecosystems and the best way forward with the conservation of our precious flora and fauna both on land and offshore.

Situated on the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa. It was the first botanic garden in the world to be devoted to a country's indigenous flora.

There are over 7 000 species in cultivation at Kirstenbosch, including many rare and threatened species. The garden spans for 36 hectares and seamlessly transitions into the 528 hectares of the Table Mountain National Park which is also a protected area for flora and fauna. A wide range of wildlife can often be spotted in the gardens as they may come and go as they please.

Download your map of the gardens here.

The garden offers more than meets the eye! With the extensive work in conservation, it serves as a sanctuary for the endangered fynbos. Constantly renovating, the latest instalment of the Tree Canopy Walk Way allows you to unobtrusively walk above the garden itself.

The walk way stands 12 metres above the ground and stretches for 130 metres, it opens up to reveal stunning overviews of the garden and Cape Flats on the horizon.

Tip: The Tree Top Canopy Walk is wheel chair friendly!

The garden is divided into many small and large bio-domes, where each species is carefully catered while their caretakers make as little of an imprint to the natural surroundings. A wide variety of smaller mammals, birds and insects call the gardens their home and can often be spotted just going about their business.

• Costs:
  • R65 - Adults
  • R35 - SA Students (With student card)
  • R15 - Children (6-17 yrs)
  • Free - BOTSOC members (BOTSOC card required)
  • Free on Tuesdays - Senior SA Citizens (Except Public Holidays)
• Operating Hours:
  • Summer Season (September - March), Mon-Sun, 8am - 7pm
  • Winter Season (April - August), Mon-Sun, 8am - 6pm
  • Conservatory, Mon - Sun, 9am - 5pm
• Contact Details:
  • General Inquiry: +27(0)21 799 8783
  • Ticket Office: +27(0)21 799 8782
  • Garden Office: +27(0)21 799 8899
  • After Hours: +27(0)21 799 8618
  • [email protected]
• Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town

Visitors are allowed to pack a picnic and enjoy the grounds. If you are after something plated, the garden is home to 3 different restaurants which promise to satisfy even the pickiest of pallets.

Kirstenbosch Concerts

Often playing host to live concerts and entertainment in a specially designated lawned area, Kirstenbosch comes to live after the sun sets. To view the upcoming gigs at Kirstenbosch, take a look at our comprehensive guide below:

• Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts 2017/2018 Lineup & Ticket Info

While you enjoy the gardens, why not have a peak at who might be playing at the open air concert venue. These concerts sell out fast so booking is essential.

• More Info: Events At Kirstenbosch

The Kirstenbosch Tea Room

This friendly relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and sipping on a cup of perfectly brewed tea. The venue can cater for large groups yet still hold onto the cosy intimate feel.

• Operating Hours:
  • Daily: 8:30am - 5pm
• Contact Details:
  • 074 142 1100
  • [email protected]
• More Info: Website

Moyo @ Kirstenbosch

The much loved Mediterranean styled restaurant has opened a branch in the heart of Kirstenbosch. After a day filled with sights and sounds why not enjoy a hearty meal and tasty cocktail at the famous Moyo in Kirstenbosch.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon - Thurs: 11am - 6pm
  • Fridays: 11am - 11pm
  • Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
• Contact Details:
  • +27 (0)21 762 9585
  • [email protected]
• More Info: Website

Vida e caffè at Kirstenbosch

The popular coffee franchise, Vida e Caffe, is situated at gate 1 of the gardens. The cafe can be visited without paying the entrance fee to the gardens if all you're after is a quick caffeine refill.

• Operating Hours:
  • Daily: 7am - 7pm
• More Info: Website

Shopping at Kirstenbosch

When you think of visiting a Botanical Garden, you wouldn't think that you could be taking some plants home. Kirstenbosch allows visitors to purchase plants, memorabilia, artwork and gifts all within the garden itself.

Kirstenbosch Garden Centre

A wide range of plants including bulbs, succulents, groundcovers, trees, shrubs, climbers, annuals, fynbos plants and herbaceous material is on sale.

Compost and environmentally-friendly fertilisers, insecticides and fungicides are stocked as well as freshly cut flowers. The Centre also stocks gardening accessories, tools and seeds. Experienced staff are on hand to offer help and advice.

• Operating Hours:
  • Daily: 7am - 7pm
• Contact Details:
  • +27 (0)21 797 1305
  • [email protected]

Kirstenbosch Gift Shop & Logo Store

The Kirstenbosch Shop, operated by Natural World Merchants, sells a wide range of gifts and curios, clothing, homeware and botanical cosmetics.

• Operating Hours:
  • Winter: 9am - 6pm
  • Summer: 9am - 7pm

The Logo Store is another classic Kirstenbosch Gift Store at the Centre For Home Gardening. Here you can find your much loved Kirstenbosch memorabilia. Amongst other items, you will find aloe cosmetics, botanical homeware, clothing and herbal teas.

• Operating Hours:
  • Daily: 9am - 5pm
• Contact Details:
  • +27 (0)21 762 2510
  • [email protected]

Botanical Society Bookshop

This cosy book store is located in the visitors centre and boasts a wide variety of books on the natural flora and fauna found in South Africa. They have a fully stocked children's selection as well as your stationary and gift requirements.

There are two book stores located in the gardens, the smaller sister store is found at Centre For Home and Gardening and houses a selection of titles from the bigger one found at the Visitors Centre.

Tip: Botanical Society members receive a 10% discount.

• Operating Hours:
  • Daily: 9am - 6pm
• Contact Details:
  • +27 (0)21 762 1621
  • [email protected]

The Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden is ever changing with additions of new pieces . The artwork seamlessly compliments the surrounding wonder of the gardens. Local artists display and create their work right in the gardens, they are true masters of their craft when they depict what they feel and see.

Artwork can be purchased from the Visitors' Centre and you may spot a few pieces scattered at other locations in the garden.

• Contact Details:
  • +27 (021) 761 0065
  • [email protected]

A visit to Kirstenbosch is one you will remember for years to come. Enjoy picnicking on the soft green lawns or cool off by dipping your feet in the fresh water streams. Whatever you have planned on your visit, Kirstenbosch will have you coming back for more.

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