KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

Kirstenbosch – one of the most beautiful botanical gardens

Kirstenbosch is considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It was founded in 1913, after the former Prime Minister, Cecil Rhodes, left the area to the state. The sole purpose of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is the conservation of indigenous plants of the Cape region. There are no foreign plant species in the whole area. The estimated number of indigenous plants that are waiting to be discover is around 7.000. Among the typical Fynbos vegetation, you can also find the National Flower of South Africa – the Protea.

The core area of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is approximately 36 hectares and is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain. Due to the big difference in altitude (from 100 metres to almost 1000 metres), a great diversity of plants is guaranteed. The extended protected area around the actual Botanical Garden is approximately 600 hectares.

The biggest attraction at Kirstenbosch is the Tree Canopy Walkway (“Boomslang”). This wooden pathway is around 11 metres high and 130 metres long. It leads visitors through the tree tops and offers fantastic views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town city centre.

Hike up Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge

One of the best-known hiking trails up Table Mountain starts in Kirstenbosch. It is called Skeleton Gorge and leads hikers through Afromontane Forest. You walk past some of the oldest trees in the Cape Peninsula.

Summer Concerts in Kirstenbosch

Between November and April, you can enjoy one of the open-air summer concerts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.