Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens can be considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was established in 1913 as a celebration of South Africa’s abundant plant life. The gardens provide some of the best mountain scenery in Cape Town and offers some spectacular walks. Outdoor concerts are held during summer nights, and are popular among young and old. Take your picnic basket for the best Sunday picnic in town.
Kirstenbosch is one of the seven magnificent botanical gardens in the world and you simply cannot miss a visit.
You will discover over 5000 of the 20 000 plant species in South Africa as you walk through the gardens. It has long been a popular spot for picnics and relaxing in the outdoors – you can call it Cape Town’s version of Hyde Park in London and New York’s Central Park. The park was created by Cecil John Rhodes in 1895.
With it’s new restaurant complex and large gift shop the garden has never been more accessible for visitors. At the bottom gate you will find the Silvertree Restaurant situated in one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape.
If you are here over December to March, this is thé place to be on a Sunday afternoon. Popular outdoor summer concerts are hosted here every year. Bring your blanket and picnic bag and join the hundreds of other people for these unforgettable events.
Do not miss the beautiful walk up to the summit of Table Mountain through Skeleton Gorge. If your time is limited or you don’t feel like climbing to the very top, walk up for about 15 minutes for some nice views over the southern suburbs.
After your visit drive through the green suburbs of Constantia, Bishopscourt, Newlands, Claremond and Rondebosch. Newlands is home to Cape Town’s rugby and cricket stadiums, and the up-market Cavendish Shopping mall is located in Claremond.
How to get there
From the CTICC (Corner of Coen Steytler and Buitengracht street) take the N2 towards the airport and turn right off the M3 (Rhodes drive) which becomes Union Ave. Follow the Botanical Gardens road signs. You will turn right off Union into Rhodes Ave (M63) towards the gardens on your right.
Travel checklist
- Picnicked at Kirstenbosch
- Outdoor summer evening concert
- Walked up Skeleton Gorge
- Explored the southern suburbs
- Shopped at Cavendish Mall
Useful numbers
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 021 799 8899
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