Explore Africa's most beautiful botanical garden — the Boomslang tree canopy walkway, summer sunset concerts, indigenous flora, and guided nature walks at the foot of Table Mountain.
Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is widely regarded as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Established in 1913, it was the first botanical garden in the world dedicated to indigenous flora — and it's part of the UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.
The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway
The Boomslang (meaning "tree snake" in Afrikaans) is a stunning curved steel-and-timber walkway that winds through and above the trees of the Arboretum. At its highest point, you're 12 metres above the ground, with 360-degree views of the garden, Table Mountain, and the Cape Flats stretching to the Hottentots Holland mountains.
It's included in your garden entrance fee — arrive in the golden hour before sunset for the most magical light.
What to See
- Fynbos Walk — Proteas, ericas, and restios from the Cape Floral Kingdom
- Sculpture Garden — Rotating exhibitions by South African artists
- Useful Plants Garden — Traditional medicinal plants used by San and Khoi peoples
- Cycad Amphitheatre — Ancient cycads, some over 200 million years old
- Fragrance Garden — Designed for the visually impaired, with Braille labels
- Dell — A lush ravine with a waterfall, tree ferns, and yellowwood forest
Summer Sunset Concerts
From November to April, Kirstenbosch hosts Sunday sunset concerts on the main lawn. Past performers include Freshlyground, Jeremy Loops, Goldfish, and international acts. Bring a picnic basket, blanket, and a bottle of local wine — it's Cape Town's favourite weekly ritual.
Our Kirstenbosch Tours
🌿 Guided Garden Walk — From R499
A 2-hour walk with a specialist botanist. Learn about fynbos ecology, medicinal plants, and the Boomslang walkway. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
🌿 Kirstenbosch + Constantia Wine Combo — From R1,899
Morning garden visit, then wine tastings at 2–3 Constantia estates. Includes lunch at one of the wine farms. Full-day, with hotel pickup.
Practical Information
- Hours: September–March: 8am–7pm | April–August: 8am–6pm
- Tip: The garden is vast (528 hectares). Wear comfortable shoes and allow 2–3 hours minimum
- Dining: The Botanical Society Restaurant and Moyo offer lunch with mountain views
"Kirstenbosch is proof that South Africa's beauty extends far beyond its wildlife. Walking the Boomslang at sunset with Table Mountain glowing pink above — pure magic." — Claire, Dublin
