The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, a familiar name to locals in Cape Town, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful venues within the Cape. A part of South Africa for more than 100 years, this tourist attraction is popular for leisurely walks enjoying the sights of the numerous indigenous and colorful flora of Southern Africa, as well as picnics, and even those walkers that set a quicker pace are drawn to this gorgeous scene. Not only do you get to appreciate the natural beauty of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, but the venue additionally features eateries, a self service area, various shops as well as concert area.

The botanical gardens found at Kirstenbosch were made to nurture, preserve and exhibit the varied selection of plant life found in Southern Africa and it was the first time a botanical garden had been established that was completely dedicated to a nation’s native plant life. If it’s your first time visiting this must-see attraction, you might not be able to say what overwhelms you first, the great sweep of space that this garden dominates, or the ocean of colour that will surely dazzle you.

With all that there is to engage you at this lovely venue, here’s all that you can get up to while at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and all the relevant information.

Set in the Cape Floristic Region with the eastern slopes of Table Mountain in the background, the gardens at Kirstenbosch are bordered by expansive lawns and seemingly unending paths, inviting visitors for a walk to admire the more than 1000 plants to be found here. At each section you will find boards giving detailed information on each plant, so not only do you get a visual treat, but at the end of the day you will leave feeling well informed.

Other attractions at the Kirstenbosch NBG

While you may think that gardens are all there is to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, some exploration will prove you very wrong. As was mentioned before there are a few places for you to rest your feet and enjoy a meal.

First up, there’s moyo, found near the Visitors’ Centre, where you’ll be served authentic African urban cuisine in a relaxed setting. Breakfast and lunch are served every day. Dinner is only on Fridays and Saturdays and you can only get a table via booking in advance.

Operating Hours and Contact Details:
Sunday – Thursday                                                    09:00 – 18:00
Friday – Saturday                                                       09:00 – 21:00
Tel                                                                                +27 (0)21 762 9585
Email                                                                            kirstenbosch@moyo.co.za

Next there is the Kirstenbosch Tea Room, a casual establishment where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch, with the menu consisting of sandwiches, salads, cakes, soups, dessert and of course, tea. The Tea Room is found at the Centre for Home Gardening at Gate 2.

Operating Hours and Contact Details:

Open Daily (except on Christmas Day)                  08:30 – 17:00
Tel                                                                                +27 (0)21 797 4883
Email                                                                            t424u@ktr.co.za

Last up in Kirstenbosch you will also find a branch of Vida e Caffè, where you can enjoy the high standard of beverages they serve, along with a treat such as a croissant, pannini or a wrap. You can find Vida e Caffè in the Visitors’ Centre.

Operating Hours:

Open Daily                                                                  07:00 – 19:00

Then there are the shops for you to browse while in and around the Gardens. Firstly, there is the Kirstenbosch Garden Centre which sells plants and everything related to the care of plants. You can find the Kirstenbosch Garden Centre accessible from a separate entrance from the car park by Gate 2, but it is only open for ticket holders.

Operating Hours and Contact Details:

Open Daily (except on Christmas Day)                  09:00 – 17:00
Tel                                                                                +27 (0)21 797 1305
Email                                                                            kgcentre@mighty.co.za

Next is the Kirstenbosch Shop, where you can buy gifts, homeware, clothing and various trinkets, as well as botanical cosmetics. Additional bonuses are a free gift wrapping service, 10% discount to Botanical Society Members, as well as an all-inclusive freight service. The Kirstenbosch Shop is found in the Visitors’ Centre.

Operating Hours and Contact Details:
Summer                                                                      09:00 – 19:00
Winter                                                                         09:00 – 18:00
Tel                                                                                +27 (0)21 762 2510
Email                                                                           Tekir@outofafrica-sa.com

Then there is the Kirstenbosch Logo Store, the satellite store for the Kirstenbosch Shop. Its specialty is memorabilia of Kirstenbosch.

Operating Hours and Contact Details:

Open Daily                                                                  09:00 – 17:00
Tel                                                                                +27 (0)21 762 2510
Email                                                                           Tekir@outofafrica-sa.com

The Botanical Society Bookshop as implied sells books focusing on a range of issues relating to flora, gardening, as well as educational children’s books, books on natural history, gift cards and stationery. They are also located in the Visitors’ Centre. A smaller Botanical Society Bookshop is at the Centre for Home Gardening (at Gate 2).

Operating Hours and Contact Details:
Main branch                                                                09:00 – 18:00
Secondary branch                                                      09:00 –  16:30
Tel                                                                                 +27 (0)21 762 1621
Email                                                                             bookshop@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za

Lastly, there is the Sculpture Garden. While at the Kirstenbosch Gardens, you will have noticed exquisite sculptures throughout the area. These can be bought via Mambo Exports in the Visitors’ Centre.

Contact Details:
Tel & Fax                                                                      +27 (0)21 761 0065
Email                                                                            info@chapungu.com

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens also provide the venue for concerts in the summer. Check out their website for details on forthcoming attractions.

Last of all, you could treat yourself to a thrilling experience by taking a walk on the Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway. This is an elevated path and has earned the nickname “Boomslang (Tree Snake)” because of the curving and dipping route it takes. This walkway was built as part of the celebration last year when the Gardens celebrated 100 years. It opened earlier this year. While you’re walking along this interesting route, you will get treated to superb vantage points from where you can view the Gardens, surrounding mountain range and the Cape Flats.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll need a ticket to enter the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and the Kirstenbosch Garden Centre. The prices are as follows:

Adults                                                                              R 50.00
SA students (with valid student card)                        R 25.00
Children (6-17 years)                                                    R 10.00
Children (under 6 years)                                              Free
BOTSOC (Botanical Society) members                      Free
SA Senior Citizens (with I.D.)                                       Free every Tuesday, except public holidays

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or at your convenience via http://webtickets.co.za.

Should you wish to find anything else about this alluring tourist attraction, the contact details for the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens has been supplied below.

Website                                                                          www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
Telephone                                                                     +27 (0)21 799 8783
Ticket Office                                                                  +27 (0)21 799 8782
Garden Office (weekdays only)                                  +27 (0)21 799 8899
Email                                                                               kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za