Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The Basics
The gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a popular stop on many sightseeing tours of the Cape Peninsula. Visit the gardens alongside other natural attractions such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the Boulder Beach penguin colony. Or, to immerse yourself in the gardens, take a guided hiking tour that leads you through fern-lined paths, up steep steps, and to overlooks—all while learning about the flora and fauna along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
The gardens are must-see for botany and nature enthusiasts.
Bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of the garden-side restaurants.
You can purchase plants, souvenirs, and books in the garden shops.
The first-tier gardens and facilities are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but steep slopes limit access to the rest of the gardens.
How to Get There
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the city center. You can visit the park on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the Cape Town or on other sightseeing tours. If you drive to the park yourself, follow De Waal Drive in the direction of Muizenberg, turn right on Rhodes Drive, and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch. Free parking is available at gates one, two, and three.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Open year round (with extended evening hours in summer) the gardens provide different highlights depending on the season. To see the fynbos and flowers at their most vibrant, visit from August to November. For outdoor events and the summer concert series, visit between November and March.
Free Guided Tours of Kirstenbosch
While you can explore the conservatories, trails, and gardens of Kirstenbosch on your own, free 90-minute guided tours offer an in-depth perspective of the park. With multiple start times Monday–Saturday, the tours are easy to fit into a day of exploring the gardens, relaxing on the tranquil lawns, and dining in one of the park’s restaurants. You can also join special-interest walks by timing your visit with themed tours.
- Groot Constantia
- Table Mountain and Cableway
- Rhodes Memorial
- Heart of Cape Town Museum
- Aquila Private Game Reserve
- Camps Bay
- South African Jewish Museum (SAJM)
- South African National Gallery
- District Six Museum
- Iziko South African Museum
- Twelve Apostles
- Company's Garden
- Old Biscuit Mill
- Iziko Museums Slave Lodge
- Castle of Good Hope