Stroll through a showcase of South African flora set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and overlooking Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to preserve the local flora and, even today, almost all the species grown are indigenous, including fynbos plants such as proteas, ericas and restios. A large indoor greenhouse exhibits plants from different regions, including savanna, fynbos and karoo.
The 36-hectare park features several popular walking trails that lead along and up through the mountains, including a trail to the summit of Table Mountain.
Park exhibits include Zimbabwean stone sculptures throughout the gardens and, on Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns.
Highlights of Kirstenbosch – You can still find existing sections of a hedge of wild almond and brambles planted in 1660, forming the boundary of the colony and known as van Riebeeck's hedge.
Other highlights include the Dell, the oldest part of the garden, featuring tree ferns and a variety of shade-loving plants; the Peninsula Garden display, with some of the 2500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula; the Medicinal Garden, featuring the many medicinal uses of South African plants; and the Fragrance Garden, which features plants known for interesting textures and scents.
Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, 13km from the Cape Town CBD
Phone: 021/799-8899, 021/799-8783
Admission: R32, audio guides R35, Summer sunet concerts R50
Hours: Daily 8am-7pm September-March; 8am-6pm April-August. Free guided garden walks Monday-Saturday 10am, Tuesday also at 11am. Golf-cart tours (R35) depart every hour 9am-3pm.
Website: www.nbi.ac.za
Elsewhere in the Western Cape, these three gardens offer amazing natural flora and are worth visiting:
Vergelegen Garden – Discover several gardens including: the White Garden, with ponds, bulbs, herbs and a lavender walk; the Octagonal Garden, featuring alabaster urns, giant trees and herbaceous borders; as well as a wetland garden, rose garden and the Yellowwood Walk, all overlooked by surrounding mountain peaks in a truly beautiful setting.
Located at Somerset West 7129, Western Cape and open daily, all year, from 9.30am to 4pm (except Christmas, Good Friday and Workers Day).
Stellenbosch University Botanic Garden – South Africa’s oldest university botanic garden include three glasshouses featuring tropical, succulent and karoo houses, a Lotus lily and Koi fish pond, a Japanese garden, a herb garden and arboretum.
Located in Stellenbosch and open every day from 8am to 5pm.
Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens – Explore a garden containing more than 2400 different succulent plants that have been drawn from around the world and are displayed outdoors. Examine the oldest cactus of South Africa, the Philosophers Garden, a Japanese garden and one of the world’s largest hedge mazes.
Soekershof is located in Klaas Voogds West, Robertson and daily tours run from 11am.
The best time to visit Kirstenbosch is during spring from September through October, when you can expect an average temperature of 16°C (60°F); and in autumn during April and May, with an average of 19°C (66°F).
The summer months from November to March are also good with a sunny Mediterranean climate and average maximum temperature of 26°C (78°F).
Winter from June to August has temperatures that range from 7°C (44°F) to 18°C (64°F), with lots of pleasant sunny days despite frequent rain showers.
› See more beautiful gardens from around the world…
Latest update: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: 12 July, 2024
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