Kirstenbosch Garden: Your Ultimate Visitor Guide

Getting There

It's easy to get to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. If you're coming from Cape Town, you can take a car or taxi directly to the entrance.

When you arrive, you'll find plenty of parking. If you'd rather take public transport, the MyCiTi bus goes to Kirstenbosch.

The garden is designed to be accessible for everyone, with wheelchair-friendly entrances.

What to Expect

When you get to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, start at the Visitor Center. Grab a map there to help you find your way around the garden. Plan to spend at least three or four hours exploring to see everything at a relaxed pace.

One highlight is the Tree Canopy Walkway, called 'The Boomslang.' It's a walkway high up in the trees that gives you great views of the garden and the area around it. As you walk the trails, you'll see all kinds of South African plants from different regions. Plus, you'll have views of Table Mountain.

Tips & Tricks

A little planning will help you enjoy your visit to Kirstenbosch. Wear comfortable shoes, since you'll be doing a lot of walking.

If you get hungry, there's a cafe where you can get food and drinks. Or, bring your own picnic to enjoy with the plants and mountain views. Be sure to check out the different biome sections, which show plants from five of South Africa's six biomes.

To learn more about the garden, ask about guided tours at the Visitor Center when you arrive, or check online ahead of time.

Best Times to Visit

Visit Kirstenbosch in the morning for cooler temperatures, especially if it's warm out. It's also usually less crowded then. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.

If you want to see the flowers, visit in the spring (August to November). That's when the plants are blooming. If you're interested in concerts, check the schedule for summer shows at the Amphitheater. Keep in mind that concerts draw more visitors.