A true oasis, located at the bottom of the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens houses only indigenous South African flora. The estate spans 528 hectares and is home to a wide variety of South African flora and forest land.

Founded in 1913, the Garden is world-renowned for its diverse fynbos population and natural forest. The cultivated garden displays expansive collections of South African plants.

The Botanical Society Conservatory enables the Gardens to display South African plants which cannot be grown outdoors. In the Conservatory, you will find plants from high mountain peaks, forests and arid deserts. The Peninsula Garden is home to some of the 2500 plant species which can be found across the Western Cape. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden takes the issues of environmental conservation very seriously and has also set up a Water-Wise Garden. This garden demonstrates how to create a garden, using less water and with less maintenance than a conventional garden.

The Fragrance garden features plants with interesting textures and scents whilst the Medicinal Garden lets you discover the medicinal uses of South African plants. The oldest part of the Garden, the Dell features the Colonel’s Bird Bath, a range of tree ferns and a variety of shade-loving plants. The Protea Garden is most magnificent in Winter when the Proteas and Conebushes are in bloom.

Not to be outdone, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is also home to an array of birdlife, including Egyptian Geese, and there are some resident Meercats enjoying the safe home the Garden offers them.

A number of trails lead through natural forest and fynbos surrounding the developed garden. A map of the trails can be purchased from the Information office for just R2. Volunteer guides conduct tours of the garden on Tuesdays and Saturdays and golf carts with local guides are available for those visitors not keen on walking, but definitely keen on discovering the wonder that lives within the Garden’s boundaries.

The Garden is open 365 days a year, from 08h00 to 19h00 (September to March) and 08h00 to 18h00 (April to August). Entrance costs just R35 for adults; R20 for students with valid Student Cards; R10 for school children aged 6 to 17; with free entry for children under the age of 6 and those visitors who are members of the Botanical Society. Also, South African senior citizens get in for free on Tuesdays (excluding Public Holidays).

Possibly the greatest showcase of the Garden’s natural beauty, coupled with some soothing music, the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts are held between November and April. Catering for all music tastes, from jazz to rock to classical, the concerts are very popular with both residents and tourists alike.

The Kirstenbosch Garden Fair takes place in March of every year and a Craft Market is usually held on the last Sunday of every month, barring June, July and August.

The Visitors Centre houses an information desk, gift shop, nursery and restaurant, whilst the Centre for Home Gardening has outlets for plants and other services to support the home garden.

Are you eager to explore the wonder within the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden?

Book a stay at an establishment nearby, and unwind at a true oasis, hidden in the heart of Cape Town.

The Garden is situated near to the Southern Suburbs of the Western Cape.

The Southern Suburbs is home to an abundance of quaint and comfortable Bed and Breakfast accommodation, dotted around the beautiful suburbs of Claremont, Rondebosch and Observatory.

If a Luxury Villa seems more up your alley, then be sure to book in at one in at Constantia East or Bishops Court.

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is sure to revive your senses and let you discover the great wonders of South African flora.

Categories: Southern Suburbs, Travel News