Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

A world-renowned botanical garden located at the foot of Table Mountain.

Description

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is celebrated for its beauty and diverse plant species. The garden covers 528 hectares and is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a rich collection of South African flora, with over 7,000 species.

Visitors can enjoy walking trails, themed gardens, and a treetop canopy walkway known as the Boomslang. Kirstenbosch Gardens is the perfect setting for picnics, walks and summer concerts with friends and family.

Company Group

SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute)

Email Address

Enquiries: KirstenboschInfo@sanbi.org.za

Phone Number

Social Media

Picnic Type

Open public (entrance fees apply).

Activities

Bird watching | Botanical art | Dining | Guided tours | Picnics | Summer sunset concerts | Tree canopy walkway | Visiting themed gardens | Walking and hiking

Experiences

  • Enjoy a tranquil picnic surrounded by indigenous flora.
  • Join free guided tours to discover the garden’s biodiversity.
  • Walk along the Boomslang canopy walkway for panoramic views.

Picnic Basket Options

Picnic baskets are available from Moyo and Fynkos restaurants. They may include serviettes and cutlery, but exclude blankets.

Fynkos picnic options (order on the day):
R320 pp | Finger food picnic
R320 pp | Vegetarian picnic

Moyo picnic options (order 48 hours in advance):
R295 pp | Standard picnic
R295 pp | Vegetarian picnic
R650 for 2 | Picnic for 2

Alternative Picnic Basket Options

Bring your own picnic

Details: Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and blankets.

Note: Kirstenbosch is a “No Bins Garden” — all refuse must be taken with you when you leave.

Estimated Duration

3 hours

Dietary Options

Vegan options | Vegetarian options

What to Bring

Blanket | Bin bag | Camera | Hat | Picnic basket | Reusable water bottle | Snacks | Sunglasses | Wet wipes | Jacket | Binoculars

Rentals

None: Need to bring your own.

Moyo Picnics: Eco-friendly wooden plates and cutlery sets are included.

Additional Information

Guided tours are available from Mondays to Fridays at 10h00, 11h00, and 14h00. Tours depart from the visitor’s centre (Gate 1) and last about 90 minutes.

Inside Guides

  • Visitors are encouraged to explore the various themed gardens, such as the Fynbos Garden, the Useful Plants Garden, and the Fragrance Garden.

  • The Boomslang walkway offers stunning views of the garden and surrounding mountains.

  • Check the garden maps for the dog friendly areas and wheelchair accessible paths.

Weather Conditions

Ideal Weather: Clear / Sunny

Rain Alert: Light Rain (30–40%)

Weather Experience: Outdoor botanical garden; rain may make paths slippery and some areas less enjoyable, but most areas remain accessible.

Picnic Rules & Guidelines

  • Kirstenbosch is a No Bins Garden — visitors must take all refuse with them.
  • Bring your own picnic baskets and blankets.
  • Chairs, tables, umbrellas, and tents are not permitted.
  • No braais or barbecues allowed.
  • Music and musical instruments are not allowed.
  • No ball games or flying kites permitted.

Reservation Policies

  • No reservations required.
  • Moyo picnic options need to order 48 hours in advance.

Estimate Price Range

R200 – R300+

Entry Fee & Prices

R250 | Adult entrance
R100 | SA & SADC residents (with ID)
R140 | African nationals (outside SADC, with ID)
R60   | Students (with SA student card)
R40   | Learners (6–17 yrs)
Free  | Children under 6
Free  | SA residents over 60 (Tuesdays, excluding public holidays)

Booking Methods

Ticket office | Webtickets

Art elements

Child friendly

Eco-friendly practices

Gift shop

Guided tours

Hiking trails

Nature walk

Parking

Picnic baskets

Restaurants

Restrooms

Scenic views

Sculptures

Security

Shaded areas

Summer concerts

Themed gardens

Treetop walkway

Wheelchair accessible

Not dog friendly

Must Tries

Walk the Boomslang: Experience sweeping mountain and garden views from the iconic treetop canopy walkway.

Join a Guided Tour: Explore hidden corners and learn fascinating facts about South Africa’s unique plant life.

Highlights

Seasonal Blooms: Witness vibrant wildflowers and fynbos in full colour through changing seasons.

Sunset Concerts: Relax on the lawns as live music fills the air against a Table Mountain backdrop.

Panoramic Views: Capture breathtaking vistas of the city and mountains from elevated garden trails.

Features
  • Art elements
  • Child friendly
  • Eco-friendly practices
  • Gift shop
  • Guided tours
  • Hiking trails
  • Nature walk
  • Parking
  • Picnic baskets
  • Restaurants
  • Restrooms
  • Scenic views
  • Restrooms
  • Scenic views
  • Sculptures
  • Security
  • Shaded areas
  • Summer concerts
  • Themed gardens
  • Treetop walkway
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Not dog friendly

Must Tries

Walk the Boomslang: Experience sweeping mountain and garden views from the iconic treetop canopy walkway.

Join a Guided Tour: Explore hidden corners and learn fascinating facts about South Africa’s unique plant life.

Highlights

Seasonal Blooms: Witness vibrant wildflowers and fynbos in full colour through changing seasons.

Sunset Concerts: Relax on the lawns as live music fills the air against a Table Mountain backdrop.

Panoramic Views: Capture breathtaking vistas of the city and mountains from elevated garden trails.

Address

Kirstenbosch Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands

Parking: Available on site

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday
September – March 08h00 – 19h00
April – August 08h00 – 18h00

What To Expect

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