Kirstenbosch National Botanica
Welcome to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens information page - in addition to guides like this article we also list a large range of hotels, B&B's, guesthouses and self-catering establishments. Please view our Cape Town page if you're looking for
Cape Town accommodation. Located at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Newlands is a spectacular garden with many scenic walks, and numerous locations for the ideal picnic. Its name is derived from two words, “Kristen” and “Bosch”, the prior being the last name of a manager who lived during the 1700s and the latter being the Dutch word for “forest”.
One of the plant displays definitely worth viewing at Kirstenbosch is the cycad display. Cycads as a species have been around for over 200 million years, even before the first flowering plants. These rare, ancient conifer-like plants have survived in South Africa since the days of dinosaurs, but have recently come under threat as their illegal trade has increased.
The magnificent garden covers over 538 hectares of land. 36 hectares out of the 538 have cultivated for tourism purposes. This cultivated garden provides homage for the flora and fauna of Cape Town which primarily includes indigenous South African plants which cannot be grown in outdoor gardens. The Gardens also boast Zimbabwean stone sculptures exhibitions which are always extremely popular among the tourists.
The Kirstenbosch Gardens are also a fantastic location for bird-watchers, as over 300 species of birds have been spotted in the greater Cape Town region, including paradise flycatchers, black eagles, and a multitude of water fowl.
Although the garden is open throughout the year, the best time for visits is during the summer months from November to April. An additional attraction during this time is the regular musical concerts which are held in the evenings. The Visitors’ Center has a coffee shop and other retail outlets.
Looking for more than just information? We also list a superior range of
South Africa accommodation on our website. Let us know where you would like to visit
Trading Hours
08h00 - 18h00 (Winter);
08h00 - 19h00 (Summer);
Monday - Sunday
Pricing
Adults: R 32.00; Children: R 10.00
|
[ Edit Details ]
|
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens's Contact Details:
| Phone: | 021 799 8899 |
| Website: | http://www.sanbi.org/frames/kirstfram.htm |
|
[ Edit Details ]
|
More Pictures of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens Map:
|
← Click the map to see:
- A large interactive map
- Other attractions nearby
- Photographs of the region
- Nearby accommodation establishments
|
Reviews of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens:
“
Kirstenbosch is a must see for any traveller to Cape Town
”
As a Captonian I visit kirstenbosch a few times a year. The gardens themselves are beautiful, and range from the rarest cape flowers to some amazing old trees and there are so many wide spanning lawns just to relax on during the summer to have a picnic with friends. Kirstenbosch is also a nice place to start off a good walk or hike in the Table Mou...
Read More
| Justin Womersley on 18 Mar 2010 | |
“
Paradise is preserved in this beautiful garden
”
Kirstenbosch is one of the jewels in Cape Town's crown. These quiet, manicured gardens are an absolutely spectacular location for a picnic. On a lazy afternoon, there is nothing better than to read a good book here and listen to the birds. Its unbelievable that such a natural wonder is right in the middle of the city!
| Marcel van de Ghinste on 16 Mar 2010 | |
Been to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens? Rate your experience:
Things to do near Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
|
Skeleton Gorge is one of the many routes up to the top of Table Mountain. At its base is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, which is worth a visit in its own right. The Gorge is beautifully unspoilt, and wides it's way up the mountain alongside a stream, and the path crosses a few waterfalls o... [ read more... ] |
|
The Cecilia Forest runs along the edge of the stunning Constantia Valley and features many scenic, easy walks.
... [ read more... ] |
|
Maclear’s Beacon marks the highest point on Table Mountain, approximately 1087 meters above sea level. The stone, placed in 1865, was named after Sir Thomas Maclear, the Queen’s astronomer in the Cape area.
Maclear’s Beacon is a must-see for hikers and tourist. Routes to the stone are mar... [ read more... ] |
|
A hike up Table Mountain offers some of Cape Town's best views and scenery. The Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station hike is the most popular, and covers a 3km ascent which can be done in between one to three hours, depending on fitness and pace.
The hike is fairly tough, and should be approach... [ read more... ] |
Accommodation near Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
|
Fernwood Manor is an exclusive five star boutique guest house set in a picturesque country garden with the majestic table mountain as our back drop. The Manor House was built in the 20 century, is furnished in an elegant and traditional style, complementing the original features in this beautiful gr... [ read more... ] |
|
Glencoy is an upmarket, private self-catering apartment and en-suite guest room situated in the quiet residential area of Upper Claremont. With its striking views of Table Mountain and close proximity to Cavendish Square shopping mall, Newlands Sports grounds, the world renowned Kirstenbosch Botanic... [ read more... ] |
- Very Good
