Kirstenbosch

KIRSTENBOSCH

A WALK OR PICNIC IN THIS FLORAL PARADISE IS A MUST ON ANY CAPE ITINERARY

WHY VISIT? Few gardens in the world can compare to the majestic setting of Kirstenbosch. Established in 1913, the 36 ha garden is part of a larger 528 ha estate bordering the Table Mountain National Park. It forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site known for its endemism. More than 7 000 species of Cape flora, alongside other plant life from the diverse regions of Southern Africa, are cultivated here. The garden is also home to a wide variety of birds and small animals.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO Marvel at South Africa’s national flower in the Protea Garden, wander along the self-guided Braille Trail, or take a stroll across the impressive 130 m Boomslang – a wheelchair-friendly canopy walkway with jaw-dropping views – that wends its way through the arboretum, right above visitors’ heads.

WALKS AND TALKS Maps can be downloaded from the website. Otherwise, free guided garden walks* take place from Monday to Friday at 10 am, 11 am and 2 pm (and at 10 am on Saturdays), starting at the Visitors’ Centre. At the Garden Centre, Gate 2, free tours* are available at 10:45 am Monday to Saturday (there are no tours on Sundays). Once you’ve explored the garden, there’s a gentle trail that starts on the periphery and leads to Cecilia Forest and Constantia Nek via a contour path.

You can also climb Table Mountain from here, although this is much more strenuous. The routes via Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine range from threeand-a-half to seven hours. Book a hike with a registered guide (see page 84 for details).

The less energetically inclined can hop on a shuttle car for a garden tour. Tours depart hourly from 9 am to 3 pm, at R80 pp. *Please note that, due to the global pandemic, all guided tours have been suspended until further notice. However, it’s recommended that you call ahead of time to find out if this arrangement has changed.

WHERE TO EAT For a hearty meal with traditional fare and flair, head to moyo near the Visitors’ Centre. The Kirstenbosch Tea Room at Gate 2 offers scrumptious breakfasts and light meals in a relaxed space. There’s also a Vida e Caffè at the Visitors’ Centre.

GETTING THERE

RHODES DRIVE, NEWLANDS Kirstenbosch is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Take the M3 towards Muizenberg, turning right at the traffic lights on to Rhodes Drive, Newlands, and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch. Entrance is R75 for adults, R40 for students (with student ID), R20 for children aged six to 17 years, and free for kids younger than six.

WHEN TO GO The garden is open 365 days a year, 8 am to 7 pm (September to March) and 8 am to 6 pm (April to August). However, these times might have changed, due to COVID-19 regulations. Please call ahead to make sure.

For more information, call 021 799 8783 or visit sanbi.org