Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of my favourite spots in Cape Town, beautifully showcasing the Cape Floral Kingdom. With more flora species than the entire United Kingdom, this lush garden is a must-visit. Nestled along the eastern slopes of the iconic Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch offers a wealth of sights and activities. I recently revisited the garden with my sister and mom, taking advantage of their spring celebration which featured free entry tickets in local newspapers. As a local who has frequented Kirstenbosch several times, I’m excited to share my favourite spots in the garden, tips on how to get there, and other useful information, including some of my own photos of the garden.

Discover the Scent Garden

The Scent Garden at Kirstenbosch is a unique feature designed for those with visual impairments. It allows visitors to engage their sense of smell with various plants and flowers, and includes tactile boards in Braille. I’m always impressed by Kirstenbosch’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, a rare but commendable effort in many public spaces.

Experience the Tree Canopy Bridge

The Tree Canopy Bridge is a relatively new addition to Kirstenbosch. Although it often gets crowded, making it a bit challenging to enjoy on a busy day, the view from the bridge is truly spectacular. You can enjoy panoramic vistas of the garden below, lush greenery, and the majestic Table Mountain backdrop. The bridge does sway slightly in the wind or when many people are on it, but the experience is well worth it. I’m looking forward to returning to capture that perfect, crowd-free photo.

Summer Concerts Series at Kirstenbosch Gardens

The Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts Series is a highlight of the annual events at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Each summer, the garden’s amphitheatre transforms into a vibrant stage for both local and international artists. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and alcohol, though food and drinks are also available for purchase on-site. Lawn chairs are permitted, and many visitors opt for picnic blankets instead. The stunning backdrop of the amphitheatre, framed by the majestic mountain, adds to the magic of the experience. I recently enjoyed a performance by the local band Goodluck with my sister, and the setting truly enhanced the evening.

Sculptures at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is home to a variety of captivating sculptures. Among them is a prominent bust of Nelson Mandela. The garden also features other beautiful sculptures and a dedicated sculpture garden. To make the most of your visit, check the official Kirstenbosch website for a map of sculpture locations and consider taking a sculpture tour to fully appreciate these artistic treasures.

Kirstenbosch Art Gallery: A Treasure Trove of Landscapes

Explore the Kirstenbosch Art Gallery and discover a diverse collection of artworks, with many pieces showcasing breathtaking landscapes. The gallery features a variety of paintings, including canvas works and smaller pieces on paper. Prices range from affordable to more premium options, making it an excellent place to find a memorable souvenir or gift. Best of all, entry to the gallery is free, allowing art enthusiasts to enjoy and appreciate the creativity of local and regional artists without any cost.

Wheelchair Accessibility at Kirstenbosch Gardens

Kirstenbosch Gardens offers a degree of wheelchair accessibility, though some areas are challenging to access due to the garden’s location at the base of a mountain slope. While many parts of the garden are accessible, including all entrances, parking areas, shops, restaurants, and paved pathways around the Visitors Gate, Dell, amphitheatre, fragrance garden, and sculpture garden, there are sections that are difficult to navigate.

For the best experience, wheelchair users are advised to bring assistance for accessing steeper areas. The tree canopy walkway also has a wheelchair-accessible route. For detailed information and a map of accessible routes, visit the official Kirstenbosch Gardens website: Kirstenbosch Accessibility Information.

How to Get to Kirstenbosch Gardens

By Car:
If driving from Cape Town, take De Waal Drive towards Muizenberg. Turn right at the Rhodes Drive intersection and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch Gardens. Clear, large signs will guide you to the garden. Free parking is available at Gates 1-3.

By Public Bus:
The Golden Arrow bus service offers routes to Kirstenbosch Gardens. Buses depart from Mowbray Station and from the Golden Acre bus terminus near Cape Town Station. This service operates Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. The bus stop at the garden is located under a large fig tree at the Bell Tower Gate. From there, walk left to reach Gate 1 and the Visitors Centre.

For bus schedule and route information, call the Golden Arrow toll-free number at 0800 65 64 63 from a landline. Note that calls from cellphones may incur charges. To avoid missing the bus, plan to arrive early as departure times are strictly adhered to.

How to Get to Kirstenbosch Gardens: Red Tour Bus

The City Sightseeing Red Tour Bus, officially known as the hop-on-hop-off bus, is a convenient way to visit Kirstenbosch Gardens. Opt for the Mini Peninsula Tour line, which includes a stop at Kirstenbosch Gardens up to 15 times a day during the summer months. The first bus arrives at 9:50 AM, with departures every 20 minutes throughout summer. In winter, buses run every 35 minutes. The bus stops directly at Gate 1, right in front of Vida e Café. For more details and schedules, visit City Sightseeing.

Accessibility for Wheelchair Users:

The Red Tour Bus is wheelchair accessible and offers assistance for wheelchair users. In contrast, many older Golden Arrow buses lack wheelchair accessibility. Therefore, wheelchair users are advised to choose the Red Tour Bus for a smoother experience to Kirstenbosch GardensOperating Times:

• Summer (September to March): Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Winter (April to August): Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

When is the Best Time to Visit Kirstenbosch Gardens?

Kirstenbosch Gardens offers stunning plant displays throughout the year, with each season presenting its own advantages and considerations.

• Winter (June to August): Cape Town winters are typically wet and windy, leading to muddy trails and wet grass, which may not be ideal for picnicking. However, winter also means fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
• Spring (September): Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, especially from September 1st to the end of the month, when the spring blossoms are in full bloom. This season offers vibrant colors and a rejuvenating atmosphere.
• Summer (December to February): Summer brings bright blue skies and larger crowds. While this is a popular time for visitors, it provides excellent weather for outdoor activities and picnicking.No matter when you visit, Kirstenbosch Gardens remains a must-see destination and should definitely be on your Cape Town bucket list.

How much are the entry tickets?

• Standard Adult: R230
• SA Adults: R100
• Kids under 6: enter for free
• Scholars 6-17 years old: R40
• SA Students with a student card: R60
• SA pensioners with an ID: Free Tuesdays (except on public holidays)

Can I Buy Tickets Online for Kirstenbosch Gardens?

Yes, you can purchase tickets for Kirstenbosch Gardens online through Webtickets or directly at the entry gates.

Contact Information:

• Email: kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org
• Phone: +27 21 799 8783
• Ticket Office: +27 21 799 8782
• Website: Kirstenbosch Gardens Official Site
• Address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town

Have you visited Kirstenbosch Gardens? I’d love to hear about your experience. Feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions. I’m open to chatting and online collaboration!

Wishing you happy travels!