Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch, spread across the eastern foot of Table Mountain, is widely counted among the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, and it is devoted almost entirely to the indigenous plants of South Africa, showcasing the astonishing fynbos flora of the Cape, one of the richest and most distinctive plant kingdoms on earth. Lawns and cultivated beds of proteas, ericas and countless other native species give way, higher up the slope, to natural forest and mountainside, so the garden merges into the wild flank of the mountain behind it. A curving raised walkway known as the Boomslang lets visitors stroll through the tree canopy with views over the garden to the mountain and the distant sea. It is a place for gentle wandering, for the spring flush of blooms, and, in summer, for the popular Sunday sunset concerts held on the lawns. Trails also lead from the garden straight up the back of Table Mountain.

History

In 1660 Jan van Riebeeck had a hedge of wild almond planted along the edge of the colony, and parts of it survive here; the name is thought to come from J.F. Kirsten, who managed the land in the 18th century. Cecil Rhodes bought the land in 1895 and left it to the nation, the Camphor Avenue was planted in 1898, and on 1 July 1913 it was set aside as a botanical garden under Henry Harold Pearson, the first in the world devoted to native flora (Wikipedia, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden).

What you'll find

• The fynbos and protea beds - the Cape's extraordinary native flora, at its best in spring.
• The Boomslang canopy walkway - the curving raised walk through the treetops.
• The mountain backdrop - the garden merging into the wild slopes of Table Mountain.
• The summer concerts - the Sunday sunset concerts on the lawns in season.

When to go

Spring, roughly September to November, is the peak for flowers and the most spectacular time; the garden is lovely year-round, green in winter and colourful through summer. The summer sunset concerts run on Sundays in the warmer months. Mornings are quiet and cool; weekends and concert days are busy.

Good to know

It is a cultivated garden rather than a wilderness, so those hoping for raw nature should note the developed lawns and beds, though the upper reaches and mountain trails are wild. It can be busy at weekends and packed on summer concert evenings, when arriving early to claim lawn space is wise. The garden sits on a slope, so seeing the higher sections and the canopy walkway involves some uphill walking.

Nearby

Table Mountain rises directly behind, with trails from the garden; the city and its waterfront are twenty minutes away.

Key facts