Updated: January 2026 Cape Town · Table Mountain slopes Nature + Music

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

One of the world’s great botanical gardens: indigenous flora, epic mountain backdrops, easy walking trails, picnics on the lawns — and the famous Summer Sunset Concerts.

Highlights Hours & Prices Concerts Getting There Tips Video Map

Quick Facts

Open daily
Summer hours (Sep–Mar): 08:00–19:00
Winter hours (Apr–Aug): 08:00–18:00
Conservatory: 09:00–17:00

Tip: go early for quiet trails, or late afternoon for golden light on Table Mountain.

Tickets & Entry

Buy online via Webtickets (recommended)
Cashless: cash payments are not accepted
Standard adult: R250 (latest listed)
SA/SADC adult (with ID): R100

Official visitor info Buy entry tickets

Location

Rhodes Drive, Newlands — about 13 km from Cape Town’s city centre. Free parking is available at Gates 1, 2 and 3 (spaces fill up fast on weekends).

The City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus stops at Kirstenbosch (Gate 1 / Visitors’ Centre).

Why Visit Kirstenbosch?

Kirstenbosch (est. 1913) is Cape Town’s “green cathedral”: curated indigenous gardens, forested paths, fynbos-rich slopes, and open lawns that beg for a picnic. It’s equally great for a relaxed stroll, a proper nature wander, or a Sunday soundtrack under the mountain.

Top Highlights

Don’t Miss

Tree Canopy Walkway (the famous ‘Boomslang’)
Protea + fynbos gardens for Cape Floral Kingdom vibes
Sculpture garden & seasonal displays
Easy lawns + shady spots for a slow picnic day
Birding & short forest walks (great for kids too)

Best For

Couples: golden-hour stroll + café stop
Families: open lawns, easy paths, lots of space
Solo: peaceful walks + mountain views for days
Music lovers: Summer Sunset Concerts (Nov–Mar)
Photography: early morning or late afternoon light

Opening Times & Prices

Opening Times

Garden: 08:00–19:00 (Sep–Mar)
Garden: 08:00–18:00 (Apr–Aug)
Conservatory: 09:00–17:00 (daily)

Times can change for special events — check the official visitor info before you go.

Entry Fees (latest listed)

Visitor type	Price
Standard adult	R250
SA residents & SADC nationals (with ID)	R100
African residents outside SADC (with ID)	R140
SA students/learners 18+ (valid student card)	R60
Children 6–17	R40
Children under 6	Free
SA residents 60+ (Tuesdays, excl. public holidays)	Free

Tickets can be purchased online via Webtickets. Cash payments are not accepted.

Garden Rules (worth knowing)

Picnics are allowed — but chairs, tables, umbrellas and tents are not permitted.
No braais / barbecues.
It’s a ‘No Bins’ garden: take your litter home.
Dogs are not allowed in the developed garden (special Gate 3 walking access applies — check the official map).

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts (2025–26)

The current Summer Sunset Concerts season runs from late November 2025 to late March 2026. Gates typically open around 16:00, with music starting around 17:15 (times vary by show).

Upcoming highlights (example dates)

Date	Show	From
18 Jan 2026	Freshlyground / Manana	R255
01 Feb 2026	Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra	R255
15 Feb 2026	Jeremy Loops	R255
15 Mar 2026	Thandiswa Mazwai	R255

Line-ups and prices can change — use the official links for the latest updates and tickets.

See full lineup (SANBI) Book tickets (Webtickets)

Concert Tips

Arrive early: parking + the best lawn spots go fast.
Bring a picnic blanket and something warm for later.
Pack light: chairs/umbrellas aren’t permitted in the garden.
Keep it tidy: take your litter home (no-bins garden).
Double-check your show time + gate opening on the ticket page.

How to Get There

By car: from Cape Town, take De Waal Drive (M3) toward Muizenberg; at Rhodes Drive (M63) turn right (toward the mountain) and follow signs to Kirstenbosch. Free parking at Gates 1–3.

By hop-on hop-off bus: the City Sightseeing bus stops at Kirstenbosch (Visitors’ Centre / Gate 1).

Accessibility: main visitor facilities are wheelchair accessible, but some upper-slope areas are steep and may need assistance.

Tips (and Mistakes to Avoid)

Smart Tips

Go weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Wear comfy shoes — you’ll walk more than you think.
Bring water + sun protection (even when it’s breezy).
Pack a picnic blanket (picnics are allowed).
Bring a light jacket — the mountain shade cools things fast.

Common Mistakes

Arriving late on weekends and expecting easy parking.
Bringing chairs/umbrellas — they aren’t permitted.
Leaving litter behind (there are no bins in most areas).
Not checking ticket rules/times for special events.
Trying to do everything fast — Kirstenbosch rewards slow.

Experience Kirstenbosch Through This Video

Find Kirstenbosch on the Map

Tip: Save it offline in Google Maps before you go (signal can be patchy on the slopes).