Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
One of the world’s great botanical gardens. Walk easy trails among indigenous plants, picnic on the lawns below the mountain, or catch a Summer Sunset Concert.
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: R270 (SANBI, October 2026)
- SA/SADC adult (with ID): R110
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 was founded in 1913. It has indigenous gardens, forest paths, slopes covered in fynbos and open lawns that are ideal for a picnic. Come for a short stroll, a longer nature walk or a Sunday concert 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 | R270 |
| SA residents & SADC nationals (with ID) | R110 |
| African residents outside SADC (with ID) | R150 |
| 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
The Summer Sunset Concerts are held in the garden over the summer. SANBI had not published the 2026/27 season on its events page when we checked in October 2026, so look there for dates, line-ups and prices.
Line-ups and prices can change. Use the official links for the latest updates and tickets.
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.
- Rushing. Kirstenbosch is best enjoyed slowly.
Watch a Video of Kirstenbosch
Find Kirstenbosch on the Map
Tip: Save it offline in Google Maps before you go (signal can be patchy on the slopes).