Kirstenbosch

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a floral treasure, famous for its beauty and the diversity of the Cape flora it displays. The setting is magnificent, against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and only 13 km outside of Cape Town.

The estate covers 528 hectares, and only indigenous South African plants are grown here. A diverse range of fynbos flora and forest grows naturally on the mountainside, and a number of trails lead through the natural Garden. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country.

Special features

The Botanical Society Conservatory displays South African plants which cannot be grown in the outdoor gardens. The conservatory features plants from a range of natural habitats, from high mountain peaks and shady forests to hot, dry deserts. In the main house, a large baobab tree dominates a display of succulents from the arid regions of Southern Africa. Special collections of bulbs, ferns and alpines can be seen in smaller corner houses.

The Peninsula garden features some of the 2 500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula.

In the Water-wise garden you can learn how to create a garden which requires far less water and maintenance than a conventional garden.

Close your eyes and let your olfactory sense take over in the Fragrance garden, which features plants with interesting textures and scents.

The Medicinal garden demonstrates one of the oldest uses of plants, and teaches about the medicinal values of South African plants. The garden was redeveloped and extended to form the Useful Plants garden.

The oldest part of the Garden is The Dell, a lovely oasis of tranquility featuring Colonel Bird's Bath, tree ferns and a variety of shade-loving plants.

The Protea garden is exceptionally spectacular in winter and spring. During these months the proteas (family Proteaceae), cone bushes and serrurias are in flower. In early summer, pincushions provide a colourful display in yellow, orange and red.

The Restio garden focuses on the incredible variety of texture and form found in the reed family (Restionaceae).

The Kirstenbosch Restaurant caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Musical Sunset Concerts are held on the lawns on Sundays during the summer months from December to March.