The gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a popular stop on many sightseeing tours of the Cape Peninsula. Visit the gardens alongside other natural attractions such as Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the Boulder Beach penguin colony. Or, to immerse yourself in the gardens, take a guided hiking tour that leads you through fern-lined paths, up steep steps, and to overlooks—all while learning about the flora and fauna along the way.
The gardens are must-see for botany and nature enthusiasts.
Bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of the garden-side restaurants.
You can purchase plants, souvenirs, and books in the garden shops.
The first-tier gardens and facilities are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but steep slopes limit access to the rest of the gardens.
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the city center. You can visit the park on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the Cape Town or on other sightseeing tours. If you drive to the park yourself, follow De Waal Drive in the direction of Muizenberg, turn right on Rhodes Drive, and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch. Free parking is available at gates one, two, and three.
Open year round (with extended evening hours in summer) the gardens provide different highlights depending on the season. To see the fynbos and flowers at their most vibrant, visit from August to November. For outdoor events and the summer concert series, visit between November and March.
While you can explore the conservatories, trails, and gardens of Kirstenbosch on your own, free 90-minute guided tours offer an in-depth perspective of the park. With multiple start times Monday–Saturday, the tours are easy to fit into a day of exploring the gardens, relaxing on the tranquil lawns, and dining in one of the park’s restaurants. You can also join special-interest walks by timing your visit with themed tours.