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Picnicking in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
Published by Cassandra Shaw, Writer
Country: South Africa 
The Experience
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that a trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete unless you visited Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Made up of over 500 hectares of rugged mountainside and luscious green gardens, it’s the perfect setting for a vigorous hike or a relaxed picnic. You would be mad to miss it!
Located on Table Mountain's eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque places on earth. With over 7,000 species of plant life within its borders, it’s a botanist’s dream.
Historically, Kirstenbosch Gardens is unique. Laid out in 1913, it was the first botanical garden to showcase its nation state's indigenous plant life. In 2004, as part of the Cape Floristic region, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the area’s main tourist attractions, it is also frequently enjoyed by locals. At any time of the year, you’ll find people picnicking with their loved ones, reading under the shade of a tree, exploring the flora, or simply just relaxing. You may even be visited by a local rasp/confusion of guinea fowl, or even some other small birds or animals.
There are a number of educational components to the Kirstenbosch Gardens as well. The Fragrance Garden allows visitors to get up-close to the plants, and the Medicinal Garden allows visitors to identify various remedies to common ailments. Of course, this is something both the kids and parents can enjoy together.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also regularly hosts a number of outdoor and indoor art exhibits and shows. While exploring the area, you’ll most likely notice a few of the interesting statues situated throughout the gardens. Most of these were created by African artists and are sometimes for sale.
If you time your visit well, you might even get the chance to take in one of the renowned outdoor Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. The venue is located on a sectioned-off grassy slope that overlooks the stage, the park, and even some of the city below. Truly magic! All you have to do is buy your ticket, pick a spot of grass, and enjoy the show. Kirstenbosch summer concerts are held every Sunday evening during the warmer months (usually November to April), and they often highlight some of South Africa’s best musical talent. International superstars such as Bryan Adams and Michael Buble have also been known to play there in the past.
So, whether you want to find a place that allows you to explore, to de-stress, or to experience some local culture, Kirstenbosch Gardens is definitely a place you’ll want to visit.
Located on Table Mountain's eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque places on earth. With over 7,000 species of plant life within its borders, it’s a botanist’s dream.
Historically, Kirstenbosch Gardens is unique. Laid out in 1913, it was the first botanical garden to showcase its nation state's indigenous plant life. In 2004, as part of the Cape Floristic region, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the area’s main tourist attractions, it is also frequently enjoyed by locals. At any time of the year, you’ll find people picnicking with their loved ones, reading under the shade of a tree, exploring the flora, or simply just relaxing. You may even be visited by a local rasp/confusion of guinea fowl, or even some other small birds or animals.
There are a number of educational components to the Kirstenbosch Gardens as well. The Fragrance Garden allows visitors to get up-close to the plants, and the Medicinal Garden allows visitors to identify various remedies to common ailments. Of course, this is something both the kids and parents can enjoy together.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens also regularly hosts a number of outdoor and indoor art exhibits and shows. While exploring the area, you’ll most likely notice a few of the interesting statues situated throughout the gardens. Most of these were created by African artists and are sometimes for sale.
If you time your visit well, you might even get the chance to take in one of the renowned outdoor Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. The venue is located on a sectioned-off grassy slope that overlooks the stage, the park, and even some of the city below. Truly magic! All you have to do is buy your ticket, pick a spot of grass, and enjoy the show. Kirstenbosch summer concerts are held every Sunday evening during the warmer months (usually November to April), and they often highlight some of South Africa’s best musical talent. International superstars such as Bryan Adams and Michael Buble have also been known to play there in the past.
So, whether you want to find a place that allows you to explore, to de-stress, or to experience some local culture, Kirstenbosch Gardens is definitely a place you’ll want to visit.
When to Go to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
No matter when you visit Kirstenbosch Gardens, you’ll always find something new. The park is open all year long, and as such, its flora changes from season to season.
The best time to visit is just outside of the summer months when the flowers are more abundant and the sun is not quite as hot. The winter can also allow for a good visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as well. If you pick a nice day, weather-wise, you’re bound to have a memorable experience exploring Kirstenbosch’s grounds.
Plus, you’re more likely to leave without horrific sunburn. However, there are just as many reasons to visit in the summer as there are in the spring or fall. The Kirstenbosch concerts and the statistical guarantee of clear days are but a few. If you do decide to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in the summer, just remember to put your sunscreen on even if you are in the shade.
The shade alone will not protect your skin from the harsh African sun.
The best time to visit is just outside of the summer months when the flowers are more abundant and the sun is not quite as hot. The winter can also allow for a good visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as well. If you pick a nice day, weather-wise, you’re bound to have a memorable experience exploring Kirstenbosch’s grounds.
Plus, you’re more likely to leave without horrific sunburn. However, there are just as many reasons to visit in the summer as there are in the spring or fall. The Kirstenbosch concerts and the statistical guarantee of clear days are but a few. If you do decide to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in the summer, just remember to put your sunscreen on even if you are in the shade.
The shade alone will not protect your skin from the harsh African sun.
Odds n' Ends
If for whatever reason you don’t feel like packing a lunch, the park has four restaurants to choose from. Everything from a tea room to a formal restaurant hired out for special occasions.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offers a number of different tours as well, depending on your circumstance. Just contact Kirstenbosch Gardens directly to find out more information and to book. You can also choose to follow one of the many trails, one of which is called Skeleton Gorge, a popular route taking you to the top of neighbouring Table Mountain.
Entrance into Kirstenbosch is cheap at the price. Adults pay R37, students pay R25, children pay R10, and kids under six are free.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offers a number of different tours as well, depending on your circumstance. Just contact Kirstenbosch Gardens directly to find out more information and to book. You can also choose to follow one of the many trails, one of which is called Skeleton Gorge, a popular route taking you to the top of neighbouring Table Mountain.
Entrance into Kirstenbosch is cheap at the price. Adults pay R37, students pay R25, children pay R10, and kids under six are free.
Want a Guide?
- City Sightseeing Cape Town
- When in cape town, you’ll always see these red double-decker buses cruising around. They are open 7 days a week, and provide a ‘hop-on hop-off’ service. There are two routes to choose from: each of which take eager tourists to a number of locations in and around the city. Kirstenbosch can be visited by taking the 'Blue Mini Peninsula Tour'.
Places to Eat
- Arnold's
- Arnolds is a great place for a casual breakfast in Cape Town. No matter what time of day it’s always packed with local Capetonians catching a quick bite to eat. The service is great: thoughtful, friendly, and fast.
- Royale Cafe
- Located in the heart of Cape Town on the infamous Long Street, Royale Café offers a unique range of gourmet burgers milkshakes and other goodies.
- Andiamo
- Andiamo is a fantastic deli restaurant and bar. They offer a delectable range of Italian food at a wonderful price. Ask them about their pizza, pasta & wine specials for R99.
Recommended Places to Stay
- The Granddaddy Hotel
- There are a number of fabulous places to stay in Cape Town, but nothing quite like the Granddaddy. They provide a variety of unique places for you to lay your head down. They’ve got a number of rooms, suites, and even an airstream trailer park. If you’re looking for an experience, this is definitely the place to stay.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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