Cape Attractions: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
The world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a lush garden estate, home to 6 000 of the Cape’s floral species, of which the Cape floral kingdom, known as fynbos makes up a large part. Only one kilometre away, it is in walking distance of The Last Word Bishopscourt, or ask our courtesy chauffeur to drop you off.
Only South African indigenous plants grow in The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which covers 528 hectares of diverse fynbos flora and natural forest.
Kirstenbosch Gardens Highlights:
• Only grows indigenous plants to South Africa
• 6 000 species of Southern Africa’s flora are represented
• Relaxing walks and serene picnic spots
• Evening, summer concerts
There are many unusual features in the gardens: There is a cycad bush in a cage - the last of its kind left in the world; Riebeek’s Hedge - which was planted in 1660 by Jan van Riebeek; and numerous stone sculptures - which are part of a permanent art exhibition. Children delight in playing in the streams filled with stepping stones. Kirstenbosch’s first curator in 1913 is buried in the gardens. Take time to read his epitaph on the gravestone. There is also a Braille Trail and scented garden where you’ll find sweet and strange smelling plants, with a guide to their medicinal uses.
On Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July & August).
