Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town

One of the very nicest things to do in Cape Town over the summer months is to attend the Summer Sunset concerts sponsored by Old Mutual at Kirstenbosch.

Kirstenbosch is simply the best botanical garden I've ever visited (better even than Kew in London) and the setting against the backdrop of the mountain is quite beyond equal. To sit on the slope with a picnic and something cold to sip, listening to live music and watching the sunset is an absolute must, and is understandably very popular.

Acts are predominantly South African - see website below for the programme - so it's a nice way for visitors to introduce themselves to some of the local (musical) talent.

Concerts take place late on a Sunday afternoon - we suspicious Vaalie types could be forgiven for thinking that the timing has been deliberately selected so that the concerts take place after we've caught our flight home after the weekend so that Capetonians have this wonderful event all to themselves!

For those that are interested, Old Mutual also sponsor similar concerts at Emmarentia in Johannesburg (see my Johannesburg travel tip) although these seem to be less regular and are less well publicised: these sadly take place without the backdrop of Table Mountain, although the setting is still lovely

4 more images

Kirstenbosch has been cultivated since the earliest settler days, originally owned by the Dutch East India Company it was planted with grapevines and fruit trees, after the early 1800s it changed hands several times eventually being owned by Cecil Rhodes from 1895 to his death in 1902 when he left it to the nation, and in 1903 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens opened for the conservatin, education and enjoyment of South Africa`s diverse and in many cases unique plant life, there is also a sculpture park which we enjoyed seeing. Concerts are held in the gardens on Sunday evenings during the Summer months [December to March]

these are beautiful well laid out gardens, the site is rather hilly and though wheelchair accessable the paths are occasionally bumpy. we found the signposting a little confusing at times but it is a pleasant place to get lost in. For the less mobile [or more lazy] there is a land train that does a 1 hour tour of the garden, leaving on the hour. unfortunately this was booked up until the afternoon when we visited so we missed the experience, if you do want to use the train then ring in advance and book seats
there are two restaurants and a tea room in the gardens, and a shop at the visitor centre, there is a craft market selling quality hand crafted items on the last Sunday of each month from September to May

Don't miss this. You can spend a whole day and still haven't seen everything. You will only find indigenous South African plants like Protea, Fynbos etc.

There is a path up Table mountain from here. We climb for a while but it is quite steep and we had no idea how long it would take. I would't advise this unless you have all the info on hiking up to the top of the mountain. The weather can change very quickly and then it is dangerous to be somewhere on the mountain.

On Sunday afternoons (late afternoon) in summer you can attend musical concerts in the botanical garden.

There is a nice restaurant or bring your own picnic basket. Lots of space for a picnic.

Entrance fees are R18 for adults and R5 a child and it is open 365 days a year from 08:00 to 18:00 and 19:00 in summer.

2 more images

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

Kirstenbosch grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. It was founded in 1913, read about the History of the Garden.
Hours and fees
The Garden is open 365 days a year from 08:00 - 19:00 (September -March) and from 08:00 - 18:00 (April - August). The entrance fee is R22 for adults and R10 for students with student cards. Fees for school children (6-18 years old) are R5. Children under 6 years old and Botanical Society members have free entry. SA senior citizens have free entry on Tuesdays, if it is not a public holiday.

1 more image

The beautiful and world-renowned gardens of Kirstenbosch are situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Approximately 6 000 species of Southern Africas flora are represented, particularly that of the Cape floral kingdom, known as fynbos.

There is always something to see, whatever the time of year, and you will come across some unusual features as you stroll through the gardens. There is a huge conservatory too, which depicts different vegetations all over the world! These are living and breathing mini ecosystems under one big roof!

There are lovely eating areas and an excellent shop (I say EXCELLENT as I used to supply them with wild flower placemats, coasters, greeting cards and writing paper when I had my business in South Africa) Seriously though, it is world class, not your average memento shop.

In summer, there are a series of Sunday evening musical concerts (Josh Groban and Johnny Clegg's concerts coming up soon!!!), as well as the annual Christmas Carol week, so bring a picnic with wine, and a cosy blanket and enjoy the sunset serenades on the lawns.

One thing NOT to bring along? A watermelon.... :) My poor hubby had to carry one for an age (and as you know they are not small or light!) till we found a place in the shade that wasnt taken, and Kirstenbosch is on the one side of Table Mountain, so isnt flat.... :) Poor lad.

3 more images

We have all types of vegetation here aloes & cactus, a touch & feel for the blind & succulents. Lady Anne Barnards bath, a medicinal garden, a waterwise garden & our national flower the protea

The children can cuddle the various statues or paddle in the river & search for tadpoles like my niece did.

Entry is free for SA pensioners on Tuesday. The tearoom is lovely and very reasonable.

In summer they hold Appeltiser concerts in a natural amphitheatre.
The summer concerts are R35 bring a picnic & enjoy the music on the grassy banks

Entry is R25 for adults & children 6-18 yrs R5

"Oh, just a garden" one might say. What I can personally say is, some of the nicest moments of my life were spent in the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. The beauty of these huge gardens at the foot of the mountain is superb. The visitor learns all bout nature and trees. In fact, we so overwhelmed by the beauty, that we forget our problems! In all honesty, words cannot describe the beauty here. Do yourself a favor and do a thorough exploration of these gardens.

http://www.owls.co.za/english/kirstenbosch.htm

southafrica-travel.net/westcape/cato_08.htm

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a world-famous garden that was established in 1913 and is today covering 5.3 sq km (2 sq miles). Only indgenous South African plants are grown in Kirstenbosch. Before visiting, it is good to check out their webpage where they list the seasonal highlights, so you know what to look out for.