Planning a trip to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town? Find the latest 2026 visitor guide, ticket prices, opening hours, and tips here.
When I first walked through the entrance gates at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, what struck me wasn’t the famous Tree Canopy Walkway or the sprawling lawns — it was the sheer scale of the place. Kirstenbosch covers 528 hectares on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, though only 36 hectares are actually cultivated. The rest is wild fynbos and Afromontane forest climbing up the mountain. It’s one of the world’s great botanical gardens, the first ever devoted exclusively to a country’s indigenous flora, and in 2025 it claimed ninth place on the New York Times’ list of the world’s 25 best gardens.
Quick overview
Kirstenbosch charges R250 for standard adult admission, but South African residents and SADC nationals pay just R100. South Africa‘s finest garden opens at 8am daily, closing at 7pm during summer (September to March) and 6pm during winter (April to August). No advance booking is required for general admission, though the famous summer sunset concerts sell out quickly.
At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | R250 adults; R100 SA/SADC residents; R60 SA students; R40 children 6-17; Free under 6 |
| Opening hours | 8am-7pm (Sep-Mar); 8am-6pm (Apr-Aug); Conservatory 9am-5pm daily |
| Address | Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town 7735 |
| Free for | Children under 6; SA residents 60+ on Tuesdays (except public holidays) |
| Last entry | 30 minutes before closing |
How much does Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden cost?
The pricing structure favours South Africans and regional visitors considerably. Cash is no longer accepted — you’ll need a card or can purchase tickets online through Webtickets.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard adult | R250 | International visitors 18+ |
| SA/SADC residents | R100 | Valid ID or proof of residency required |
| African residents (non-SADC) | R140 | Valid ID or proof of residency required |
| SA students | R60 | Valid student card from SA institution |
| Children 6-17 | R40 | All nationalities |
| Children under 6 | Free | All nationalities |
| SA pensioners (60+) | Free | Tuesdays only, except public holidays |
Annual membership costs R800 for South African adults, R600 for SA students, and R400 for children aged 6-17. If you’re visiting more than eight times annually, membership pays for itself.
Is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden free to enter?
Only for children under six and South African pensioners on Tuesdays (excluding public holidays). Everyone else pays. The differential pricing means South Africans pay less than half what international visitors pay, which seems entirely reasonable for a publicly funded institution. Free guided tours leave from the visitor centre on weekday mornings, though you still pay standard admission.
5 great Cape Town experiences to book
- ⛰️ Combine the region’s natural highlights on a Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape Point day tour.
- 🚌 Take the genuinely useful hop-on, hop-off city tour, with an optional harbour cruise.
- 🏛️ Go on a hassle-free Robben Island tour, with pre-booked tickets and transfers.
- 🦁 See the Big Five at the Aquila Game Reserve on a day trip including lunch.
- 🧗 Go ziplining at the foot of Table Mountain.
What time does Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden open?
The garden opens at 8am every day of the year, including public holidays. This makes it a good place to start exploring Cape Town’s natural side. Closing times vary seasonally: 7pm from September through March (summer), and 6pm from April through August (winter). The Conservatory keeps slightly shorter hours, opening at 9am and closing at 5pm daily. The Curator’s Office operates weekdays only, 7:30am to 4:20pm, closed on public holidays.
These Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden ticket prices and opening hours were checked and verified against the SANBI site in January 2026.
Do I need to book Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden tickets in advance?
No. Turn up and pay at the gate, either with card (no cash accepted) or purchase tickets beforehand through Webtickets if you prefer. The garden rarely hits capacity except during major events. Summer sunset concerts are different — these extremely popular events require advance booking and sell out well ahead. Check the concert schedule on the garden’s website if you’re visiting between November and April.
History
Harold Pearson laid out Kirstenbosch in 1913, making it the first botanical garden in the world devoted exclusively to indigenous flora. The site itself has older significance — Jan van Riebeeck planted a wild almond hedge here in 1660 to demarcate the Cape Colony’s boundary and protect settlers’ cattle. Portions of that hedge survive and can still be seen in the garden.
The land was originally part of Cecil Rhodes’ estate, bequeathed to the nation after his death. Pearson’s vision was revolutionary: rather than displaying exotic species from around the world, Kirstenbosch would showcase South Africa’s remarkable botanical diversity.
The Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest but most diverse of the world’s six floral kingdoms, with over 9,000 plant species, many found nowhere else.
President Nelson Mandela visited in August 1996, planting a pepper-bark tree that still stands with a commemorative bust beside it. The garden developed ‘Mandela’s Gold’, a golden bird of paradise flower, in his honour.
What to see and do
The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway is the obvious highlight—a sinuous 130-metre steel bridge rising 12 metres above ground, inspired by a tree snake’s skeleton. The views across the gardens to Table Mountain and the Cape Flats are spectacular.
The Conservatory houses plants from South Africa’s arid regions that can’t survive Cape Town’s wet winters, including a magnificent baobab dominating the main house. Smaller sections display bulbs, ferns, and alpines.
The Dell, Kirstenbosch’s oldest section, features Colonel Bird’s Bath, tree ferns, and shade-loving plants in a cool, tranquil valley.
Various themed gardens demonstrate different approaches: the Peninsula Garden displays 2,500 plant species found only in the Western Cape, whilst the Water-wise Garden shows how to create gardens requiring minimal irrigation. The Fragrance Garden features plants with distinctive scents and textures, whilst the Useful Plants Garden extends the earlier Medicinal Plants section.
Several hiking trails wind through the gardens and up Table Mountain, ranging from the gentle Boekenhout and Stinkwood trails to the challenging Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge routes that climb to the summit.
Sunday craft markets run year-round, and the summer sunset concerts (November through April) have become Cape Town institutions.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Access to all 36 hectares of cultivated gardens and 492 hectares of natural fynbos
- Entry to the Botanical Society Conservatory
- Use of all walking trails, including the Tree Canopy Walkway
- Access to themed gardens (Peninsula, Water-wise, Fragrance, Useful Plants)
- Free guided tours on weekday mornings (departure from visitor centre)
- Use of picnic areas and lawns throughout the garden
Things to do near Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (7km, 15-minute drive) – The rotating cable cars ascend 1,067 metres to Table Mountain’s flat summit in five minutes. The panoramic views across Cape Town, Table Bay, and the Cape Peninsula are extraordinary. Adult tickets cost around R395 return. Book online to skip queues. Allow 2-3 hours including summit time.
Groot Constantia Wine Estate (3km, 7-minute drive) – South Africa’s oldest wine estate, established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel. The Cape Dutch homestead houses a museum, and the estate produces excellent wines, particularly their dessert wines that made Constantia famous in the 18th century.
Beau Constantia (4km, 8-minute drive) – Modern wine estate perched high on Constantia’s slopes with stunning views over False Bay. The Zama restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, and the estate showcases wines from various Constantia producers.
Silvermine Nature Reserve (8km, 15-minute drive) – Part of Table Mountain National Park, offering excellent hiking trails and a reservoir perfect for swimming on hot days. The view from the summit covers both False Bay and Table Bay.
Constantia Nek (2km, 5-minute drive) – The mountain pass connecting Constantia Valley to Hout Bay. Popular starting point for Table Mountain hikes and home to SA Forest Adventures, which operates the longest zipline canopy tour in Africa.
Other Cape Town attractions include the Groote Schuur Hospital where the world’s first heart transplant took place. It’s also worth considering a tour that combines the Boulders Beach penguins and Cape of Good Hope and the Chapmans Peak Drive.
Practical tips
- Arrive early (8am opening) for the best light and fewer crowds
- Bring sun protection—shade is limited in many areas
- Pack a picnic; the lawns are perfect for it
- The City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus stops at Kirstenbosch 15 times daily in summer
- Free parking available at Gates 1, 2, and 3
- Wheelchair access varies—download the accessibility map from the website
- Dogs not permitted except registered assistance dogs
- Budget 3-4 hours minimum; serious plant enthusiasts need a full day
- Summer concerts require separate tickets and book out early
Frequently asked questions
Can I hike Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch?
Yes. The Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge trails climb to the summit from the garden. Both are strenuous, taking 2-3 hours up. Skeleton Gorge requires scrambling over rocks and using ladders. Start early and carry plenty of water.
Are there restaurants in the garden?
The Moyo Kirstenbosch restaurant serves African-inspired cuisine, whilst the café offers lighter meals, coffee, and cakes. The Botanical Society Bookshop sells refreshments too. All accept cards only—no cash.
What are the summer sunset concerts?
Popular outdoor concerts held Sunday evenings from November through April. Bring picnic baskets, blankets, and wine. Acts range from classical to contemporary. Book tickets well in advance through Webtickets as they sell out quickly.
