Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: Tickets and Tours

With its dazzling beaches and dramatic mountains, Cape Town offers a smorgasbord of breathtaking natural attractions. One place that nature lovers should not miss out on is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

Book your Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens tickets to see exquisite indigenous flora and explore the pristine hiking trails. You can also relax at the dedicated picnic spots and admire the art installations, ponds and plant exhibits.

Here's all you need to know about Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the most exciting attractions in Cape Town.

How much do Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens tickets cost?

• Standard adult tickets: ZAR220 (US$12 )
• South African & SADC residents: ZAR100 (US$5)
• African residents outside SADC: ZAR140 (US$7)
• Children (6 to 17): ZAR40 (US$2)
• Children (under 6): Free

Who is eligible for discounts?

Students who are 18 years and older enrolled in a South African institute pay a discounted rate of ZAR60 (US$3) per person when visiting the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. BotSoc members with an up-to-date membership card can enter the gardens for free.

South African residents over 60 years old receive free admission on any Tuesday that isn’t a public holiday.

You'll need your ID or other relevant document to receive your discount, including South African and African residents.

Should you book in advance?

When visiting the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, you can buy tickets online or at the onsite ticket office. If you want to avoid the long queues during peak season, then you should book online ahead of time so that you can skip the line.

What are the best Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens tours?

Self-guided audio tour of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Self-guided audio tours are ideal for those who want to explore the gardens at their own pace. All you need to do is download the app onto your phone and remember to bring headphones with you on the day of your visit.

Your self-guided audio tour will provide fascinating information about some of the top exhibits, including the Garden of Extinction and the Fragrance Garden. All in all, the tour should take roughly 45 minutes.

Keep in mind that audio tours are not inclusive of your entry ticket, which you’ll need to purchase separately.

In-house guided tour of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens offers free in-house tours of the gardens from Monday to Friday each week. Tours leave at 10 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM from the Visitor Center at Gate 1.

A knowledgeable local guide will walk with you through the gardens, showing you special features and pointing out plant species along the way. This is the ideal way to learn more about South Africa’s indigenous flora.

While these 90-minute tours are free to the public, you’ll still need to pay for your entrance ticket to gain access to the gardens.

Private tour of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Join a private guide as you explore the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and its many natural attractions. Choose a time slot that suits your schedule and prepare for a fun-filled day in nature.

Your local guide will show you the very best of what Kirstenbosch has to offer, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing. You’ll also get to hike up one of the trails that lead up to Table Mountain, called Skeleton Gorge.

As this is a private tour, you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants and you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and other attractions?

Opting for a combined tour is a great way to save money and see more of Cape Town with a local tour guide. If you’re looking for a full-day experience, you have quite a few options to choose from.

• Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens: Make the most of your time in the Mother City by choosing this tour that visits several of Cape Town’s top natural attractions, including Cape Point and Boulders Beach.
• Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Constantia: Challenge yourself to a hike up Table Mountain through the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Afterward, you’ll be treated to a Cape wine tasting in Constantia.

What will you see inside?

Spanning over 500 hectares, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Backdropped by the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the gardens are home to hundreds of indigenous plant species.

Tree Canopy Walkway

The Tree Canopy Walkway allows you to see some of the gardens’ ancient trees from a different perspective. Standing 12 meters off the ground, the bridge is around 130 meters in length and offers stunning views of the gardens and mountains.

Sculptures

As you walk through the gardens, you’ll notice that there are beautiful sculptures that have been crafted by local artists. The combination of rotating exhibitions as well as permanent collections adds another interesting element to your visit.

Plant exhibits

One of the best things about visiting the botanical gardens is the diverse variety of different plants you’ll get to see. There are several different gardens to explore including the Fragrance Garden, the Garden of Weeds, the Fynbos Walk and many more.

Hiking trails

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy 1-kilometer walks to more strenuous 7-kilometer hikes up steep inclines. Whatever your fitness level, there is a hike for everyone to enjoy.

How to get there?

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are located on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, around 13 kilometers from the city center.

You can access the gardens by car or by bus as hop-on hop-off bus tours stop at the gardens.

What are the opening times?

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are open every day between 8 AM and 7 PM during the summer months (September to March) and between 8 AM and 6 PM during winter (April to August).

The conservatory is open daily between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Wheelchair users can access the vast majority of the botanical gardens, including the area surrounding the Main Lawn, the Visitor’s  Center, the Conservatory, the Fragrance Garden, the Protea Garden, the concert area and the Sculpture Garden among others.

While some areas and walkways are too steep to be wheelchair-friendly, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens still offers a suitable and enjoyable experience for wheelchair users.

There is even a Braille Trail for visually impaired visitors to enjoy the gardens.

When is the best time to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens?

The best time to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is in the spring (August to October) when wildflowers bloom, including the famed fynbos and proteas. This is often considered the most visually stunning time to visit.

In summer (November to February) many plants are in full bloom, and the gardens are lush. You can also enjoy outdoor concerts on certain evenings, making for a fantastic cultural experience.

Travel tips

• Cape Town's weather can be unpredictable. It's always good to check the forecast ahead of your visit and dress in layers.
• The garden spans a large area with varied terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially during the summer months.
• The beauty of Kirstenbosch is breathtaking. Don't forget your camera or smartphone!