Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, founded in 1913, 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.

Kirstenbosch is one of the “Seven magnificent Botanical Gardens of the World”. It offers extensive visitor facilities in the form of restaurants, curio and bookshops and conference rooms.

Also guided theme walks, indoor and outdoor music concerts, self guiding audio systems, stone sculptures and the desert plant conservatory. Let’s not forget the numerous bird species.

History

People used Kirstenbosch long before the arrival of the European settlers in the 17th Century. Traces of large pear-shaped stone implements and round perforated stones, which were used to weight pointed digging sticks, are all the record that exists.

In 1660 a hedge of wild almond (Brabejum stellatifolium) and brambles was planted to form the boundary of the colony. Sections of this hedge still exist in Kirstenbosch. The forests were harvested for timber during the early years of the colony. Little is known about this early woodcutting period but overgrown tracks where the timber was hauled out of the forest and small ruins can still be found.

In 1895 Cecil Rhodes purchased the property from the Cloete family and appointed a caretaker. The land became rundown with masses of pigs feeding on the acorns and wallowing in the muddy pools. In 1902 Rhodes died bequeathing Kirstenbosch to the people as part of his great Groot Schuur estate.

Professor Pearson came to South Africa in 1903 to fill the newly established Chair of Botany at the South African College. In February 1911 Pearson hired a Cape cart and, upon the suggestion of his friend Neville Pillans, visited Kirstenbosch to assess its suitability as a site for a botanic garden. On 1st July 1913 the wild and overgrown estate of Kirstenbosch was set aside by the Government with a grant of £1 000 per annum. Pearson was the obvious choice for a director but there was no money for a salary. He accepted the task in an honorary capacity. And so the Garden was born…

Guided Walks

The many guided walks consists of the Midwinter Walk, Forest Walk, Remarkable Trees of the Garden, History of Kirstenbosch, Conservatory highlights, Golfcart/Shuttle Car tours and the self guided tour, Audio Guide/MyGuide.

Education

Our mission is to use the gardens and the resources to inspire and enable people to take responsibility for the environment.
The Kirstenbosch Environmental Education Programme started in 1996. The Kirstenbosch Outreach Bus provides transport for learners from previously disadvantaged areas. Approximately 20 000 learners per year participate in activities offered, either as part of the Guided or Self-Guided School Programme.

Shopping

Kirstenbosch is a plant lover's paradise, and it is also a shopper's delight. This is the ideal place to buy enviro-friendly gifts, books, plants and sculpture. The retail outlets at Kirstenbosch are not directly operated by the NBI and contact details for the various shops can be found below. All the shops are outside the Garden itself and can be visited without paying to enter the Garden.

Restaurant

Kirstenbosch has four venues offering refreshments, all situated in very attractive surroundings.
Situated in a near paradise, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens boasts the world-class Silvertree and 'European Deli-style' Fynbos restaurant.

This is a venue competent to meet the wishes of every individual and exploit the beauty of every season! On a warm, summers evening it is possible to savour a good wine or sip away at a cocktail whilst the Cape sun sets majestically over the mountain. In the winter it is possible to dine in intimate delight as the warmth from the glowing log fire pleasantly lulls your senses.