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Description
The Kirstenbosch estate covers 528 hectares, of which 36 hectare is cultivated and the rest is a protected area supporting natural forest and fynbos, and a wide variety of indigenous birds, animals, reptiles, frogs and invertebrates. The natural area can be explored via a number of walks and trails. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is adjacent to the Table Mountain National Park, and both form part of the Cape Floristic Region Protected Area that was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Birds are abundant at Kirstenbosch, particularly in the Garden – more than 125 species have been recorded. Look out for Cape Sugarbird, with its distinctive long tail, Sunbirds with their colourful plumage and African Dusky Flycatcher which is frequently seen swooping down from the trees to catch flying insects. You may also see Steppe Buzzard flying high overhead. The resident Spotted Eagle-Owl is often seen near the Dell. Guinea Fowl, Egyptian Geese and Cape Francolin are a common sight throughout the Garden.
Details
Access
Kirstenbosch lies 13 km from Cape Town’s city centre, well signposted on all major roads. From the city, take De Waal Drive (M3) in the direction of Muizenberg, at the Rhodes Drive (M63) traffic light intersection turn right (west/towards the mountain) and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch. Free parking is available. You can access the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden from the huge parking lot right in front of the main entrance. Press P on the map for directions. Entry fee is R230 (2025). The garden is open every day from 08h00 to 19h00 during summer (Sep-Mar), 08h00 to 18h00 during winter (Apr-Aug).
The Kirstenbosch estate can be explored via five trails, of differing levels of difficulty. All are well-maintained, logged footpaths or gravel roads and are sign-posted. The Braille Trail and Boekenhout Trail are ideal forest walks for those pressed for time and the not so fit. The Stinkwood Trail is a relatively short exploration of the oldest part of the forest with some of the largest trees. The Yellowwood Trail and Silvertree Trail are long hikes that take you up to the waterfall and around the estate, through both forest and fynbos.
It is possible to climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch, up Nursery Ravine or Skeleton Gorge. Find out more about the geology of Kirstenbosch and learn to identify the different rock types that can be seen on the trails.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , MountainConditions
Mountainous , Flat , HillyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The tree top walk called "Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway" is a great place to watch birds from a higher perspective.