The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, on the eastern slopes of South Africa’s famous Table Mountain, is one of the continent’s finest national parks. Spanning over 500 hectares, with 36 hectares of cultivated gardens, the park is part of the beloved Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Home to more than 7000 species of plants, the thriving ecosystem supports an awe-inspiring array of wildlife, including the malachite sunbird, cape sugarbird, otters, genets, and porcupines, as well as countless reptiles, amphibians and insects.
One of the highlights of the botanical gardens is the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, a giant raised walkway that gives visitors a unique perspective on the park’s scenic vistas. Rising to heights of around 12 meters, the 130 meter long aerial boardwalk was inspired by the skeleton of a snake, and weaves through the forest harmoniously following the contours of the landscape. Locally nicknamed the ‘Boomslang’, after a venomous Sub-Saharan snake, the tree top walkway is situated between the Protea Garden, the Cycad Amphitheater, the Concert Lawn, and Mathews Rockery in the heart of the botanical gardens.
The low-maintenance, eco-friendly walkway is a must-visit attraction but there’s lots more to see and do in the park. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has several on-site restaurants, a whole plethora of beautifully cultivated gardens, an events venue, and miles of inspiring hiking routes that cross-cross the slopes of Table Mountain and the surrounding wilderness. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is just a short drive from Cape Town, and offers families, couples, and solo travelers a wonderful selection of activities to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
How To Get To The Boomslang, South Africa
To visit the Boomslang, in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, international travelers should fly into the Cape Town International Airport (CPT). There are lots of direct flights to Cape Town from many of the world’s major travel hubs, including London, New York, Singapore, Amsterdam, and Dubai.
Once you’ve arrived at the airport you can jump in a taxi to drop your off at your accommodation in town. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is only a 20 to 30 minutes drive from central Cape Town, making it extremely convenient for visitors to access. You can either rent a vehicle for your time in Cape Town, or, alternatively, you can take a taxi or join a group tour to make your way to the botanical gardens.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Boomslang?
The ideal time of year to visit Cape Town, and the Boomslang, is during the nation’s spring time, between September and November. Temperatures in the South African spring range between 15 and 25 Degrees Celsius, with low humidity levels and warm sunny weather. To add to the preferable weather conditions, the spring time also has fewer international tourists – meaning lower priced hotel rooms and no queues at popular attractions.
During the summer months, between December and February, temperatures frequently exceed 30 Degrees Celsius with intense midday sunshine. If you are visiting the Boomslang, and the botanical gardens during the summer, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning before the day really heats up.
The winter months in Cape Town bring temperatures of 10 to 18 Degrees Celsius, with occasional heavy rain showers and brisk winds. The overcast skies can often occlude your views of Table Mountain but the wet weather also sees the dry wilderness burst into shades of lush green. All in all, the best time to visit Boomslang is during the spring when the weather is at its best and it’s the tourist low-season.
What Is There to Do at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden?
Discover the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Walk the Boomslang
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to visit and has lots to see and do within its borders. There’s an immense array of indigenous plant species, a number of carefully curated and themed gardens to explore, on-site restaurants, art installations, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and, the local favorite, the Boomslang aerial boardwalk. Visitors to the park can guide themselves around the park or join a guided tour as well as enjoy seasonal events such as outdoor music concerts.
There’s no additional fee to access the Boomslang walkway once you’re inside the park, so you can traverse the boardwalk several times in one day – for instance, at sunrise or sunset. The Boomslang is accessible for wheelchairs, although wheelchair users will need a little help to reach the start of the raised boardwalk. As you wind through the canopy of the trees, you’ll enjoy exquisite views of Table Mountain and the park below you.
Go Hiking Around Table Mountain
There’s several popular hiking routes within the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, each of which is well-maintained with logged paths or gravel roads and sign posts so you don’t get lost along the way. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels, so anyone who is reasonably fit can explore the Kirstenbosch estate on foot.
If you’re feeling ambitious you can hike the Skeleton Gorge or Nursery Ravine trails which take you right up Table Mountain, with outstanding views along the way. The Silvertree Trail and Yellowwood Trail are longer hikes that pass by beautiful waterfalls as you explore the pristine lowland forests of the park. For a more leisurely stroll, you can take on the Boekenhout Trail or the Braille Trail, both of which are shorter walks with easy-to-traverse trails.
Just bear in mind, that if you do decide to hike up Table Mountain you should take care as you walk along the steep gorges and sheer cliffs. You should also check the weather forecast before you set off and be prepared to face unpredicted changes in the conditions on the slopes of the mountain. You can find out more about the hikes in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, here.
Eat At One of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s On-site Restaurants
If you’re feeling hungry after exploring the expanses of the park, then fear not, because there’s a couple of great on-site restaurants to choose from. The MOYO restaurant at Kirstenbosch offers visitors the chance to dine against the stunning backdrop of the botanical gardens while enjoying the best of African-inspired cuisine. There’s also regular live entertainment at the restaurant so it’s worth phoning ahead before you book so you can time your visit to coincide with a live show. As well as the MOYO restaurant, there’s the nearby Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room, which serves breakfast and lunch each day – ideal for a lite lunch and some refreshments after you’ve been walking on the Boomslang.
The Fynkos also offers a mouth-watering selection of picnics and platters that you can order in advance and then pick up to eat while you explore the botanical gardens! You can order your picnic from Fynkos, here. Lastly, if you’re just looking for a quick snack, then the Vida e Cafe has got you covered!
Take a 2 Day Safari on The Western Cape
Departing from Cape Town, this overnight safari is the perfect way to get an up close view of Africa’s great game. During the safari along the Garden Route you’ll see lions, gazelle, and majestic elephants, as well as plenty of other wildlife that roams the plains of the South African wilderness. At the end of the first day you’ll overnight in a safari lodge in the bush, and awake to a magical sunrise in the morning. After another day of safari, you’ll be dropped off back in Cape Town.
The guided safari offers hotel pickups and drop offs in multiple locations throughout Cape Town. You can find out more or book your spot on the 2-Day 4×4 Safari, here.
Stay at the President Hotel in Cape Town
Situated near the Bantry Bay, and just a stone’s throw from the vibrant center of Cape Town, the President Hotel seaside resort offers visitors to the area luxury accommodation at prices that won’t break the bank. Friendly and sophisticated with a contemporary design, the hotel’s rooms and private apartments are all equipped with the latest mod cons, each with ensuite facilities and access to all the hotel’s amenities.
After checking in you can take a dip in the hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool, explore the stunning beaches along the Atlantic coast, browse the world-class shopping district of Cape Town, or get away from the hustle and bustle to soak up the natural beauty of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. The perfect home from home, you can find out more or book your room at the President Hotel, here.
