Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was founded in 1913 and grows only indigenous South African plants. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. Kirstenbosch 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.
The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country.
The Botanical Society Conservatory - enables Kirstenbosch to display South African plants which cannot be grown in the outdoor gardens. Here, under one roof, you will find plants from high mountain peaks, shady forests and hot, dry deserts. The main house, dominated by a large baobab tree, features succulents from the arid regions of southern Africa. Special collections of bulbs, ferns and alpines are displayed in smaller corner houses.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Cape Town. The concert venue is within the botanical gardens with concerts every Sunday, running from November to April. The Kirstenbosch Concerts have a special feel to them mainly due to the breathtaking setting.
There are also several Restaurants at Kirstenbosch. On Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. In addition, the Kirstenbosch Garden Fair takes place each year in March.
Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July & August).
