Bordering Bishopscourt and set against a phenomenal mountain backdrop, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a pocket of beauty and tranquility. One of the most beautiful attractions in Cape Town, the gardens offer visitors over 7,000 species of indigenous flora to observe, peaceful picnic spots, scenic walking trails, and summer events.
Kirstenbosch Food and Drink
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers plenty of space to picnic. With 36 hectares of garden, families are spoilt for choice with idyllic picnic spots. Stretch out your picnic blanket, indulge in some treats, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings as the children play on the lawns.
For those seeking a more substantial brunch or lunch, the MOYO restaurant, situated by Gate 1, offers delicious cuisine in a beautiful setting. With a large menu consisting of lunchtime stapes, scrumptious small plats, and mouth-watering puddings, a meal at MOYO is guaranteed to satisfy all. As well as their standard menu, MOYO also offers a Sunday brunch menu, pre-packed picnics, and special occasion packages.
The Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room is the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch of sandwiches, platters, and sweet treats. With plenty of options for children and adults alike, a cup of tea and a lice of cake at the Fynkos Tea Room is the perfect way to reward yourself after a morning of exploring the gardens.
Wanting a quick cup of coffee or pastry? The Vida e Caffe offers visitors of the garden to get their caffeine and sweet-tooth fix!
Cape Town’s Best Walking Trails
For those wanting to explore the estate, there are five walking trails to choose from. Both the Braille and Boekenhout Trails are short, easy trails perfect for those seeking a leisurely stroll through the forest. Look out for the signs throughout the Braille Trail where information on the foliage and animals are available.
The Stinkwood Trail is a circular route within the forest that is roughly 1.5 kilometres long. Another relatively easy walk, the Stinkwood Trail guides visitors through the oldest part of the forest through some of the largest trees on the estate.
For advanced walkers looking for something more challenging, the Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge hikes begin in the garden and go right up Table Mountain. To learn about the best hikes in Cape Town, click here.
Summer Concerts
One of the events Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden hosts is live concerts during the summer months. Held at sunset, attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, beverages, and snacks and enjoy the music in the most glorious setting. Between December 2025 and March 2026, Ry X, Callum Scott, and James Bay will grace the garden’s stage. Enjoy the live music as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the mountain, while children play on the lawn. Tickets are exclusively bought on Webtickets and vary in price.
Cape Town Carols by Candlelight are also held at the gardens. This beautiful event is guaranteed to spark that festive feeling as guests are invited to enjoy carol sing-a-longs, a retelling of the Christmas story, scrumptious food, and the chance to purchase some festive treats. This year, the event will be held from the 18th to the 21st December and tickets can be purchased here.
Open Air Cinema
One of the best events to enjoy with the kids, a friend, or your significant other is the Galileo Open Air Cinema. Set in the botanical garden in Cape Town, both new films and familiar favourites are projected on a large screen whilst you sip on cool beverages and enjoy delicious snacks. Ticket prices range from R155 to R350 with varying inclusions from backrests to popcorn. Movie screenings at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town run from October to May, and tickets can be purchased here.
Best Family Activity in Cape Town
Looking for a family day out in Cape Town? Kirstenbosch has it all! The large estate offers expansive grounds for children to play in, as well as a playpark. Enjoy walks with the children amongst the forest and fynbos as you learn about the many flora, fauna, and animals who reside there.
Book Kirstenbosch tickets to the Galileo Open Air Cinema or one of the many summer concerts, and enjoy entertaining movies and sensational music amongst the Garden’s greenery and majestic mountain views.
Kirstenbosch Gardens Tickets
Kirstenbosch, Cape Town botanical garden is open between 08:00 and 19:00 during summer and 08:00 to 18:00 during winter. Ticket prices range from being free to R250, and they can be purchased either at the entrance or online at Webtickets.
Explore the sensational Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and return to your home-away from home by means of one of our stunning luxury villas.