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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Our most recommended tours and activities

Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

1. Cape Town: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

One of South Africa’s most popular destinations, Cape Town is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. See landmarks such as Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Choose from 3 exciting tour routes. There are 2 ticket options available. If you opt for a 1-day ticket it allows you to experience all routes - Red, Blue and Purple Routes. The 2-day ticket allows you to take advantage of all routes - Red, Blue and Purple Routes for 2 consecutive days.  The 2-day ticket also includes a walking tour, a harbour cruise, and a sunset bus tour. Discover Cape Town on a narrated tour with daily departures. You may join the tour from any of the stops on the route: - V&A Waterfront (Tour office outside the 2 Oceans Aquarium) - Zeitz Mocaa Museum at the Clock Tower (Also Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island) - Cape Town Convention Centre - Downtown Tour office at 81 Long Street - Lower Cableway Station - Camps Bay Beachfront - Queens Road Stop (Cnr Alexander Road) - Beach Road, cnr St John's Road (Walk from here to Winchester stop along Promenade) - Beach Road opposite Winchester Mansions Hotel - Green Point Lighthouse - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - Constantia Nek (Wine Bus Tour CHANGE POINT) - World of Birds Park in Hout Bay - Imizamo Yethu Township (walking tour) - Mariner’s Wharf at Hout Bay Harbor Visit Constantia Valley – the oldest wine making region in South Africa. - Groot Constantia Estate (oldest commercial wine estate) - Eagles’ Nest (boutique winery)  - Beau Constantia (great wine and amazing views)

The Cape Town Official City Pass

2. The Cape Town Official City Pass

Explore the best of what Cape Town has to offer. Choose either a 2, 3, or 5-day City Pass, giving you free entry to over 80 of Cape Town’s top attractions to experience. If you are serious about exploring the heart of Cape Town, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Save money with the Official Cape Town City Pass.  You'll find there's something for everyone.  Just some of the over 80 attractions and experiences include: • Free transport, for the duration of your pass, on the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus which takes you to over 80% of the attractions. • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway • Sunset Champagne Cruises • V&A Waterfront Seal and Harbour Cruise • LaGuGu Township Tour • Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary African Art • Two Oceans Aquarium • World of Birds • Seal Island Cruises • Crocodile Farm • Hard Rock Café • Jolly Roger Pirate Boat • Groot Constantia Wine Estate • South African Museum • Slave Lodge • District Six Museum • And much more If you select the Premium option, you can choose one of the following exclusive experiences:   • Great White Shark Cage Diving • Big 5 Safari • Cape Town Helicopters • Whale Watching • Jeep Tours • and many more

From Cape Town: Cape Point, Penguins And Wine Tasting Tour

3. From Cape Town: Cape Point, Penguins And Wine Tasting Tour

Get picked up at 8:00 AM from your centrally located Cape Town city hotel or lodging in order to start the Cape Peninsula Tour. Travel around the beautiful Atlantic coastline, past the world-famous Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, Bakoven, Llandudno and through Hout Bay.  Continue along the world-renowned magnificent Chapman’s Peak Drive towards Kommetjie, a great surf spot, the Slangkop Lighthouse, past Misty Cliffs and continuing through the quaint seaside village of Scarborough until heading to Cape of Good Hope in the Table Mountain National Park. Be served complimentary tea/ coffee and biscuits at the much photographed Cape of Good Hope sign-board before driving further to eventually hop onto the Flying Dutchman Funicular (cost included) to go up to the incredibly beautiful viewing point around the base of the old Cape Point lighthouse. Your next exciting stop will be Boulders Beach, a popular tourist destination, to view a colony of African penguins that settled there in 1982. Boulders Beach is one of the few sites where the penguins can be observed at close range, wandering freely in a protected natural environment. Boardwalks will take you to within a few yards of the birds.  Lunch will normally be at Seaforth near Boulders. Their fish and chips is always a winner, but so is the rest of the menu. Then it's through Glen Cairn, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and over Boyes Drive for a panoramic view of False Bay, where you may be lucky enough to spot sharks or whales on a quick stop to the Shark Spotters lookout. Not far from here you reach the Constantia Valley Wine Route, one of 9 routes in South Africa. You will be treated to a tasting of 5 fine wines at one of the finely selected estates on route. Then for a scenic drive back to your hotel past Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which you can visit at your own leisure by taking the city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus or an Uber from the city. This is a full day tour and you won't get back to your hotel until around 5:00 PM but it will be the most memorable day of your visit to Cape Town.

Cape Peninsula and Penguin Colony Full Day Shared Tour

4. Cape Peninsula and Penguin Colony Full Day Shared Tour

This full-day Peninsula Tour will take you around the entire Cape peninsula and show you the wonders of Cape Town - from the pristine beaches, to the spectacular sight of Cape Point, where the oceans meet. Also be sure not to miss the sensational visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. 1. Clifton & Camps Bay Situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay have been awarded Blue Flag status, offering pristine white beaches and beautiful, clear waters that make these beaches highly popular with locals and visitors alike. (30 minutes) 2. Hout Bay & Seal Island Boat Trip The small fishing village of Hout Bay is often jokingly referred to as the ‘Republic of Hout Bay’ by Cape Town locals, and feels like an entirely separate town. A beautiful beach, delicious fresh seafood, bustling markets, and plenty of restaurants make this suburb a must-visit on any Cape tour. You will also have the option of going to admire the thousands of seals that inhabit the Seal Island at your own cost. (45 minutes) 3. Cape Point Cape Point and the spectacular nature reserve that lies in this area are some of the most famous landmarks in Cape Town, and for good reason. Situated on the very tip of the peninsula, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the area spans landscapes of rugged cliffs, lush fynbos, and vast open spaces – no Cape Town tour is complete without a visit to Cape Point. (1.5 hours) 4. Simon's Town & Penguin Colony Simon's Town is the seat of the SA Navy, and has a charming coastal town atmosphere and a vibrant history. Here you can find a thriving harbor, a toy museum, navy museum, and plenty of other sights – nearby is also Boulders Beach where you can admire the penguins for an extra fee. (45 minutes) 5. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offer visitors a haven of peace and serenity at the foot of the Devil's Peak mountain. Let yourself be enchanted and your senses roam free in the sights, smells, and sounds of this luscious forest. (45 minutes)

Cape Town: Skeleton Gorge and Kirstenbosch Gardens Hike

5. Cape Town: Skeleton Gorge and Kirstenbosch Gardens Hike

Skeleton Gorge Arguably one of the most beautiful hikes up table mountain is the skeleton gorge route. Starting off in Kirstenbosch gardens with its rich collection of fynbos. following up on a densely wooded kloof with exciting ladders next to waterfalls we will reach the white sandy beaches of Table mountain. This is the perfect route for a hot day in cape town allowing for a different perspective of table mountain. Quick route description Our hike will start in the beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens. from here we will hike up to the contour path via smuts track until the official start of the route. following the stepped path up the densely wooded gorge keeping to the left of the watercourse until we reach a steep section well equipped with ladders to easily climb over the polished rock. After this the route follows the rocky stream bed for a short distance, before bearing out to the right Zig- Zagging up the slope. Higher up the path crosses the gorge again to take the left side to the top where mountain meets sandy white beaches. Difficulty: Easy Skeleton Gorge Hike Length: 2.5 to 3 hours Hike Distance: 6.5km / 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 3000 feet What to bring with well supportive closed-toe walking shoes with good grip are a must. Cape town does experience very hot days in the summer and a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water will be needed. a long sleeve button-up shirt with a collar provides great sun coverage. the weather on table mountain can change in an instant so a light mid-layer and a rain jacket will ensure that you stay dry and warm if we find ourselves in between the clouds. Hiking will make you peckish so bringing a snack for the way up is always a good idea Lastly, you'll need a sense of adventure and a willingness to have fun which is all hiking is about really.

Cape Point Full-Day Tour From Cape Town

6. Cape Point Full-Day Tour From Cape Town

Cape Point is located just 60 kilometers from Cape Town in a nature reserve within Table Mountain National Park. It is the most southwestern tip of the African continent, and popularly referred to as the mythical meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Discovered in 1488 by Bartholomeu Dias, Cape Point has long been an important navigational landmark. The 9-hour tour begins in Cape Town and the drive takes you along the scenic Atlantic coast with the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, Lion's Head and the 12 Apostles mountains. After a short stop at Clifton Beach your drive continues past Camps Bay and then on spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive to the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay. Visit Hout Bay to explore an arts and crafts market and if you like, choose the optional boat ride to Seal Island. Drive past the suburb of Noordhoek, known for its picturesque shoreline and long, wide sandy beach, and then the charming villages of Kommetjie and Scarborough, as you make your way to Table Mountain National Park. As you drive through Table Mountain National Park to Cape Point, be on the lookout for Chacma baboons, ostrich and antelope. When you reach Cape Point you can walk up to the historic lighthouse (or take a 3-minute funicular ride) for magnificent, panoramic ocean views. Next is a short ride to the official southwestern-most point on the tip of Africa, at the Cape of Good Hope. Be sure to get a photo at the famous sign! Begin the journey back to Cape Town with a drive along the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, stopping to visit the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach in Simon's Town. Pass the coastal town of Fish Hoek and the popular surfing site of Muizenburg, with a short stop to see the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. At the end of the day you’ll be dropped off at your Cape Town hotel. Please note that the private tour option excludes entrance to Cape Point.

Cape Peninsula Full-Day Tour from Cape Town

7. Cape Peninsula Full-Day Tour from Cape Town

Discover the south-western tip of the Cape Peninsula and marvel at some of the most spectacular views in the world. The drive from Cape Town passes steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping stretches of beach. Your full-day tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburbs of Sea Point and Camps Bay, where you’ll have spectacular views of the Table Mountain range. Continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Enjoy an optional short boat trip to Duiker Island, time permitting, to see the Cape fur seals that inhabit the island. Next is the Cape Point Nature Reserve, covering an area of more than 17,300 acres. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, rhebok, Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, and the elusive eland. It is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. You’ll see the spot where, as per legend, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet and feel the brisk wind that is said to have curative powers. Following the coastline along False Bay, you'll return to Cape Town by way of Simon's Town, with a stop to visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Before your return, stop for afternoon tea and cake. Then, return to Cape Town, passing the University of Cape Town and the Groote Schuur Hospital.

From Cape Town: Cape Peninsula Full-Day Guided Tour

8. From Cape Town: Cape Peninsula Full-Day Guided Tour

Get set for a full-day shared or private guided tour around the Cape Peninsula. Visit must-see spots such as Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Chap Mans Peak, Simon's Town, the Cape of Good Hope, and so much for. The tour starts off with pickup at Cape Town hotels. The first stop of the tour is Camps Bay, known for its fine white sand, natural rock swimming pools, and views of the Twelve Apostles Mountains. Next, move on along the coastline and find yourself at Hout Bay situated in a valley on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula. After, prepare for a beautiful drive in Cape Town similar to a drive along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Spot scenic ocean views as you travel. Then, visit the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of the African Continent. Take a funicular to the Cape Point Lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. Later, head to Penguins Colony at Simon’s Town where you can view black-footed penguins (South African penguins) in their natural habitat. A stop at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens that lies at the eastern foot of Table Mountain may be an option if time allows.

Cape Town Private Guided Table Mountain Hikes

9. Cape Town Private Guided Table Mountain Hikes

Join this private guided hike up iconic Table Mountain. Rising to just over one thousand meters directly from sea level, Table Mountain ranks in status alongside famous African giants such as Kilimanjaro and the Atlas Mountains. This tour is perfect for the energetic and inquisitive traveler. Learn secrets of the mountain, including how the watcher of the south, Umlindi Wemingizimu, became Table Mountain. Let your experienced guide interpret the natural wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom. A few tour routes are listed below. An optimum route will be chosen from this selection based on the fitness of the members of the party and the Cape’s unpredictable weather at the time. Western Table to Maclears Beacon return: A 2-hour easy to moderate hike on the Table Mountain Plateau. Your guide will organize tickets and then proceed with you up Table Mountain in the aerial cableway. The cableway can carry up to 60 people at a time and does a full rotation. This means you can enjoy 360 degree views of Cape Town, Lions Head and the Mountain itself. Once on top, you will get away from the groups and meander along to Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. This pleasant walk across the flat-topped Table plateau overlooking the city passes through some marshy frog breeding areas with interesting vegetation. Twelve Apostles to the Table Mountain Plateau: A 5-hour moderate climb: The climb up Kasteelspoort zigzags its way up a partly shaded gorge beneath the overhanging walls of Spring Buttress. Climbers are rewarded with views of the Twelve Apostles that stand like sentinels overlooking the Atlantic coast. Enjoy a picnic lunch down in the Valley of the Red Gods and the Valley of Isolation. Eventually you arrive on the Table Mountain plateau for a pleasant walk towards the Upper Cableway station. Your guide will organize tickets and you will then proceed down Table Mountain in the aerial cableway, enjoying 360 degree views of Cape Town, Lions Head and the Mountain itself. Skeleton Gorge along the top of Table Mountain Plateau: A 6-hour moderate to strenuous hike: Start hiking in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, renowned for their spectacular array of indigenous plants. The climb up Skeleton gorge is well-equipped with ladders to aid hikers over the slippery rocks. Keep an eye out for the illusive endangered ghost frog as you ascend through the dense indigenous forests. The forest gradually gives way to the shrub-like Fynbos. This pleasant walk across the flat-topped Table plateau overlooking the city passes through some marshy frog breeding areas with interesting vegetation. Descend down Platteklip gorge or take a ride down the cableway if your legs are weary.

Cape of Good Hope Full-Day Private Tour

10. Cape of Good Hope Full-Day Private Tour

Discover the beauty of the Atlantic Seaboard, including the Blue Flag beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Visit the small fishing village of Hout Bay and encounter bustling markets along the way. Get the option to see thousands of seals on Seal Island Enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve on the tip of the peninsula, and then head to Simon's Town to explore the thriving harbor and attractions such as the navy museum in the hometown of the South African Navy. Enjoy the quiet of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the foot of Devil's Peak mountain and wander through a forest of fragrant plants before the return trip to Cape Town.

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What people are saying about Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,133 reviews

We booked the two day tickets with free sunset bus and cannal cruise. It’s very worthy. First day we took the red line for Table mountain, also the sunset tour. Then blue line to connect the wine tour on the second day. Everything is perfect.

Amazing way to see the city, great value of money and takes you to all the top spots. I got the 2 days pass as I wanted to do many things, also did the sunset tour (separate ticket) and it was one memorable experience as well.

The bus experience was so amazing. It's making it easy for people who are not from around Cape town to get the true experience

I was very pleased. Sceptical at first but we found the app, with vouchers etc worked extremely.well in Capetown

Everything was excellent… Very patient drivers. The narrator … wow. I was so impressed