Boomslang Kirstenbosch
Built to commemorate the Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden’s 100th anniversary in 2013, the ‘Boomslang’ is a 130m canopy walkway discreetly located in the tree tops of this famous garden’s arboretum. It offers striking views of the garden, the mountain and beyond, and should not be missed.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tucked away between some 430 trees, visitors to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden should not forego the opportunity to traverse the Boomslang, an arboreal ‘bridge’ that offers stunning views over the garden and the mountain.
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is often described as ‘the most beautiful garden in Africa’ for its magnificent views, showcasing the exceptional biodiversity of the Cape’s flora. It is also home to many birds and animals, and the walkway offers the opportunity to enjoy birdlife at tree level.
Kirstenbosch Gardens Info:
The garden offers free guided tours at 10am and 2pm from Mondays to Saturdays. For those who don’t wish to walk around, you can join a shuttle car tour (which leaves every hour) for an additional R55.
Entry into the garden is R45 for adults and R10 for children. Holders of a Botanical Society card get in free. There is no additional cost to enter the tree canopy walkway.
Cape Town is a winter rainfall area, so take a rain jacket if you visit between May and July. Summers (November to February) can be warm but the weather is highly changeable. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Birders should take binoculars, and photographers will want to have their cameras with them.
There are two restaurants in the garden, one of which is a tearoom and the other a Moyo African-style restaurant.