Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Kirstenbosch

For Valentine’s Day, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden invites all love birds and nature lovers to the beautiful garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. It is reported that the breath-taking backdrop of nature will be open for an extended hour, until 20:00.

Sarah Struys, events and tourism manager of Kirstenbosch told The Next 48 Hours that Kirstenbosch has always been a popular place to enjoy a romantic picnic.

“We find that couples visit after work and by extending the garden entrance for an extra hour, they have a little bit more time to spend with that someone special.

“Fortunately, bookings aren’t required to picnic in the garden as there are 36 hectares to find the perfect spot to savour your picnic and enjoy the beautiful backdrop,” Struys said further.

What to Do at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch includes the Fynbos Garden, Forest Braille Trail, Fragrance Garden, Useful Plants Garden and a Conservatory – a desert house with a majestic baobab tree in its centre surrounded by succulent treasures from the Namib desert. 

The famous Tree Canopy Walkway (the Boomslang) takes visitors from the forest floor through the trees and bursts out above the canopy, giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

You can also browse the Garden Center, Botsoc Bookshop and gift shops with botanically-inspired homeware and curios. Tickets to the garden also grant visitors free access to a once in a lifetime botanical art exhibition currently at the Richard Crowie Hall.

Picnic and dining options

You can pre-order a picnic from Moyo (Gate 1). A variety of options including vegetarian and gluten-free picnics are available from R220 (pre-order picnics five days in advance). Or book a seat for a unique Moyo Valentine’s Buffet Dinner including a welcome drink plus entertainment at R265 per person (booking essential). Email kbfunctions@moyo.com or call 021 762 9585.

You can also pre-order a gourmet picnic from The Kirstenbosch Tea Room (Gate 2) 24 hours in advance online or pop in on the day and choose from the picnic or main menu before 17:00. A vegetarian picnic option is also available and packed in an environmentally friendly bag at R250. Email fynkos@ktr.co.za or call 021 797 4883.

Entry Fees

Entry fees to Kirstenbosch are R75 for adults, R40 for South African students (with student card), children under 6 years enter free. BotSoc members with a membership card also enjoy free entry.

Also read: Here’s your Kirstenbosch Summer Concert Series guide for 2019/2020