18 reasons why you should visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Situated along the slopes of Cape Town’s towering Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens is one of the most pristine botanical gardens on the planet.

According to South African Tourism, Kirstenbosch Gardens is home to approximately 7,000 plants species. It’s also part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re planning a Cape Town holiday, there many public means of transport to get to Kirstenbosch Gardens, but hiring a car in Cape Town is by far the best way to explore this natural wonder. To whet your appetite here are 18 reasons why you should visit Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Kirstenbosch Gardens Yesterday ��☀️��

A photo posted by ��©fionamay�� (@beachbum_blondie) on

Oct 6, 2016 at 12:26am PDT

Pin cushion #flowers at #Kirstenbosch �� #capetown #southafrica

A photo posted by Rachel Rebibo (@rachelrebibo) on

Oct 3, 2016 at 3:12am PDT

Beautiful garden of the famous Kirstenbosch in South Africa… beautiful everywhere #africa #capetown #kirstenbosch #garden

A photo posted by Jasmine Williams (@jasminemocha) on

Oct 5, 2016 at 2:19pm PDT

The tree canopy walkway / O passeio sobre a copa das árvores #kirstenbosch #Naturehub #nature #naturethegreat #botanicgarden #trees #instagram_sa #foreversouthafrica #southafrica #meetsouthafrica #vscosouthafrica #thisiswhatson #capetownbig7 #capetownetc #lovecapetown #capetownetc #visitsouthafrica #allcapetown #HPSAred #amazingcapetown #capetownlife #cityofcapetownskies #wonderlustcapetown #capetownliving #instagramcapetown #capetownguide #pixelpanda_za #capetownmagscenic #instagram_sa #instacptpix #snapseed #capetownguide #capetownguide

A photo posted by Luiz Fara Monteiro (@luizfaramonteiro) on

Oct 5, 2016 at 11:36am PDT

A Karoo Prinia gathering grass for its nest �� #birdsofsouthafrica #karooprinia #birdsnest #capenature #kirstenbosch #ig_discover_birdslife #bb_of_ig #birdsofinstagram #birds #bird #allmightybirds #anythingfeathered #sabirds #southafrica #birdphotography #birdstagram #birdwatchers #ig_birdwatchers #bb_of_ig #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #birdfreaks #wildlife_perfection #nature_sultans #instanature #igscwildlife #animal_sultans #wildlifeseekers #bestbirds

A photo posted by Beverley Klein (@bevy_k) on

Oct 3, 2016 at 11:20am PDT

This beauty is the rocket pincushion protea or leucospermum reflexum. Spring is breathtaking here! #flowersmakemehappy #flowermagic #underthefloralspell #flowerstagram #flowers #flowerseason #fleurstagram #fleurs #nature #fascinating #magical #protea #protealove #indigenous #kirstenbosch #southafrica #wonderlust

A photo posted by papricannelle (@papricannelle) on

Oct 3, 2016 at 8:57am PDT

The beautiful Orange-breaated Sunbird is endemic to the fynbos of southwestern South Africa but also occurs in parks and gardens. We captured this moment at the #Kirstenboschgardens #thisissouthafrica #birdsofsouthafrica #southafrica #nature #fly #bird #sunbird #birdphotography #birdwatching #kirstenbosch #flowers #safari #green #travel #olympus #photooftheday #followme

A photo posted by Haf (حفيظه) & Mes (مسعود) (@wegoingplaces) on

Oct 3, 2016 at 2:16am PDT

Early morning hike. This is the fresh water’Coca Cola’ lake at the very top of the Skeleton Gorge #tablemountain #capetown #skeletongorge #kirstenbosch

A photo posted by Ilsa Rutgers (@ilsa_rutgers) on

Oct 2, 2016 at 6:15am PDT

#kirstenbosch #capetownmag #springdays

A photo posted by Sue Parker-Smith (@satravelista) on

Oct 1, 2016 at 3:53am PDT

Growing in #kirstenbosch botanical garden

A photo posted by Klaassens (@boundaryhedge) on

Sep 28, 2016 at 11:36pm PDT

…the excitement in my eyes and flutter in my heart��when i saw this beautiful patch of #neon in one of the most spectacular botanical parks i’ve ever been to… #nofilter #thankyoumothernature

A photo posted by Jennie K (@jkay.jkay) on

Sep 28, 2016 at 10:06pm PDT

Most beautiful botanical gardens….

A photo posted by mswilkie (@mswilkie) on

Oct 6, 2016 at 1:48pm PDT

Beautiful table mountain from a different angle. It was such a privilege to shoot with @dyl_bushman @ryanrapaport @dawidminnie and Gustav for the first time! #beautifuldestinations #mycitybynight #landscape

A photo posted by @simonwatsonfilm on

Oct 4, 2016 at 8:44am PDT

A photo posted by AM一期一会 (@edwlii) on

Oct 4, 2016 at 3:19am PDT

Just beautiful #kirstenbosch #mountains #boomslang #bridge #treetops #igs_photos #capetown #southafrica #gardens #spring #lifeofadventure #nature #thisissouthafrica #loves_southafrica

A photo posted by Gayle Cammack (@gcam) on

Oct 1, 2016 at 12:25pm PDT

A photo posted by Hanna Edghill (@hannaedghill) on

Oct 1, 2016 at 12:04pm PDT

Güney Afrika Kirstenbosch Botanik Bahçesi… #sosyalizmit #güneyafrika #capetown #kirstenbosch #world #turkey #botanicgarden #botanik

A photo posted by ��SosyaLİzmit�� (@sosyalizmit) on

Sep 23, 2016 at 4:31pm PDT