Acclaimed as one of the finest botanical gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch offers the birder some excellent birding and close quarter interactions with some of the fynbos endemics – Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Spurfowl and elusive forest specials – Forest Canary, Cape Batis, Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove, African Olive-pigeon (Rameron) and African Goshawk.
Lying on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain it has a diversity of habitats with indigenous protea, erica, aloe, cycad and restio gardens, indigenous forest, fynbos, small wetlands, large sweeping lawns and other floral displays, all set against the backdrop of spectacular mountains, Castle Rock flanked by Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine.
Many paths and tracks allow easy access for birders to almost all parts of the garden.
A tree canopy walkway, locally know as ‘the boomslang’ (tree snake) winds above the Arboretum for spectacular panoramic vistas above the treetops.
Some of the more common species found are: Sombre Greenbul, Cape Bulbul, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, African Dusky Flycatcher, Common and Swee Waxbill, Hadeda Ibis, Olive Thrush, Cape Robin-chat, Red-winged Starling, Southern Boubou, Karoo Prinia and Cape Grassbird. Cape Siskin is more often found on the higher slopes.
Scan the skies for several raptor species: Forest Buzzard, Jackal Buzzard, Black Sparrowhawk, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, occasionally seen is Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle and in summer Common (Steppe) Buzzard, along with the increasingly observed European Honey Buzzard. Also in summer several hirundine species occur, Rock Martin is resident.
At least two families of resident Spotted Eagle Owls can be found at their daytime roosts.
The Club runs regular monthly counts, usually on the first Sunday in the month. Leader John Magner 082 881 3845.
Plus weekday outings at different times, please contact Linda Hibbin on 021 788 1528, or e-mail hibbins@telkomsa.net
Entrance fees for the gardens apply but no charge to join the Club counts or outings.
Kirstenbosch map
Table Mountain National Park, Rhodes Drive, Newlands 7735
Entrance Fees: Adults: R60 SA Students (with card): R30 Children (6 – 17 years): R15 Under 6 years: Free
BOTSOC members: Free SA Senior Citizens (with ID): Free on Tuesdays except on public holidays
Buy online: www.webtickets.co.za Regret no group discounts
Contact Information
Telephone +27(0)21 799 8783 Ticket Office +27(0)21 799 8782
Garden Office (weekdays only) +27(0)21 799 8899 Fax: +27(0)21 797 6570
Email: Kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za Website: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Opening Hours
September – March (Summer) Monday –Sunday 08h00-19h00
April – August (Winter) Monday – Sunday 08h00-18h00
Conservatory Monday – Sunday 09h00 -17h00