Kirstenbosch

Description

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful garden in Africa and one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa, and was the first botanic garden in the world to be devoted to a country's indigenous flora.

Kirstenbosch displays a wide variety of the unique plant life of the Cape Flora, also known as fynbos, including sugarbushes (Protea spp.), pincushions (Leucospermum spp.) and heaths (Erica spp.). Plants from all the diverse regions and biomes of southern Africa are also grown at Kirstenbosch, including a near-complete collection of cycads (Encephalartos spp.). The Botanical Society Conservatory is a custom-built glasshouse to grow and display plants from the arid regions that cannot survive outdoors. There are over 7 000 species in cultivation at Kirstenbosch, including many rare and threatened species. See more on the virtual tour.

More than just a garden, Kirstenbosch is part of a nature reserve. The 36 hectare garden is part of a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. The Kirstenbosch Estate borders the Table Mountain National Park, and the Garden merges seamlessly with the natural fynbos and forest of the mountain. Find out more

Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, also known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region, including Kirstenbosch, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – another first for Kirstenbosch. It is the first botanic garden in the world to be included within a natural World Heritage Site.

Kirstenbosch is the largest of a country-wide network of nine National Botanical Gardens administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

Their mission is to promote the sustainable use, conservation, appreciation and enjoyment of the exceptionally rich plant and animal life of South Africa, for the benefit of all people.

Gallery

Accommodation

Kirstenbosch Manor Guesthouse for accommodation, weddings and functions
Surrounded by the beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and boasting one of the best views in Cape Town, this is a very special venue for weddings or functions. It also offers 4 exclusive accommodation options. Built in 1914, this historic building has been refurbished to the highest standards to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of its unique location.

Enjoy the Manor House:

• Weddings and Special Event packages
• Plan a meeting or conference
• Stay in the Garden Cottage
• Stay in the Executive Suite
• Stay in the Strelitzia Room
• Stay in the Kirstenbosch Room

Spaces

Capacities

Old Mutual Conference and Exhibition Centre at Kirstenbosch
The Old Mutual Conference and Exhibition Centre at Kirstenbosch is situated in the Visitors' Centre (Gate 1).This venue is ideal for:

• conferences
• product launches
• banquets
• weddings
• corporate and private functions
• art exhibitions
• workshops, meetings and presentations

The hall can accommodate up to 400 people, and it can be divided into three smaller rooms, with soundproof partitioning, to accommodate 30 to 80 people. It has a registration desk, fixed stage, an adjoining foyer and breakaway rooms.The venue is self-catering, with kitchen facilities, is fully air-conditioned and wheelchair friendly. Secure and free parking is available throughout the day and evening.

For conferences and meetings, the Old Mutual Conference Centre offers packages including catering supplied by Moyo restaurant, for those customers who do not wish to bring in their own caterer.

If the Old Mutual Conference Centre is booked for a wedding reception, the couple can have their wedding ceremony at the Gazebo in the Sculpture Garden, and/or have their photos taken in the Sculpture Garden inside Kirstenbosch Garden. Weddings are restricted to this section of the garden only. Weddings can also be held at Moyo restaurant.

Restrictions - The hire price allows the client to set up from 08h00 and use the venue until midnight. The venue has to be cleared on the same night unless prior arrangements have been made.The Visitors' Centre courtyard may be used for pre-drinks after 18h00 in summer and 17h00 in winter.No amplified music is allowed in this area.

Dimensions of hall and stage - Dimensions of the hall: length: 28.7 m. width: 13.6 m. ceiling height: 4.65 m. total floor area: 393 square metres. Dimensions of the stage: 9.2 m x 3.4 m

Equipment provided:

• 30 rectangular steel trestle tables (1800 x 770 mm)
• Audiovisual equipment
• 250 hunters green fabric chairs
• 100 hunters green plastic chairs for a ceremony in the garden
• Data projector and screen
• Laser pointer
• Flipcharts and markers
• Lectern
• 1 Lapel microphone
• 1 Lectern microphone
• 2 Hand-held microphones
• CD player
• DVD player
• Public address system
• Amplifier
• Overhead projectors
• Remote control panel for audiovisual equipment and lighting

Maximum seating capacities:

• Conferences and lectures/presentations:
  Cinema style: 380
  Schoolroom: 300
• Banquets with 10-seater round tables:
  Set menu: 300
  Set menu and dance floor: 280
  Buffet menu: 250
  Buffet menu and dance floor: 230
• Banquets with 8-seater round tables:
  Set menu: 320
  Set menu and dance floor: 290
  Buffet menu: 280
  Buffet menu and dance floor: 250
  Cocktail parties: 350

Weddings at Kirstenbosch NBG
Kirstenbosch offers three venues for wedding receptions: The Kirstenbosch Manor Guesthouse, the Old Mutual Conference Centre and Moyo restaurant.

If the Old Mutual Conference Centre or Moyo restaurant is booked for a wedding reception, the couple can have their wedding ceremony in the Sculpture Garden, and/or have their photos taken in the Sculpture Garden, inside Kirstenbosch Garden. This is restricted to this section of the Garden only.

Marquee Lawn
The Marquee Lawn is situated near the Centre for Home Gardening at Gate 2, against the stunning backdrop of Castle Rock and Fernwood Peak. It is a 24 x 44 m area and can accommodate up to 600 people seated and 1 000 people standing. In front of the Marquee Lawn is a smaller terrace that can be used as an open-air foyer. This venue is ideal for large functions and dinners.

The Marquee Lawn is a self-catering venue and restroom facilities are available. Kirstenbosch does not supply the marquee. This venue is wheelchair-friendly and easily accessible from Gate 2. Delivery vehicles also have easy access. Dimensions of the lawn: 24 x 44 m

Facilities provided: 3 phase electricity, water, restroom facilities.

Restrictions: Please note that amplified music is not allowed at this venue.

Kirstenbosch Manor Guesthouse: Meeting Room
This venue is part of the Kirstenbosch Manor Guesthouse which is located in a remote part of the Garden, surrounded by lush fynbos and serenity. The venue can seat up to 20 delegates and there are numerous ideal breakaway areas in the surrounding garden. Our building is equipped for disabled guests. Please contact us if you have special requests.

Our Day Meeting/ Conference Package includes:

• Venue hire, audio-visual equipment, sound system, flipcharts & stands,
• Use of crockery/ cutlery for own catered lunches
• WiFi, internet connection
• Use of tennis court

Floor Plans

Venue map & directions