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TTucked 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.
The walkway was built to commemorate Kirstenbosch’s 100th year anniversary in 2013 but, due to construction delays, only opened to the public in May 2014.
It is a steel-and-timber structure of 130m, starting at ground level and rising to some 12m above the ground. Because it’s crescent-shaped, the walkway ends a short distance from the start. It is also suitable for wheelchair users.
Its ingenious design makes it a sinuous structure that winds its way through the trees – like the indigenous tree snake it is named after that is rarely seen on the ground.
In an act of ‘bio-mimicry’, the outer steel frame resembles the rib cage of a snake enclosing the wooden bridge and looks a bit like a roller-coaster ride for pedestrians.
Construction had to take account of the sensitivity of the site; every tree in the arboretum was surveyed and drawn on a 3D map so that the path of the walkway could be plotted without causing any harm to the trees.
In fact, one tree was accommodated by cutting a hole through the bridge's timber – and it is now known as the ‘hugging tree’, which is sure to be a hit with children.
During assembly, the contractors brought in 6m lengths of the prefabricated steel structure to be bolted in situ, while the foundations were hand dug and filled in with reinforced concrete pads.
Throughout, the contractors were under strict instructions to keep the site squeaky clean so as to prevent harm to this mature part of the garden.
The walkway is located in the arboretum area of the garden, close to the cycad garden on the one end, and the concert lawn at the other.
Visitors to the garden do not have to pay an additional fee to use the Boomslang, but those who do not have a head for heights or who might be put off by the slight sway of the curved steel bridge, might decide to sit this one out.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Email: Kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org
Tel: +27(0)21 799 8782/3
How to get here
Take a taxi or self-drive. The garden is also a regular stop on the City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus route.
Best time to visit
All year as there is always something different flowering in the garden.
Things to do
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 fee.
Kirstenbosch lies in the heart of Cape Town's southern suburbs. Not far from here is the Cavendish Square Shopping Centre, which has a range of restaurants and shops.
What to pack
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.
Where to stay
Cape Town has a great variety of tourist accommodation, from B&Bs through to 5-star hotels.
What to eat
There are 2 restaurants in the garden, one of which is a tearoom and the other, a Moyo African-style restaurant.
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