The Kirstenbosch Estate is a 478 ha area of natural forest and fynbos that includes the periphery of the Garden and the eastern slopes of Table Mountain extending roughly from the edge of Cecilia Forest to Nursery Stream. It is managed as a nature reserve. The walks described below are a good way to explore the Estate. Please be sure to follow the guidelines for Safety on the Mountain when walking in the Kirstenbosch Estate or elsewhere on the Cape Mountains.

Do not walk alone or in small groups, sadly people have been attacked in the forest.

Weir Bridge and Stone Pine Grove

Just north of the Erica Garden, hidden amongst the brabejum trees, is an old weir built into Nursery Stream many years ago. It was used to dam the waters as a collection point for irrigating the lower gardens.

Although we no longer use this water, having constructed a far larger irrigation dam to the south of the Garden, this weir has been retained and is now a tranquil hideaway. A bridge allows easy access to a grove of huge old stone pines, Pinus pinea.

Braille Trail

This is a short (15 minute), self-guided trail that passes through a patch of wetland and natural forest. The entire trail is outlined by a guide rope with stopping points at places of interest and information boards in large print as well as braille. This area is home to a rich bird life.

Stinkwood Trail

A mild (1,45 km, 45 minute), circular route starting from and ending at the Garden Centre entrance and following gravel roads through the indigenous forest between Skeleton and Window Gorges

Yellowwood Trail

A 3km, 1,5 hour circular route starting from the Fragrance Garden near the display kiosk in the Garden and ending at the Garden Centre entrance. The trail uses gravel roads and stepped footpaths parallel to Skeleton Stream, then up to the Skeleton Gorge waterfall on the 300m contour path and back to the Garden Centre entrance. You will cross Nursery Stream twice and while there are some quite steep sections of path, this is not a difficult climb.

More Walks on the Wild Side..
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