Tree Canopy Walkway

Imagine walking among the trees, high above the forest floor, with stunning panoramic views of Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the surrounding landscape. The Tree Canopy Walkway at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers exactly this unique experience. Renowned as one of the world’s great botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch has long been admired for its grandeur and the beauty of its setting against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. The addition of the Tree Canopy Walkway enhances the visitor experience by offering a bird’s-eye view of this extraordinary garden.

The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, affectionately known as the “Boomslang” (tree snake), is a marvel of engineering and design. Inspired by a snake skeleton, the walkway is constructed from curved steel and timber. It winds its way through the trees, providing an intimate glimpse into the life that thrives in the treetops. In certain areas, the walkway rises over 12 meters above the ground, giving visitors an exhilarating vantage point over the tops of the trees and the garden below. This experience is perfect for those who are comfortable with heights and looking for a unique perspective of the garden.

Despite being 130 meters long, the walkway is narrow and slender, expanding only at specific points to offer wider viewing areas. Its unobtrusive design ensures minimal impact on the surrounding environment, and it is almost invisible from the ground. This subtle and discreet design allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the garden and feel like a part of the natural landscape.

The Tree Canopy Walkway is located within the Arboretum, nestled between the Protea Garden, Cycad Amphitheatre, the Dell, Mathews Rockery, and the Concert Lawn. With the walkway included in the garden’s entrance fee, currently around €4 per adult, this is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Embark on a journey from the forest floor, climb through the trees, and burst out above the canopy to experience the breathtaking beauty of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden from a truly unique vantage point.

Photos © South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)