Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, located in the historical center of Stellenbosch, is the oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. This compact Garden houses an enormous diversity of plants, both indigenous to South Africa and exotic. The Garden is open to the public and a R10 admission applies. Although the Garden does not have a visitor parking area, a parking lot is located adjacent to the garden in Van Riebeeck Street.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
905 reviews
Excellent
479
Very good
347
Average
60
Poor
11
Terrible
8
Scott B
Edinburgh, UK138 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Our first afternoon in Stellenbosch was just lovely. Walking around the botanical gardens was so peaceful and quite therapeutic. Lovely to walk around and simply sit by the water lilies, as watch the dragonflies and listen to the water bubbling away. Amazing way to spend one hour. The food at the restaurant was also brilliant for a light snack at lunchtime.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yes2travel
Delray Beach, FL300 contributions
Jan 2023
Lovely small botanical garden with pathways to walk and a relaxing pond to rest near. There is a restaurant that appeared to be very popular, although I did not personally try it. Certainly a very nice place to spend a couple of hours.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanne P
Cape Town, South Africa15 contributions
May 2021
Reading that this garden is one of the oldest I needed to go see. I was intrigued by the size of some of the species growing there, but also bit disappointed to find paths overgrown and a bit lack of upkeep. However this is a quick fix and hope that the care needed is given to those area needing it. Loved the bonsai section and strawberry tree!
Entrance fee is charged and there is also a place to eat / drink.
Entrance fee is charged and there is also a place to eat / drink.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suntan47
Chelmsford, UK971 contributions
Feb 2023
Visited as part of a tour group. Our tour manager took us around and pointed out items of interest.
Lots of trees & greenery , not so many flowers at this time of year though as it’s coming into Autumn but still some colourful blooms .
A lovely hot sunny day , so very pleasant to walk around. Not that busy either.
Lots of trees & greenery , not so many flowers at this time of year though as it’s coming into Autumn but still some colourful blooms .
A lovely hot sunny day , so very pleasant to walk around. Not that busy either.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Armin F
45 contributions
Mar 2023
Very nice place to stay. Very well-kept grounds with many wonderful plants. Especially the water plants had beautiful flowers. The bonsai trees were impressive. Very nice shop! And very nice and helpful staff.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandi H
Stellenbosch, South Africa70 contributions
Jan 2020
This garden has so much potential - the water lilies are stunning. I went in the middle of summer and with the heat here; the garden needed a bit of work. However, I will definitely go again in other seasons. It's peaceful there and I can imagine going in with a book and relaxing there.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Riz Khan
Lilongwe, Malawi57 contributions
Mar 2022 • Business
A lovely setting and very accommodating small team, the gardens are very much worth a visit and will give you some great insights into the natural botanical heritage of Stellenbosch. The restaurant was a little slow with a simple menu but ideal for a lunch rest. Food was fresh and tasty
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J S
Edingley, UK52 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A super place to visit right in the centre of Stellenbosch. Huge collection of bonsai trees. Nice little cafe and shop. Lots of shady places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Recommend a visit here - very small charge to enter.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richiewoodhouse
Cramlington, UK272 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We were just walking around Stellenbosch when we happened upon the Botanical Gardens. We spent a good 2 hours walking around enjoying the plants, gardens and wildlife. We stopped for a coffee in the shade and were really surprised by how fab it was. I would definitely recommend a visit.
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abirder_12
San Francisco, CA16 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We visited the botanical gardens during our recent trip to the Stellenbosch region. We were spending a week hiking the backcountry and found the Fynbos to be extraordinary. But just what we’re those plants we’d been seeing on the trail? The botanical gardens helped us out by labeling everything. It is a beautiful garden in the center of Stellenbosch.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you allowed to sit in the garden for a few hours with a friend/s or are there time restrictions?
Written February 9, 2020
Hi yes you can sit in the gardens ,there is also a cafe .Am sure you would be able to stay until gates close in the evening .
Written February 23, 2020
Would one hour be enough to see the gardens? There are a few other places that we want to visit so we do not have a lot of time. If one hour is not enough, maybe we should skip it. Opinions welcome.
Written August 13, 2018
I think it is a place where you can spend long time and relax but you'll have a good experience even if you're there for a little time. The entrance fee is around 10 rand if you're not Stellenbosch university related but it's still worth it. There is an herbs garden, cactus area, bonsai exposition and for me the highlight, a little pond with water lylys! There is also a greenhouse full of interesting stuff but if you don't have so long you can skip it. Definitely one of the must does if you're in Stellenbosch!
Written August 14, 2018
Twinkle-Eyez1
Western Cape, South Africa
Do you allow picnics in the garden and can we take photos in the garden?
Written February 24, 2016
Good day. Unfortunately we do not allow picnics in the garden. Photography is allowed but prior permission is required for any commercial photo shoots.
Written February 24, 2016
What is the best, safest, quickest way to get to the gardens from Cape Town? I do not particularly want to do a tour to Stellenbosch as these seem to be mainly vineyard based.
Written December 30, 2015
Apologies for the very late response. Probably to late for you but hopefully it might still help someone else. There are trains from Cape Town directly to Stellenbosch. The station is however a few blocks away from the Botanical Garden but definitely within walking distance. Besides this and taxi's there are not any other public transport options.
Written March 26, 2016
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