The Boomslang, Kirstenbosch

The Boomslang, Kirstenbosch

Photo Caption: #guesswhere this amazing tree top bridge is in Cape Town. Do you know its name?

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Photo by @kaibernstein

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Nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, just 13 kilometers from Cape Town’s city center, is one of the greatest botanic gardens of the world, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Founded in 1913, the gardens aim to preserve the unique flora of the area. Kirstenbosch is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. One of the most sought-after activities in Kirstenbosch is enjoying the panoramic views from the canopy walkway, called the Boomslang.

The Boomslang, is named after a species of venomous sub-Saharan African tree snake. It’s a 130-meter-long crescent-shaped canopy walkway winding through and over the trees of the Arboretum. Inspired by a snake skeleton, the walkway is narrow and slender, with a few wider viewpoint areas. The canopy walk starts at ground level and raises visitors to 12 meters above the ground.

The walkway celebrates the centenary birthday of Kirstenbosch in 2013. The planning of the walkway started in 2012 and the foundation construction in June 2013. This Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway opened to the public on 17 May 2014. The walkway consists of curved steel and timber and the construction cost around R5 Million. This low-maintenance, low-impact sculptural raised walkway is a masterpiece of the architect Mark Thomas and engineer Henry Fagan.

The best time to visit the Boomslang in Kirstenbosch, is early in the morning as it is a great time to capture the sunrise from the walkway, along with spectacular views of the gardens and Table Mountain.