The Botanical Gardens has officially unveiled the 'Boomslang' walkway to mark its centenary.

CAPE TOWN - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town on Monday announced the opening of a 130m long walkway in the shape of a snake.

The 'Boomslang' is situated in the enchanted forest which is nestled below the Protea Garden.

It is crescent-shaped and joins the forest floor in two different places with its highest point being 12m above the ground.

Tourists and South Africans alike now have the opportunity to soak in the view offered by the Boomslang that includes Table Mountain and its forestry.

The R5 million structure designed by architect Mark Thomas is entirely funded by donations.

Botanical horticulturist, Adam Harrower, said Thomas had done an outstanding job designing the structure based on the form of a snake skeleton.

"With very little effort, one is able to move through the trees and through the branches, essentially experiencing the forest from way up above the forest floor. Then we actually break through the canopy of the trees and protrude up above the canopy. It gives people a fantastic opportunity not only to see the forest from above but also to see the magnificent view across Cape Town."

Part of the ethos that went into creating the walkway was to make it blend in with the beautiful surroundings.

Thomas said the project was unique.

"Extremely complex geometries were developed to build the walkway. There is no way you carry through a project like this without computer software. This is a very complex three dimensional shape that is completely accurate to the millimetre. Everything was laser cut, pre-made and then assembled on site."

Kirstenbosch created the walkway to celebrate their 100th birthday and hope the project will bring in more revenue through becoming a major attraction in years to come.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden has officially unveiled the 'Boomslang' to mark its centenary.