Visit this beautiful botanical garden to learn about cultivation and conservation while exploring the rich diversity of South Africa’s indigenous flora.
Set into the eastern slopes of the magnificent Table Mountain, overlooking False Bay and the Cape Flats, Kirstenbosch is one of the most dramatic botanical gardens in the world. The gardens are nestled in an area known as Cape Floral Kingdom, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Happily, this spectacular garden carries its weighty reputation with ease and, as such, is one of South Africa’s most attractive and serene destinations.Spread across 36 hectares and home to over 7,000 species of plant, the gardens attract a huge number of visitors every year. Botanists, romantics, photographers and families all flock here to appreciate the wonder of this beautiful landscape. Established in 1913, Kirstenbosch was the first botanical garden in the world to be solely committed to displaying a country’s indigenous flora. With this in mind, take your time as you meander along the Fynbos Walk which is dedicated to the natural South African vegetation that shares the same name.Whether you take a free guided tour or explore at your leisure, this garden is a joy to navigate. Follow the paved pathways as they wind around the various sections. As you stroll through the sculpture garden, take note of the wonderful Zimbabwean sculptures that are dotted amidst the greenery. Wander through the fragrance garden where visitors are encouraged to get tactile with the plants. Learn about the palm-like endangered cycads before visiting the glass conservatory to marvel at the statuesque baobab tree. Don’t worry if your knowledge is a little rusty as there are plenty of plaques displaying information on individual plants and trees.Adventurers take note: the Skeleton Gorge Trail and the Nursery Ravine are two tramping trails that wind up Table Mountain from the gardens. If you feel up to the challenge, this is a great way to enjoy the best of the gardens and Table Mountain at the same time. If even the thought of all that climbing has given you an appetite, grab some refreshments in the Botanical Café or the Silver Tree restaurant.Kirstenbosch is particularly stunning in summer when all the flowers are in bloom. This is also the perfect time of year to catch one of the famous summertime sunset concerts. Held every Sunday between April and November, this relaxed event is the perfect way to top off your trip.
