Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Together with Table Mountain and Robben Island Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the top attractions of Cape Town and the most popular tourist attraction in South Africa alone. This beautiful garden is situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and is world renowned for its beauty and diversity. The lower portion of Kirstenbosch consists of flowerbeds and expansive lawns while higher up the slopes, the cultivated garden gives way to natural forest and fynbos. Spectacular in each season, one of the main features of Kirstenbosch Gardens is its location. Cape Town's Table Mountain creates a magnificent background for the beautiful garden of one of the world's largest botanical gardens occupying 528-hectares.   

The Gardens have over 650,000 visitors a year, and is located within a short 10 minute drive from Cape Town center; it is situated on the mountain side near Constantia. This modern Eden is devoted to 8000 indigenous plants of southern Africa, and is run by the South African Biodiversity Center. The planted gardens are completely natural and blend seamlessly with the wild mountain vegetation. Birds of all sorts can be seen here, including green and red sugarbirds, owls and guinea fowl.

Kirstenbosch Gardens is imbedded deep into South African history; here you can find the remains of the wild almond hedge that Jan Van Riebeeck planted in 1660. After which the land was occupied by British settlers in the early 1800’s. Cecil Rhodes later bought the land in 1895, and after his death was left to the Government, which led to the development and establishment of Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens in 1913.

The National Botanical Institute plays a major role in research, conservation and environmental education. It also maintains reference libraries and plant collections. So visits to Kirstenbosch can prove to be very educational, visitors will need anything from an hour or two, to a full day to entirely explore the garden, which is open 365 days a year. Some of the green features and themed walks of Kirstenbosch include the water-wise garden, a fragrance garden, a South African medicinal garden and a Cycad Amphitheatre. The Amphitheatre features these 'living fossils' found in southern Africa. Kirstenbosch has many hiking trails leading into the Table Mountain National Park, two of the infamous routes begins here; Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine.

Alternatively for a more relaxing and popular choice, visitors can enjoy the gardens by organising a summer picnic on the green lawns, gazing at the breathtaking mountain backdrop. Other public facilities at Kirstenbosch included two restaurants, gift shop, bookshop, garden center and an information desk.

Placed at the main entrance is an impressive conservatory, which includes South African and African plants from other climatic regions. The well known and well attended Summer Sunset concerts are held on the lawn of the gardens every Sunday December-March. These concerts feature some of Africa's best musical acts.