Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
One of South Africa’s largest and most stunning national treasures can be found on the slopes of the powerful Table Mountain.
The National Botanical Garden at Kirstenbosch…
It may be one of the most beautiful sites in the nation, the finest botanical gardens in the world, as well as one of the biggest, not only presenting the local flora and fauna in stunning form, but with the massive mountain as a background.
The original garden, which Harold Pearson designed, has expanded since its opening in 1913 to rank among the world’s finest botanical gardens. On a nice day, you can witness kids having fun and laughing on the expansive lawns, families enjoying picnics under century-old trees, and couples strolling through the numerous glades that tinkle with the sound of flowing streams.
Nelson Mandela enjoyed gardening a lot. After leaving politics, he spent a lot of time in his private garden in Houghton taking care of his plants. During his time in the Mother City, Kirstenbosch became one of his favourite spots to visit because it reminded him of the small garden he used to take care of when he was imprisoned.
A braille walk, a cycad amphitheatre, 2,500 Cape Peninsula plant species, a Protea garden (best viewed in spring), a scent garden, and a medicinal garden are all featured at Kirstenbosch. The Botanical Societies Conservatory is another option, and it houses plants from the continent’s drier parts. It is worth attending one of the free guided tours that leave from the Visitors’ Center on weekdays at 11 am and 2 pm to fully experience everything the Garden has to offer. Audio instructions are also offered if the times are inconvenient.
You must absolutely bring your kids to see the Cycad Amphitheatre if you have little children. There are life-size, anatomically accurate sculptures of dinosaurs and a pterosaur scattered amid the cycads. Moreover, Kirstenbosch has a sculpture garden with bronze animal sculptures by Dylan Lewis and an ever-changing display of African stone sculptures. Your youngsters will also love strolling around the Boomslang, commonly known as the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway. With its 130-meter steel-and-timber span and breathtaking views of the Garden and the Cape Flats, this bridge winds its way through and above the Arboretum’s trees.
Even though the Garden is beautiful year-round, the fynbos is at its peak from August to November. Yet, the summer has its own appeal thanks to the Summer Sunset Concerts held every Sunday evening and the outdoor Galileo Cinema held every Wednesday.
There are several possibilities for satisfying your hunger if you haven’t packed a picnic due to all the walking you’ve done. For a filling lunch, stop by the African-themed Moyo restaurant, or stop by the Tea Room for scones, cake, and cucumber sandwiches. Even a picnic basket is available at either of these establishments. Vida e Caffe has what you need for an urgent coffee fix.
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