Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are the most famous gardens in South Africa. The gardens were established in 1913 to preserve the region’s unique flora. Today it flourishes over 528 hectares on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The gardens form part of nine botanical gardens in South Africa managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
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The gardens are naturally dominated by the Cape’s indigenous fynbos biome and Afromontane forest. The fynbos provides the ideal environment for South Africa’s striking national flower, the Protea, to burst forth in spectacular shades of watermelon pink and rosy whites. Karoo succulents and shrubs of the savanna biome have also been planted in Kirstenbosch.
While enjoying a South African tour in Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are ideal for a peaceful picnic under the shade of ancient trees or a hike up the slopes of Devil’s Peak. An informative visitor’s center and variety of restaurants add substantially to the visit. In the summer months, Kirstenbosch is a popular venue for its summer concerts on the sprawling green lawns.
