Kirstenbosch Botantical Gardens

Located on the back side of Table Top Mountain from Cape Town city is Kirstenbosch Gardens.  When we arrived the mountain top was covered with a cloud.

 

I was fortunate to have a private tour  - just me and he guide in a golf cart!

 

The Table Mountain/Cape Town Floral Kingdom is the smallest of 7 in the world.  Only native South African Plants are grown in the garden.

Fynbos
 

Protea

 

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens No visit to Cape Town is complete without a stroll through the most beautiful garden in Africa – the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the most highly acclaimed botanical gardens in the world on the slopes of Table Mountain. The garden lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, making Kirstenbosch the first botanic garden in the world to be included within a natural World Heritage Site.

Part of a National Park
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens were established in 1913 and today the 36ha garden merges seamlessly with the Table Mountain National Park.  The expertly curated and meticulously maintained gardens are a real treat for the senses. The gardens trace the history of the area and celebrate the botanical diversity of the Western Cape, whilst also simply being a gorgeous place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
One can simply stroll around the garden and soak up the sounds, colours and aromas of the natural environment or take advantage of a guided shuttle car tour of the gardens.  There are free guided tours of the gardens on offer from Monday’s to Saturday’s at 11h00 and 14h00 leaving from the visitors centre.  Self-guided walks are also more than satisfactory as the garden is superbly signposted and information abounds and audio guides are also available.