Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Tour

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is proof that not all gardens were created equal. Regarded as one of the great botanic gardens of the world, Kirstenbosch—or rather, the land on which it sits—was bequeathed to the government by Cecil John Rhodes. At the time, it was nothing more than ramshackle farmland but in 1913 a botanist called Harold Pearson set about transforming the land into a botanic garden devoted to the country’s indigenous flora. It now contains over 7000 species of plants from southern Africa. The 528-hectare Kirstenbosch Estate (which includes the Garden) falls under the Cape Floristic Region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the gardens are a great place to picnic on the lawns, hike up Skeleton Gorge or explore the many shady trails while taking in the panoramic views from the canopy walkway.  Enjoy a half day visit to this breathtaking garden.