The Legacy of Professor Henry Pearson and the Beauty of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located in Cape Town, is a treasure for nature lovers. Established on July 1, 1913, by Professor Henry Harold Welch Pearson, it showcases South Africa’s native flora. Today, it stands as a testament to his dedication and vision. For more information on the gardens, visit the official Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens page.
Professor Pearson’s Monument to Nature
Professor Pearson passed away on November 3, 1916, at the age of 46. He is buried within the gardens he founded. His gravestone bears a simple yet powerful inscription: “If ye seek his monument, look around.” This reminds us that his true legacy lies in the beauty of the gardens he created—a gift to both South Africa and the world.
The garden is more than just a collection of plants. It’s a vision of preservation, offering endless inspiration to visitors.
Experiencing the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway
One of the most unforgettable parts of Kirstenbosch is the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway. It opened in 2014 to celebrate 100 years of Kirstenbosch and its partnership with the Botanical Society of South Africa. The walkway, inspired by the Boomslang (a tree snake), stretches 130 meters and rises 11.5 meters above the ground.
Walking along the walkway offers stunning views both above and below. The trees below seem to stretch on forever. The handrails provide safety, while benches in two spots allow you to pause and enjoy the view.
The walkway gives a unique perspective of the canopy, a layer full of life. Here, you can see birds, plants, and creatures in their natural habitat.
Birds and Wildlife Along the Walkway
The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway isn’t just about the views. It’s a haven for birdwatchers. We spotted several species, including the Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape White-eye, and African Goshawk. The canopy offers a perfect spot to observe these birds in their natural environment. It’s a true highlight of the visit.
A Peaceful Stroll Through the Gardens
After the walkway, we visited Professor Pearson’s grave. We paid our respects before continuing our stroll through the gardens. After hours of exploring, we made our way to the entrance, taking in the flowers and the peaceful atmosphere. Kirstenbosch is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature.
Unexpected Wildlife Encounters
On our way back, we had an interesting encounter with a group of baboons. They seemed to be looking for food from picnickers near the small dam. Visitors paused to take photos of these clever animals. The baboons didn’t immediately heed the staff’s requests to leave, but they eventually moved on.
A Visit to the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop
No visit to Kirstenbosch is complete without stopping by the gift shop. The shop offers beautiful souvenirs, but prices can be high due to the international tourism. Despite the costs, it’s a lovely place to browse, offering unique items to remember your visit by.
A Refreshing Break at Videa Cafe
After our walk, we stopped at Videa Cafe for a refreshing break. We enjoyed cold water and a light snack of bagels. It was the perfect end to our time at Kirstenbosch.
Next weekend, we’re off to a new hiking trail, and next week, we’ll be launching our first accommodation advertisement on this page. Stay tuned for more updates!
For a deeper dive into our past adventures, be sure to check out our previous blog post.
