A Memorable Visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Good morning, everyone! We finally visited the iconic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and it absolutely lived up to our expectations. In fact, it was so impressive that I’m writing two blog posts about our visit this week. Today, I’ll take you through the highlights of our experience.
Early Arrival for a Smooth Visit
We decided to arrive early at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. I anticipated parking would be a challenge later in the day, and I was right. By 08:30 AM, we found parking conveniently close to the ticket office, with only one couple ahead of us. Entrance fees are quite reasonable: R100 for adults and R40 for children.
After purchasing our tickets, we entered the garden. The store at the entrance was still closed, but Vidae Cafe was already open, offering a perfect start to our visit.
The History Behind Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Before we set off on our hike, we took a moment to learn about the history of Kirstenbosch. The garden’s story begins with Henry Harold Welch Pearson, a professor of Botany at the South African College. Pearson recognized the need for a national botanical garden in Cape Town and, along with others, launched a project to create one. A young gardener suggested the neglected Kirstenbosch farm as a suitable site.
On 10 February 1911, Professor Pearson and his team arrived at the farm, and upon seeing the mountain in front of them, Pearson famously declared, “This is the place.” In May 1913, the South African government designated the farm to be developed into the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. On 1 July 1913, the gardens were officially handed over to the board of trustees, marking the birth of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
For more detailed information about Kirstenbosch and its history, visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the SANBI website.
Beginning the Hike: A Serene Walk Through Nature
After soaking in the garden’s fascinating history, we began our hike. We started with the trail directly to the left, which led us to a beautiful tree-lined path. This lane, with its towering trees, felt like something straight out of a thriller or horror movie – in the best possible way!
As we continued uphill, the views of the mountains and the approaching rainy clouds were truly breathtaking. To our right, we could also see the expansive view of Cape Town and the distant ocean. The scenery made every step worth it.
The Protea Garden: South Africa’s National Flower
Soon, we had to decide whether to take the Canopy Tree Walk or visit the Protea Garden first. Given that the Protea is South Africa’s national flower, we chose the latter, and we were not disappointed. The Protea Garden is massive, featuring a wide variety of Proteas, each more stunning than the last.
We meandered through the different footpaths, pausing to take pictures and enjoy the natural beauty. Most of the trails are uphill, but the effort was more than worth it, especially when we reached vantage points that offered incredible views of Cape Town and the mountains.
Continuing Our Adventure
After thoroughly enjoying the Protea Garden, we set off to find the Canopy Tree Walk. The lush surroundings and fresh air made every part of the journey enjoyable. We’ll share more about the next leg of our adventure in the upcoming blog, so stay tuned!
If you’re curious about more of our adventures, feel free to check out our previous blog post, Eat and Sleep Adventures.
Final Thoughts
Our day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens was filled with natural wonders, history, and stunning views. I highly recommend visiting early to avoid the crowds and make the most of the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to follow our YouTube channel for videos from our day at Kirstenbosch. We hope you have a blessed week and an amazing day ahead!
