Discover nature’s full majesty at Kirstenbosch Gardens.

TThese days there are a number of Mandela memorabilia in the garden itself that can be found with some map reading and walking. A large pepper bark tree that was actually planted by Madiba shades a bust of the great man’s head, reminding us to stop and spend some time in quiet contemplation. In the 1990’s a rare form of one of our most well-known flowers, the Strelitzia, was named Mandela’s Gold for its dusky yellow colour. The flower can be found dotted all over the Garden, bordering many of the paved walkways.

Today the Garden is home to a number of exhibitions. One can find local art situated throughout the manicured lawns, and certain areas have been set aside for dedicated plant species. The dinosaur’s exhibition that showcases some of our local prehistoric animals and plants is a permanent fixture. The Cycad Amphitheatre was designed to draw attention to the plight of our indigenous cycads, many of whom are on the brink of extinction themselves. Set amongst five anatomically correct, tin dinosaurs some of these exact plants are over a thousand years old. This particular exhibition is a firm favourite which kids of all ages.

TThe most recent addition to the Gardens is the Boomslang Trail. This winding wooden walkway is set amongst the tree canopies of the forest section, and offers a unique view not only of the gardens but of the entire city. Various bird species can be spotted including sugarbirds, cape white eye and the occasional steppe buzzard wheeling high overhead.

Kirstenbosch Gardens are a must see for anyone visiting Cape Town. The sheer variety of things to experience will ensure that you can easily spend a whole day just walking around on a path of discovery. Take the time to sit on a shaded bench reflecting on South Africa’s history and how far we have come.