Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Cape Town. It is a beautiful public garden perfect for a quiet stroll or a picnic with friends and family.

here is some interesting info about Kistenbosch courtesy of Wikipedia:

The garden is one of eight National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes. When Kirstenbosch, the most famous of the gardens, was founded in 1913 to preserve the country's unique flora, it was the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos. Furthermore, what makes the Gardens so famous worldwide is that (with minor exceptions) only indigenous plants are cultivated.
The garden includes a large, indoor greenhouse exhibiting plants from a number of different regions, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and others. Outdoors, the focus moves to plants native to the Cape region, highlighted by the spectacular collections of proteas. Kirstenbosch enjoys great popularity with residents and visitors. From the gardens several trails lead off along and up the mountain slopes and these are much used by walkers and mountaineers. One of the trails, up a ravine called Skeleton Gorge, is an easy and popular route to the summit of Table Mountain. This route is also known as Smuts' Track after Prime Minister Jan Smuts who used this route regularly. On the slopes above the cultivated parts of the garden a contour path leads through forests to Constantia Nek to the south. The same contour path can be followed to the north for many kilometres and it will take the hiker past the Rhodes Memorial to the slopes of Devil's Peak and beyond.
Kirstenbosch regularly exhibits Zimbabwean stone sculptures in the gardens. Many of the artists are associated with Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe.
In summer, a popular series of outdoor concerts are held in the gardens on Sunday evenings.

If you are interested in going on a guided tour of Kirstenbosch check out these Cape Town Tours

5 Different things to do in Cape Town

If you are tired of hearing suggestions to go to Kirstenbosch or the Waterfront while you are in Cape Town here are 5 alternative activities which you can do.

1). The Scratch Patch (mining for kids) in Simons Town
If you take a trip out to Simon’s Town or Cape Point, stop off at the Topstones Factory. At their world famous "Scratch Patch" you can rustle around among the thousands of tumble-polished gemstones that cover the floor and fill a small bag with stones to take home with you. You can also tour the Topstones factory and watch gemstones being tumble- polished and crafted into a wide variety of products. Where? Dido Valley Road in Simons Town. Telephone 021 786-2020. Open every day.
2). Stop off at the Brass Bell for a beer or meal.
The Brass Bell is a popular waterside pub with four restaurants and three bars built almost in the water (the sea spray splashes against the windows). The downstairs area can get pretty festive and rowdy, so if you are looking for something more restive, book a table upstairs. (magnificent views over the sea). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Where? Next to Kalk Bay Station, Main Road, Kalk Bay. Telephone: 021 788-5456.
3). Muizenberg Toy Museum
The Muizenberg Toy Museum has a fascinating collection of early toys dating from the turn of the last century. The museum contains a shop specialising in obsolete and current toys and models - a must for any collector. Situated opposite the Fun Park, this is an ideal opportunity to visit a freshwater swimming pool, with children's paddling pool, swings & slides, boating pool and Fun Golf - right on the beachfront. And for the more adventurous - a water slide. Where? Beach Road, Muizenberg. Opening hours: Daily from 10am - 4pm, Closed Mondays.
4). Indoor Karting in Kenilworth
The well designed, indoor circuit at Kenilworth Karting offers fun filled experience for young and old. On arrival you will be briefed on the cars and the racing rules. You then hit the starting grid and the racing action begins. Beginner or experienced, kart racing offers you a heart racing activity that is loads of fun. Compare lap times and race positions on the computer printout after the race. Where? Kenilworth Karting is located behind Access Park in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Open Mondays to Thursdays from 13:00 - 23:00. Fridays from 11:00 - 23:00. Telephone: 021 683-2670.
5). Visit the South African Rugby Museum in Newlands
A visit to the South African rugby museum has become a regular port of call for locals and tourists visiting the city of Cape Town. The museum is on the ground floor of the Sport Science Institute in Newlands, just a kick away from the Newlands stadium. The SA rugby museum is crammed full of activities, exhibitions and insights into the world of rugby. The museum features rotating exhibitions and special attractions, which will fascinate both local and international visitors whether they be players or supporters..

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If you are going to be visiting Cape Town check out these Cape Town Day Tours.