Located on the opposite side of Table Mountain from downtown Cape Town, the Kirtsenbosch National Botanical Gardens were once land owned by Cecil John Rhodes and bequeathed to the nation of South Africa. The aim of the gardens is to preserve the indigenous flora, and the plants, trees and flowers found it its 36 hectares are almost exclusively indigenous to South Africa. The real treat is just to lose yourself wandering around the extensive displays and carefully cultivated tableaux, which are both beautiful and peaceful, climbing gently up the slopes of the mountain. There are numerous great spots to stop and have a picnic (ask your hotel to make you up a picnic basket), and during the South African summer, from February to April, there are weekly music concerts to enjoy as well. Free guided tours are laid on, Monday – Saturday at 10 a.m. Kirstenbosch is one of the most attractive and relaxing spots in the Cape region and is ideal for nature-lovers or those just looking to get away from it all for a couple of hours.
