Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

It was inevitable that this wonderful place would be on the itinerary. Apart from being on the “top ten” places to visit, in Cape Town, it pandered to two of my great interests – horticulture and history.

Oldest, largest and most exquisite botanical garden, it said,  in the Focus South Africa Guide, 13 km south of the city,stretching up the slope of Table Mountain.History – Cecil Rhodes bought it as a farm, in 1895, to prevent the encroachment from the city. He gave it to the people of South Africa and since then, under the guidance and imagination of people like Professor Harold Pearson, whose grave is there, marked with a Celitc Cross ; his epitaph states , ” If you seek his monument, look around you”. Followed by Professor Compton, who cared for the gardens for 34 years. His herbarium alone harbours 250 000 specimens ! There are a variety of themes and the access to all of them is brilliantly, but not obtrusively achieved. Of especial delight was the Treetop Canopy Walk. Fascinating and informative, but it is at its most “floral” from August to October.Taxi and train back to the city – travelling independently always throws you on to your own resources. Not a problem. Another fascinating day.