The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens, nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is world-renowned for its display of Cape Flora. Founded in 1913 the Garden only grows indigenous South African plants and has also been voted as one of the seven magnificent gardens of the world. Approximately 6 000 species of Southern Africa's flora are represented, particularly that of the Cape floral kingdom, known as fynbos. A well-know birding "hotspot", the well maintained gardens, adjacent fynbos and indigenous forest support an attractive diversity of species. Numerous hiking trails commence at this point, offering spectacular views of the city from the vantage points along the slopes of the mountain.
You will come across some unusual features as you stroll through the gardens. There is a cycad bush in a cage, the last of its kind left in the world. It has no mate for propagation and needs protection from souvenir hunters. Amongst the shrubs you will see impressive stone sculptures large and small, which are part of a permanent exhibition of Shona art from Zimbabwe. Colonel Bird's Bath in The Dell is shaped like a bird and has a crystal clear spring bubbling into it and through a stream filled with stepping stones that delight children. There is also a Braille Trail and scented garden where you'll find sweet and strange smelling plants, with a guide to their medicinal uses.
Apart from the year round splendour of the gardens and the frequent art exhibitions, in summer, there is a series of Sunday "sunset" musical concerts, which are very popular. Order a picnic hamper from The Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch (well in advance) to enjoy under the trees while the music serenades your soul. Remember to take a blanket / chairs / cushions to sit on and something warm for when the sun has set. The gardens offer a good restaurant and delightful curio shop, as well as guided theme tours twice a week.
Constantia Wine Route
Resting in the cool shadow of majestic Table Mountain, you will find some of the oldest wine estates in the country. Embark on a gastronomic discovery through the Constantia Vineyards which span the south eastern slopes of the Table Mountain National Park. Cool coastal breezes, combined with the ancient soil in the valley and the unique influences of the fynbos result in the production of remarkable wines. The Constantia Wine Route is made up of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg – all are big in quality, rich in history and boast a unique terroir and boast a winemaking history dating back to 1685.
Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest vineyard and fine Cape Dutch homestead is located here and is well worth a visit. In the late 1980's a bottle of 1791 Constantia wine was discovered in the Duke of Northumberland's cellar in the UK, and returned to South Africa for a ceremonial tasting. Napoleon is said to have favoured the sweet wines of Constantia above all others and this two hundred year old deep amber liquid had withstood the passing years amazingly well. Its sweet fruity flavour scored incredible 18.7 points out of 20, by the wine experts on the tasting panel. Contact the estates for details on wine tastings, cellar tours, restaurants etc.
Source: Cape Town Accommodation
