Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town (must see)

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, situated at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, is part of a network of 10 National Botanical Gardens that represent five of South Africa's six different biomes. It is managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which, until 1 September 2004, was known as the National Botanical Institute.

The garden has a distinguished history, having been founded in 1913 with a pioneering mission to preserve the indigenous flora of South Africa. It was the first botanical garden in the world established to conserve native plants at a time when the threat posed by invasive species to ecosystems and the environment was not yet widely recognized. This emphasis on indigenous plants is a defining feature of Kirstenbosch, distinguishing it from other botanical gardens around the globe.

Kirstenbosch is renowned for its diverse plant exhibitions. The Botanical Society Conservatory, a large greenhouse within the garden, showcases plants from various regions, including the savanna, fynbos, karoo, and more. The outdoor areas of the garden are dedicated to flora native to the Cape region, with an impressive collection of proteas being a particular highlight.

Through its focus on indigenous plant cultivation and its role in botanical research and conservation, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden not only serves as a sanctuary for South Africa's unique biodiversity but also as an educational and recreational resource for visitors and researchers from around the world.

Tip:
Enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants that do excellent cuisine at a reasonable price... and check out their musical program!