Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The site of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens was bequeathed to the state by Cecil Rhodes in 1902. The first director of the Botanical Gardens when they were established in 1913 was Harold Pearson, whose grave is in the gardens. Within this hill area of 528 ha/1304ac (some 60 ha/150ac of which are cultivated) are over 20,000 native South African species of plants which are collected, grown and studied here. The number of species that can flourish here, however, is limited by the cool, damp winters: this area has an annual rainfall of almost 1500mm/60in., spread over an average of 140 days in the year.Of particular historical interest are a hedge of wild almond-trees planted by Jan van Riebeeck in 1660 and an avenue of camphor and fig trees planted by Cecil Rhodes in 1898. The flowers, shrubs and trees are so arranged that there is a show of blossom and color throughout the year. The main flowering season is from mid August to mid October; the red disa, a species of orchid known as the "pride of Table Mountain", is in flower along the banks of streams and in shady gorges from January to March; and the protea, South Africa's national flower, is in glorious bloom from May to October.Particular attractions in the Kirstenbosch Gardens are a scented garden in which visitors can touch the flowers, a herb garden, a protea garden and a rock garden. The Bird Bath (a pool in the shape of a bird created by Major Christopher Bird in 1811) is the central feature of a shady area in which 70-year-old yellowwood trees grow. At least an hour is required to stroll round the almost level lower part of the gardens, and there are shorter paths round the adjoining wooded area on the slopes of the hill. A general impression of this area can be got on the 500m/550yd long Braille Trail, which runs through a marshy wooded area with an abundance of birds.