Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

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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.