Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

KIRSTENBOSCH - PRIDE OF THE CAPE

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are anything but boring! Watch the Sunday lovers snuggled up under a tree, order a Gourmet Picnic to be enjoyed on rolling lawns or just simply soak up the pleasure of amazing freedom, flora unique to the Cape, and those magnificent views of Eastern Table Mountain.

Kirstenbosch is not a tourist trap - it's uniqueness is enjoyed by all Capetonians and everybody welcomes visitors - we cannot be selfish and keep these wondrous gardens all to ourselves!

A part of the garden hosts many varied African Sculptures - mainly in the Shona tradition from Zimbabwe. They range from huge to smaller and all are available for sale if you want something truly unique. Sculptures change as some are sold so there is always something new to look at. Art exhibitions are held regularly in the hall (free entry) it's a great opportunity to buy a South Africans artists work.

For colour in the gardens August to October is usually best as many of the "fynbos" plants flower during this time. However, every season has it's own brand of beauty so there is never a "wrong" time to visit. Perhaps when the Cape rains set in for the day, it would be best to seek a warm fire and some hearty soup!

The origin of the name Kirstenbosch is not proven but seems to relate to the Kirsten family. The estate went through many years of neglect until the Botanical Society was formed in 1913 - many years of hard work have resulted in the magnificent gardens that we see today.

The walks are all paved until you get further up the mountain onto the hiking trails such as Skeleton Gorge, Nursery Ravine or Silvermine Trail. For the fitness fanatics, these are great runs up the mountain!!!! Do take care as the trails can be slippery and always walk in a group.

Kirstenbosch is a Unesco World Heritage site and covers 36 hectares so don your walking shoes to enjoy all the parts of the garden, such as the Fragrance Garden, the Protea Gardens, the Erica Garden, Cycad Amphitheatre, the Dell and the old Camphor trees in Camphor Avenue which were organised/planted by Cecil John  Rhodes way back in 1890's. Guided Tours are available Mondays - Saturdays.

Summer Concerts on Sundays are a must - sitting on the vast expanse of lawn with hundreds of other like-minded people who are settled with their picnics and drinks to enjoy music with a difference in the gardens.

There are 2 restaurants in the gardens but our favourite remains the Kirstenbosch Tea Room where you can enjoy breakfasts, light meals, gorgeous sandwiches with a difference or English Tea for Two!

Don't miss Kirstenbosch!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                      www.bradclin.com

Cape Town - Hout Bay

Hout Bay - Fishing Harbour

We were just in the right place at the right time for a sudden sardine run which was fascinating to watch. The unlucky little fish washed up faster than they could swim back into the water but most ended up in bags for the families to take home for the pot or they got swallowed by waiting seals.  Fishing lines were dropped over the harbour wall for those doing this the traditional way - they are after all fishermen! Kids were grabbing onto the slippery fish only to drop them again before they could throw them into the waiting bucket or plastic bag. The shocked look on their faces was comical as they again tried to grab the slippery fish. The lazier bunch just waded into the sea - barely going in knee deep, yet everybody came out with loads of flapping silver fish. One little girl tried to throw all the live fish back into the sea but her efforts were in vain as she could not throw far enough into the receding waters.

 

The seagulls were floating on the waves - enjoying a veritable feast which just happened their way. The seals were also in heaven and frolicked in the waves as they ate their fill of this unexpected harvest.

The locals went crazy and all sorts of nets, buckets, plastic bags appeared whilst many fish got caught swimming just around their ankles! One can just imagine the wonderful aroma of "braaied" (barbecue) sardines with fires lighting up the night skies, happy conversation and a party atmosphere.

Our attention was suddenly diverted by the very loud whirr of a helicopter. We gazed upwards at the sky - what was happening? We rushed to the end of the pier to focus across at a Navy helicopter getting closer and closer and the NSRI Rescue boat suddenly picking up speed in the harbour and heading out towards the open sea. Fearing the worst, we looked and watched as they plucked somebody out of the sea and winched him to the safety of the helicopter. Swimmer or fisherman in trouble?

But suddenly, a huge splash as they dropped the person back into the water. Phew - we breathed a sigh of relief - it was a training session for the rescue services. Panic over! The exercise appeared to go without a hitch so hats off to competent heli and boat crews who must be preparing for the busy summer season.

Are you wanting a little bit of variety for that sunny day out? 

Then motor down the road leading to Hout Bay where you will find enough to keep you busy, entertained and well fed for the day. Hout Bay was so-named because of its forests in days gone by but today is populated by many fishermen who have lived in this seaside hamlet for ever, and the numerous other richer folk who hanker after a beach or boating life-style.

Boasting a long,wide, safe beach, the sun-worshippers come out in their droves during the hot summer months. During winter, the beach is great for walks whilst enjoying the invigorating sea breezes.

The fishing harbour is always popular, with activity around the many fishing vessels, sometimes moored 3 deep - at other times, only the rusted wrecks are left tied up on the quays while all others are out fishing and hoping for good catches.

The harbour seems the heart and soul of this village and it's fishermen folk, who live on the hill above, waiting for their menfolk to return safely after each trip out to sea. The fishing boats are the workhorses of this community whilst the many sleek yachts sit alongside their moorings, never seeming to move.

Hout Bay however remains a playground for the more wealthy as can be seen from their sleek boats and moored yachts!

After that brisk walk on the beach, a trip to Seal Island, a visit to "World of Birds" or browsing the many items for sale at the Sunday Craft market, some refreshments are always a welcome respite. Hout Bay offers numerous restaurants, an hotel and many coffee shops. Mariners Wharf is in the harbour itself and "Dunes" overlooks the sea. Both of the above offer seafood. 

Enjoy the day!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                      www.bradclin.com