Kirstenbosch … Tuesday 4th June 2013
Tasha called by our B&B at about 10am and we took a taxi up to the Kirstenbosch, which is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Nestled under the eastern slopes of Table mountain the gardens certainly lived up to this billing. The land was originally devolved as a farm in the 19th century and purchased by Cecil Rhodes. After his death he bequeathed it to the government. In 1903 Harold Pearson was appointed Professor of Botany at Cape Town College and was very keen to establish a national botanical garden in Cape Town. He recognized the potential of the Kirstenbosch site and in 1913 was successful in getting the land assigned. Over the past 100 years the gardens have been developed and are now managed by SANBI - the South African National Biodiversity Institute. We spent a good 4 or 5 hours wandering around looking at the plants and the birds that they attract. We brought a picnic with us, including a fine bottle of Gewürztraminer that Tash had bought on a trip to the wine country. The weather was significantly improved today, although there were still a few showers around and we could have timed our picnic a little better! Nonetheless it was a great day and we really enjoyed the visit.
Stream running through Kirstenbosch
Cape White Eye
Double Collared Sun Bird
Guinea Fowl portrait
Tasha weathering a shower
Egyptian goose portrait
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