Review: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

We've made it to Table Mountain—and now it's time for a bit of a detour. What's the story at Kirstenbosch?
This is one of our favorite places in Cape Town: a beautiful, serene expanse on the slopes of Table Mountain, with more than 7,000 plant species, most of which are unique to this part of the world (keep an eye out for all kinds of proteas, birds of paradise, wild gardenia, and much more). Scattered throughout the 1,300 acres are various artwork and sculptures, and in summer the park hosts concerts and events against the stunning mountain backdrop.

Fun! So over 1,300 acres, what are some of the highlights?
Explore all the gardens—free guided tours from the visitors center will help—and don't miss a stroll along the Boomslang, named after a tree snake: The winding canopy walkway runs above the treeline, offering a completely unique vantage point over the gardens. Once you've gotten your bearings, pick a spot for a picnic. And come summer, seeing a concert in this gorgeous setting is a can't-miss activity.

Got it. Was it easy to get around?
It's definitely big and there's a lot of ground to cover, so you can either take advantage of the free tours to try to see as much as possible, or meander around at your own pace and see whatever you come across. There are plenty of peaceful nooks for when you want a break, as well an outpost of the popular Moyo restaurant.

That sounds cool. Anything else we should know before planning a trip?
Nature lovers will love Kirstenbosch, but it's also great for families and groups. It's a bit outside the city—about 20 to 25 minutes away from the Central Business District—and there aren't too many other tourist sites in this particular area, so you'll have to plan your schedule wisely. But if you happen to be in town when the summer concert series is in full swing, you should definitely make a point to visit.