Explore the Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the Western Cape
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure that offers a little bit of everything, then the beautiful botanical gardens of the Western Cape in South Africa should be on your list. From the backdrop of the majestic mountains and picturesque table cloths to lush parks and lush green gardens with breathtaking views, the Western Cape has everything to offer from nature hikes to leisurely walks through the gardens.
The Western Cape is home to some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Whether you’re searching for rare and unusual plants or simply looking for a tranquil outdoor retreat, the various venues have something for everyone. Some of the top-rated gardens in the region include Kirstenbosch, Boschendal, Elgin and ZipZap, to name a few.
Kirstenbosch
The Skirmische Garden or Kirstenbosch is a botanical garden of national significance lying at the eastern foot of Table Mountain. The 36-hectare gardens rest in a shady dell of an area that was once part of the estate of the late Cecil John Rhodes. It is the largest and oldest of the 9 National Botanical Gardens and is the only one located in a natural setting. Kirstenbosch has a rich and diverse plant collection, which includes over 7000 species.
The garden boasts an exquisite mix of mountain fynbos as well as lush lowlands and rolling hills. All of these provide captivating views of the surrounding countryside and often there is wildlife to be found hidden in and around some of the gardens. Expect to find a wide variety of birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles during your wanderings.
Boschendal
Nestled in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, Boschendal is one of the largest gardens in the Western Cape. Dating back to the first settlement of the area in 1685, the gardens now inhabit a large area of 75 hectares. Here you will find exquisite examples of Cape Dutch architecture, which has been well conserved over the years.
The gardens comprise of a number of different sections, including the shade garden, herb garden, square and fragrant garden. Enjoy leisurely orchard and vineyard walks, strolling along the banks of the Eerste River and soaking up the vast array of spectacular views.
Elgin
Elgin is an impressive botanical garden in the historically rich area of Elgin. The gardens are known for its eclectic mix of exotic and indigenous plants. It is also renowned as a well established centre of culture and history. According to legend, it is here where the first settler of the area, Jan Van Riebeck, first arrived in 1671.
The gardens offer a unique combination of indigenous plants, exotic plants and natural landscapes. At Elgin, you can explore a variety of wild gardens, bush parks, manicured gardens and unique landscaping. Visitors can also enjoy a number of interesting activities such as taking a guided tour of the gardens, bird watching, hiking, horse riding and many more.
Zipzap
Situated in the heart of the majestic Garden Route, Zipzap Gardens is a tranquil oasis ideal for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spanning over 70 hectares, the stunning gardens are home to some of the most exotic plants and trees in the world. Enjoy walking through the gardens and discover an array of rare and indigenous flora.
Take the time to explore the various trails that meander across the area and enjoy the natural beauty of the garden. Other activities the gardens have to offer include bush hiking, birdwatching, bridge jumping, mountain biking and fishing. Visitors are advised to take advantage of some of the nearby restaurants and gift shops for a more enjoyable experience.
These Western Cape botanical gardens are the perfect escape for holidaymakers looking for a tranquil setting to spend some of their time away from the city or the hustle and bustle of busy life at home. With QikTruck, you can select the luxury truck you need and hire it on demand at a competitive rate, provided you with an efficient transfer service allowing you to get to each of these gorgeous gardens quickly and easily.
A day out to one or all of these botanical gardens is a fantastic option for reconnecting with nature and taking in the beauty of the Western Cape’s lush plant and wildlife. With the convenience of QikTruck and the vibrant and diverse range of attractions the Western Cape has to offer, planning your next adventure is as easy as ever.