Kirstenbosch Gardens

As an avid hiker and all-around outdoorsy person, I have seen my share of unique flora, fauna and jaw-droppingly beautiful vistas. I've been very lucky in that regard. But all of these amazing outdoors experiences come with a price. And the change was so gradual that I didn't even realize it was happening! You see, I've become a bit of a nature snob :(

If a nature spot is too close to civilization or too manicured, I find myself taking off points in the rating system in my head.

I know that national parks and manicured gardens are two very different types of beauty and that there is room in this world for both. I also know that botanical gardens make rare and exotic plants, that would be very difficult to see in the wild, more accessible. But unless there are young children in tow or health issues at play, I feel like there is no excuse to cheat yourself out of a more "authentic" outdoor experience by going to a garden over a national park.

I am working to conquer such thoughts. But even unrepentant nature snobs will be able to enjoy the Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. Kirstenbosch somehow manages to zig-zag across the line between wild and manicured without going too far one way or the other. In fact, I felt that the gardens were as memorable an experience as hiking Table Mountain itself!

Pincushion Protea, Kirstenbosch Gardens