Founded on the eastern side of Table Mountain in 1913, Kirstenbosch is renowned for the beauty and diversity of its indigenous flora (more than 4,500 species, including several types of protea and prehistoric cycads), but it's also a great spot to look for birds endemic to the fynbos of the Western Cape. A variety of small mammals is also resident, and there's an especially gorgeous display of wildflowers and a scent garden for the blind. The former estate of Cecil Rhodes, it now includes a restaurant, gift shop, bookshop and garden center. Sunset concerts are held on the lawn of the gardens every Sunday December-March, and there's a craft market on the last Sunday of the month September-May. Garden open April-August daily 8 am-6 pm, September-March daily 8 am-7 pm. R30 adults, R5 children. Rhodes Drive, Newlands. Phone 021-799-8783. http://www.sanbi.org/frames/kirstfram.htm.
