Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is the third-most-visited attraction in Cape Town and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, its shaded lawns and gurgling streams the perfect antidote to the searing summer heat (though equally glorious in winter, when the rain brings some of the best blooms). With the cultivated sections seamlessly blending into the adjoining Table Mountain nature reserve, some 8,000 of South Africa's 22,000 plant species (including a giant baobab tree) grow here. There are a number of themed walks and areas; as an introduction to the indigenous flora, the fynbos walk is recommended. Of historic interest are the remains of the wild almond hedge that Jan Van Riebeeck planted in 1660 to demarcate the colony from the indigenous Khoi. Easiest is to hire an audio guide or avail yourself of the free guided garden walks that take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, or take a golf cart tour). Summer sunset concerts are held every Sunday at 5:30pm from December to March and feature some of Africa's best acts (as well as a few mediocre options) -- call to find out what's on. At the main entrance there are two restaurants (tel. 021/762-9585): the self-service Fynbos (9am-5pm) and adjacent Silver Tree, serving a la carte lunches and dinners. Lovely venue and views, but the food is nothing to write home about, and increasingly pricey. Locals and visitors in the know avoid these tourist traps and opt to enter through Gate 2 and breakfast or lunch at the charming Tea House (tel. 021/797-4883), a small thatched building with tables outside that boasts a great, well-priced menu.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's South Africa, 5th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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