
It's a favourite for many who live and travel to Cape Town, and there's nothing quite like an outing to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to make you appreciate all the beauty of the world.

For me, it's a journey of the senses; sight, sound, smell and touch - these gardens always seem to surprise me with something new. When you think you have seen it all, you turn a corner and find another stunning array of floral wonder. Regardless of the time of year, it seems that the birdlife literally flocks to the gardens and their songs carry you through the paths ways. With so much in bloom, it’s hard not to move in close and breathe in the lush flowers, but also, the air seems fresher here… From the soft moss growing in the underlying flower beds to the collective of ancient cycads, the textures of the garden are on full display.

I took my daughter and mother-in-law; it's wonderful to experience Kirstenbosch through our different ages. We each found new areas to discover and shared in the joys that the 1,300 acres offer. Even on the warmest of days, you lose travel of time and can wander for hours.

Usually a big fan of having a picnic at the gardens, we opted for small teats and drinks during our walk. Taking time to sit back and enjoy the views from the "Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway" and rest at the many seats dotted through the gardens. A sneaky little look through the gift shop before departure is highly recommended, so many wonderful items on offer!

So whether you have a day or a couple of hours to spare, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is so worth a visit.
Kirstenbosch, Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway by Uyaphi.com

- The Dock HouseSomething a little different within the Waterfront area, the hotel offers manicured lawns and a private relaxing bar and pool are away from the crowds below. With only six rooms available The Dock House a fantastic alternative to the surrounding big hotels.
- Twelve Apostles HotelThe Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa with 70 rooms and suites offers something completely different away from the bustling and maddening crowds of Camps Bay. With fine dining, sea and mountain facing rooms you simply cannot go wrong here.
- Tintswalo AtlanticTintswalo Atlantic is the ideal place to go for guests needing to unwind right next to the ocean, located unobtrusively amongst the boulders of the Atlantic Ocean's water's edge as well as the slopes Constantiaberg.
- Ellerman Villa TwoEllerman Villa Two is ideally suited for families or a small group of friends travelling together and is available for exclusive use basis. Three luxurious bedrooms await guests each one with private terraces stunning open plan bathrooms.
- Table Bay HotelThe Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront is part of The Leading Hotels of the World. The Leading Hotels of the World brand is internationally recognised as the definitive mark of excellence in hospitality.
- The Marly Camps BayThe Marly Boutique Hotel is positioned so close to the famed Camps Bay beach that all it takes is a short walk across the road and one is ankle beach in beach sand. Luxury and stunning vistas are what this establishment is all about.